Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $37,270 +5.7% vs national
Median hourly $17.92
10th percentile $34,840
90th percentile $65,280
Employed locally 2,370
National median $35,250

Compare Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary & buying power

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Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
in
San Diego, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,840
    25th
    $35,260
    50th (median)
    $37,270
    75th
    $47,410
    90th
    $65,280

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 2023 • Census ACS
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary vs area income 36% Median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary is 64% 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 San Diego, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants$35,210
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$48,610
    Recreation Workers$38,500
    Manicurists and Pedicurists$35,470
    Childcare Workers$37,970
    Animal Caretakers$36,460

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in San Diego, CA is $17.92, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $29.87 or more per hour.

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

    The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in San Diego, CA is 5.7% 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 San Diego?

    Entry-level Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (10th percentile) earn around $34,840 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $35,260.