Hair Stylist's Average Salary

Several variables affect a hair stylist's income.

Hair stylists provide various beauty services, including hair cutting, coloring, shampooing and styling. Hair stylists tend to have high job satisfaction and some flexibility in their schedules. While many hair stylists work more than 40 hours per week, many others work part time. A hair stylist's income depends on several factors, such as experience, the size and location of the salon, and whether she is self-employed.

Average Salary

In 2009, the median full-time income for hairdressers, hair stylists and cosmetologists was $23,330, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That equates to an $11.21 hourly wage. The middle 50 percent of these workers earned between $18,290 and $31,460. The top 10 percent earned $43,250 or more while the bottom 10 percent earned $15,980 or less, according to BLS data. In 2010, private company Payscale.com reported the salary range for hair stylists nationwide as $19,056 to $36,750.

Commissions and Bonuses

Many hair stylists receive at least part of their compensation in the form of commissions. Some hair stylists receive commissions based on the cost of the services they provide or on the beauty products they sell to clients. Some salons give hair stylists bonuses for bringing in new clients. According to the Payscale.com report, hair stylists' bonuses range from $101.69 to $1,030 per year, while commissions range from $301.25 to $10,241.

Self-Employment

According to the BLS, about 44 percent of personal appearance workers, which includes hair stylists, are self-employed. This includes hair stylists who own their own salons and those who lease space or a chair from a salon owner. Self-employed hair stylists must pay for their own benefits and taxes and provide their own supplies. The salary range for self-employed hair stylists is $23,849 to $55,600, according to Payscale.com data.

Experience

Entry-level wages for hair stylists are usually low. Hair stylists typically increase their earnings as they build their regular client base. Hair stylists who advance to salon management positions can see an increase in pay. According to Payscale.com, hair salon and spa managers earn between $25,767 and $41,992 per year.

Location

Average hair stylist pay varies by geographic location. In 2009, the District of Columbia and Honolulu were the highest-paying metropolitan areas in the United States for hair dressers, hair stylists and cosmetologists, according to the BLS. The average annual income for hair stylists in Washington, D.C. and Honolulu was $43,330 and $40,780, respectively.

Type of Salon

Mid- to high-end salons tend to pay higher wages than do low-end salons. Hair stylists face strong competition for the higher-paying jobs because qualified applicants far outnumber available positions. Experienced hair stylists who offer a variety of services tend to have the most advancement opportunities.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2009: Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Barbers, Cosmetologists, and Other Personal Appearance Workers
• Payscale.com: Salary Snapshot for Hairdresser / Hairstylist Jobs
• US News Money: Best Careers 2009: Hairstylist/Cosmetologist