Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in New York (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in New York, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New York Median
$35,760
per year
Hourly Rate
$17.19
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+-0% vs US median
US median $35,790
State Rank
#21 of 50
20,740 employed here

How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make in New York?

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists working in New York earn a median salary of $35,760 per year, or about $17.19 per hour. That is 0% above the national median of $35,790 for this occupation.

Within New York, entry-level pay starts around $33,960 while the top 10% make $88,540 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,580 and $58,320 a year.

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary range in New York

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$33,960$16.33
25th percentile (early career)$34,580$16.63
50th percentile (median)$35,760$17.19
75th percentile (experienced)$58,320$28.04
90th percentile (top earners)$88,540$42.57

How New York compares

New York ranks 21st out of 50 states and territories for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Washington$59,510
2Oregon$57,580
3District of Columbia$54,570
4South Dakota$49,800
5Vermont$48,650

Working as Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in New York

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 New York pay ($35,760) 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 New York?
The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in New York is $35,760 per year, or about $17.19 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $33,960 at the entry level to $88,540 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New York pay compare to the national average?
New York pays Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists about 0% more than the national median of $35,790. New York ranks 21st out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New York a good state for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists?
Yes on pay — New York pays above the national median for this occupation, at $35,760 a year. About 20,740 Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists are employed in New York. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New York?
The highest-paying occupations in New York include Cardiologist ($492,040), Anesthesiologist ($445,660), Radiologist ($441,580), 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.