Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Knoxville, TN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Knoxville, TN

Median annual salary $29,290 -16.9% vs national
Median hourly $14.08
10th percentile $20,570
90th percentile $62,500
Employed locally 850
National median $35,250

Compare Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Knoxville, TN stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
in
Knoxville, TN
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $20,570
    25th
    $27,710
    50th (median)
    $29,290
    75th
    $46,320
    90th
    $62,500

    Knoxville economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,734 2023 • Census ACS
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary vs area income 42% Median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary is 58% 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
    Morristown, TN $29,860
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $29,680
    Cleveland, TN $29,160
    Memphis, TN-MS-AR $28,140
    Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA $27,970
    Chattanooga, TN-GA $27,870

    Related occupations in Knoxville, TN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers$29,030
    Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$18,240
    Animal Caretakers$30,000
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$36,130
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants$23,630
    Residential Advisors$32,240

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Knoxville, TN is $14.08, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $30.34 or more per hour.

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

    The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in Knoxville, TN is 16.9% below 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 Knoxville?

    Entry-level Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (10th percentile) earn around $20,570 per year in Knoxville, TN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,710.