Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Merced, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Merced, CA

Median annual salary $35,910 +1.9% vs national
Median hourly $17.27
10th percentile $33,280
90th percentile $59,360
Employed locally 90
National median $35,250

Compare Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary & buying power

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Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
in
Merced, CA
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $33,280
    25th
    $34,800
    50th (median)
    $35,910
    75th
    $44,870
    90th
    $59,360

    Merced economic context

    Unemployment rate 9.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $65,044 2023 • Census ACS
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary vs area income 55% Median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary is 45% 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
    Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $47,800
    Napa, CA $43,040
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $42,730
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $42,500
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $41,600
    Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA $39,790

    Related occupations in Merced, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers$35,270
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants$34,280
    Recreation Workers$34,720
    First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$33,280
    Manicurists and Pedicurists$35,600
    Animal Caretakers$35,880

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Merced, CA is $17.27, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.54 or more per hour.

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

    The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in Merced, CA is 1.9% 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 Merced?

    Entry-level Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (10th percentile) earn around $33,280 per year in Merced, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $34,800.