District of Columbia Median
$54,570
per year
Hourly Rate
$26.24
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+52% vs US median
US median $35,790
State Rank
#3 of 50
870 employed here
How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make in District of Columbia?
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in District of Columbia take home a median of $54,570 annually — roughly $26.24 an hour — which runs 52% above the national median of $35,790.
Within District of Columbia, entry-level pay starts around $36,400 while the top 10% make $130,950 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $45,250 and $77,620 a year.
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary range in District of Columbia
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,400 | $17.50 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $45,250 | $21.75 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $54,570 | $26.24 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $77,620 | $37.32 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $130,950 | $62.96 |
|
How District of Columbia compares
District of Columbia ranks 3rd out of 50 states and territories for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in other states
Washington $59,510Oregon $57,580South Dakota $49,800Vermont $48,650Connecticut $44,620Maine $44,000Minnesota $39,170California $38,660North Carolina $38,410Montana $38,000New Mexico $37,750Colorado $37,690Massachusetts $37,290Arizona $36,810Pennsylvania $36,790Maryland $36,420Ohio $36,260Wisconsin $36,230New Jersey $36,150New York $35,760Iowa $35,700Idaho $35,480Utah $35,140Hawaii $35,040North Dakota $34,850Michigan $34,820New Hampshire $34,650Georgia $34,560West Virginia $34,480Delaware $34,350Nebraska $34,320Illinois $34,040Nevada $33,840South Carolina $33,700Indiana $32,830Alaska $32,150Tennessee $31,310Rhode Island $31,200Missouri $30,750Texas $30,680Kentucky $29,840Kansas $29,710Oklahoma $29,650Florida $29,530Wyoming $29,170Alabama $29,150Arkansas $28,830Mississippi $27,560Louisiana $26,030
Working as Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in District of Columbia
Nationally, about 306,000 people work as Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.
Considering a move? Compare District of Columbia pay ($54,570) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make in District of Columbia?
The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in District of Columbia is $54,570 per year, or about $26.24 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $36,400 at the entry level to $130,950 for the top 10% of earners.
How does District of Columbia pay compare to the national average?
District of Columbia pays Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists about 52% more than the national median of $35,790. District of Columbia ranks 3rd out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is District of Columbia a good state for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists?
Yes on pay — District of Columbia pays above the national median for this occupation, at $54,570 a year. About 870 Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists are employed in District of Columbia. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in District of Columbia?
The highest-paying occupations in District of Columbia include Neurologist ($332,000), Emergency Medicine Physician ($318,200), Podiatrist ($265,740), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.