Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Los Angeles, CA

In Los Angeles, CA, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn a median annual salary of $42,730, which translates to approximately $20.55 per hour. This income is higher than the national median for this occupation, set at $35,250 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). When compared to local household incomes in Los Angeles, where the area median is $93,525, the earnings of individuals in these roles are significantly lower. The typical worker in this field earns roughly half of what the average household income would be, highlighting a substantial gap between personal earnings and broader household economic benchmarks.

For entry-level hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists, salaries start at around $34,930 annually (the 10th percentile), while those with more experience can earn up to approximately $60,750 (75th percentile) or even as high as $126,270 (90th percentile). The substantial difference in earnings between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as years of service, skill level, clientele base, and the ability to offer premium services. Entry-level positions typically involve basic hair cutting and styling tasks, whereas seasoned professionals may provide a wider range of specialized services or manage their own salons, contributing to higher earning potential.