Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Ames, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Ames, IA

Median annual salary $37,400 +6.1% vs national
Median hourly $17.98
10th percentile $18,990
90th percentile $77,370
Employed locally 160
National median $35,250

Compare Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary & buying power

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Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
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Ames, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $18,990
    25th
    $27,100
    50th (median)
    $37,400
    75th
    $52,180
    90th
    $77,370

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary vs area income 53% Median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary is 47% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $60,770
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $60,140
    Bellingham, WA $60,130
    Washington $58,920
    Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA $58,800
    East North Dakota nonmetropolitan area $58,450

    Nearby metros — Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA $50,670
    Cedar Rapids, IA $48,460
    District of Columbia $48,060
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $45,800
    Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $45,570
    Omaha, NE-IA $45,160

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Animal Caretakers $37,050
    Recreation Workers $29,710
    Childcare Workers $27,580
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $32,930
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $25,550
    Residential Advisors $44,660

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Ames, IA is $17.98, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.08 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salaries?

    The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in Ames, IA is 6.1% above the national median of $35,250. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Ames?

    Entry-level Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (10th percentile) earn around $18,990 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,100.