Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Pennsylvania (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Pennsylvania Median
$36,790
per year
Hourly Rate
$17.69
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+3% vs US median
US median $35,790
State Rank
#16 of 50
19,350 employed here

How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make in Pennsylvania?

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists working in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $36,790 per year, or about $17.69 per hour. That is 3% above the national median of $35,790 for this occupation.

Within Pennsylvania, entry-level pay starts around $23,700 while the top 10% make $68,750 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $29,050 and $55,360 a year.

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary range in Pennsylvania

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$23,700$11.39
25th percentile (early career)$29,050$13.97
50th percentile (median)$36,790$17.69
75th percentile (experienced)$55,360$26.62
90th percentile (top earners)$68,750$33.05

How Pennsylvania compares

Pennsylvania ranks 16th 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 Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania pay ($36,790) 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 Pennsylvania?
The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in Pennsylvania is $36,790 per year, or about $17.69 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $23,700 at the entry level to $68,750 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Pennsylvania pay compare to the national average?
Pennsylvania pays Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists about 3% more than the national median of $35,790. Pennsylvania ranks 16th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists?
Yes on pay — Pennsylvania pays above the national median for this occupation, at $36,790 a year. About 19,350 Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists are employed in Pennsylvania. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Pennsylvania?
The highest-paying occupations in Pennsylvania include Cardiologist ($579,120), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons ($553,740), Anesthesiologist ($461,390), 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.