How Much Money Do Hair Stylists Make a Year?

Earn up to $60,000 a year as a hairstylist.

If you have a creative and artistic eye for personal grooming and fashion, becoming a hairstylist may be an enjoyable career for you. You can find numerous positions and work atmospheres within the hair care industry to suit your personality, preferences and income requirements. According to employment and salary experts such as Degree Directory, Indeed.com and the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, hairstylists in 2010 earn between $17,940 and $60,110 per year.

Department Store and Franchise Salons

Hairstylists who work for franchise chains or department store based salons like BoRics, Supercuts, Fantastic Sam's or JC Penney's typically receive an hourly wage or salary. Depending upon what corporation you work for and whether you work full or part time, you may be offered a benefits package that includes health benefits, paid sick days, vacation days and a 401k package. Degree Directory reports that in 2010 the average median salary for stylists working in franchise and department store salons is around $17,940 plus tips.

Booth Rental and Commission

As an independent contractor you can often rent a booth in a free-standing independently owned salon. For a set price you'll rent a workstation in the salon for a predetermined amount of months. You are responsible for providing your own benefits and paying your own taxes, but you are entitled to keep all of the profits generated by your clients. Prior to setting up shop you will have to make an agreement with the salon owner as to what equipment and supplies will be provided -- or not provided -- by the salon. In 2010 the average median salary for hairstylists working on commission is around $26,190 excluding tips.

Tips

Cash tips may increase your income by up to 20 percent.

Whether you're styling hair in a department store, franchise chain, private establishment or renting a booth in a salon, you are likely to receive cash tips which can generate a significant amount of extra income. Tips are voluntary cash offerings extended to you by your customers in addition to the service charge. Tips are yours to keep and are not shared with employers, however they are taxable and you will have to claim them on your income taxes. Typically, salon clients tip between 10 and 20 percent of the cost of services essentially increasing your annual income by up to 20 percent.

Entertainment Industry Stylists

Hairstylists who choose to work in the entertainment industry don't often receive tips, but the perks and accelerated salary may more than make up for it. Entertainment industry hairstylists service actors, actresses and music artists on sets of television shows, movies, commercials and music videos. Some become personal stylists to celebrities and enjoy working in a creative atmosphere. In 2009 the U.S. Department Of Labor Statistics reported that hairstylists working in the motion picture and video industry earned more than $60,000 per year.

Funeral Hairstylists

Some stylists find employment in "death care" services.

You certainly can't expect to be tipped in the funeral hair care industry, but you can expect a quieter work environment and a slightly higher salary than working in a salon. Funeral -- or death care -- hairstylists work in funeral parlors preparing the deceased for their final visitations. Clients may offer you photos of their loved ones in their living state and request that you style the departed's hair in a similar manner or you may be required to simply style the hair in a presentable fashion for viewing. According to Degree Directory, the typical salary for death care hairstylists in 2010 is $30,540.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
• DegreeDirectory: What Is the Average Yearly Income of a Hair Stylist?
• Indeed: Hair Stylist Salary
• Spa & Beauty Education: Hair Stylist Schools & Career Guide
• CNN Money: How Much To Tip

Resources

• Findalink: Tipping Etiquette
• Simply Hired: Hair Stylist Salaries