Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $39,790 +12.9% vs national
Median hourly $19.13
10th percentile $35,100
90th percentile $67,670
Employed locally 150
National median $35,250

Compare Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary & buying power

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Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
in
Santa Cruz, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $35,100
    25th
    $37,140
    50th (median)
    $39,790
    75th
    $56,920
    90th
    $67,670

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 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
    California $39,370

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $34,690
    Childcare Workers $36,170
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $52,510
    Recreation Workers $37,020
    Animal Caretakers $37,650
    First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $53,340

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Santa Cruz, CA is $19.13, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $29.48 or more per hour.

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

    The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 12.9% 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 Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (10th percentile) earn around $35,100 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $37,140.