California ranks 13th of 51 states and D.C. for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($58,920) by $19,550 — a 50% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $34,690 to $75,100 — a $40,410 spread, 11% tighter than the national $45,640 range.
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.62 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.61× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $34,690 | $16.68 |
| 25th percentile | $35,540 | $17.09 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $39,370 | $18.93 |
| 75th percentile | $47,150 | $22.67 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $75,100 | $36.11 |
| Mean (average) | $49,540 | $23.82 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $39,370 | n/a |
| Washington | $58,920 | +50% |
| Hawaii | $52,000 | +32% |
| Vermont | $49,640 | +26% |
| South Dakota | $49,050 | +25% |
| Maine | $48,480 | +23% |
| District of Columbia | $48,060 | +22% |
| Massachusetts | $47,740 | +21% |
| Alaska | $44,700 | +14% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Production Workers, All Other | $39,430 | 37,490 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $39,450 | 267,340 |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $39,200 | 27,500 |
| School Bus Monitors | $39,190 | 1,480 |
| Bakers | $39,570 | 32,140 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $39,580 | 9,470 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in California?
The mean hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary in California is $49,540 per year. The median (middle) salary is $39,370 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California?
Entry-level hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologistss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $34,690 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $35,540 per year.
What is the highest Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $75,100 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $47,150 per year.
How does the California Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary compare to the national average?
The median hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary in California is $39,370, which is +12% above national average of $35,250.