Hair stylists often earn a good living. They typically charge by the hour, and their rates vary depending on their experience, location, and clientele. Some hair stylists work in high-end salons and charge upwards of $100 per hour, while others work in more modest settings and charge less. However, even those who work in more affordable salons can still make a good living, as they often have a steady stream of clients. Additionally, hair stylists often receive tips from their clients, which can add to their income.
Salary Range
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for hair stylists in May 2021 was $26,430. The lowest 10% earned less than $17,430, and the highest 10% earned more than $50,260.
Factors
Several factors can affect a hair stylist’s salary, including:
- Location: Hair stylists working in large metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those working in rural areas.
- Experience: Hair stylists with more experience typically earn more than those with less experience.
- Skill level: Hair stylists with specialized skills, such as cutting, coloring, and styling, can earn more than those with general skills.
- Education: Hair stylists with a formal education in cosmetology or hair styling may earn more than those without a formal education.
- Commission: Some hair stylists work on a commission basis, which means they earn a percentage of the sales they generate. Hair stylists who work on commission can earn more than those who work on an hourly wage.
In addition to the factors listed above, hair stylists may also earn tips from their clients. Tips can vary significantly depending on the location, the hair stylist’s experience, and the quality of the service provided.
Table of Salary Ranges Based on Experience
| Experience | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-3 years | $22,000 – $28,000 |
| 4-7 years | $26,000 – $34,000 |
| 8-10 years | $28,000 – $40,000 |
| 10+ years | $30,000 – $50,000 |
Education and Certification Requirements
Becoming a hair stylist typically involves obtaining a cosmetology license, which requires completing a comprehensive education program at an accredited cosmetology school. These programs typically last around 1,500 to 2,000 hours and may take 9 to 12 months to complete.
Cosmetology programs provide students with a thorough understanding of hair styling techniques, including cutting, coloring, and styling. They also cover topics such as hair care, scalp treatments, and hair products. Students also gain practical experience through supervised practice in salon settings.
In addition to completing a cosmetology program, stylists may choose to obtain additional certifications to enhance their skills or specialize in particular areas of hair styling, such as hair extensions or hair coloring.
- Cosmetology License: Required in all states to practice as a hair stylist.
- Master Cosmetologist License: Required in some states for advanced hair styling services.
- Specialty Certifications: Available in areas such as hair extensions, hair coloring, and hair cutting.
Job Outlook and Competition
The job outlook for hair stylists is expected to grow 13% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for hair care services due to factors such as population growth, rising disposable income, and growing awareness of personal grooming.
- Competition for hair stylist jobs may be high in some areas due to the large number of qualified candidates.
- However, there are opportunities for hair stylists with specialized skills or experience.
| Job Title | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Hairdresser | $27,690 |
| Barber | $28,040 |
| Cosmetologist | $29,360 |
Additional Income Opportunities
Hair stylists can supplement their income through:
–
- Salon commissions
- Product sales
– **Education and workshops:** Offer training or host workshops on hair techniques, styling, and product knowledge.
– ** Freelance work:** Provide hair services outside the salon, such as weddings, photoshoots, and runway shows.
– **Photography and social media:** Share their work and promote products on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
– **Business ventures:** Open their own salons or start product lines.
**Table of Additional Income Streams:**
| Source | Description |
|—|—|
| Salon commissions | Percentage of sales on products and services sold to clients |
| Product sales | Earnings from selling haircare and styling products |
| Education and workshops | Revenue from teaching classes or hosting events |
| Freelance work | Income from providing hair services outside the salon |
| Photography and social media | Advertising revenue and affiliate marketing |
| Business ventures | Profits from owning a salon or selling products |
And that’s the lowdown on the hair stylist gig. As you can see, it’s a career that can be both rewarding and lucrative. If you’re passionate about making people look and feel their best, and you’re willing to put in the work, then a career as a hair stylist could be a great choice for you. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back again soon for more hair-raising articles!