Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $37,060 +5.1% vs national
Median hourly $17.82
10th percentile $23,380
90th percentile $74,310
Employed locally 910
National median $35,250

Compare Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary & buying power

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Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
in
Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,380
    25th
    $27,770
    50th (median)
    $37,060
    75th
    $50,240
    90th
    $74,310

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary vs area income 44% Median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary is 56% 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 Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers$30,560
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants$27,320
    Animal Caretakers$30,070
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$38,060
    Recreation Workers$33,140
    Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$25,700

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Des Moines, IA is $17.82, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $27.04 or more per hour.

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

    The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in Des Moines, IA is 5.1% 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 Des Moines?

    Entry-level Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (10th percentile) earn around $23,380 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,770.