How much does a Hair Stylist make?
Hair stylists create beautiful hairstyles and help clients look their best. People in this job can earn different amounts of money. Most hair stylists make around the average yearly salary of $56,409. Some stylists make less, and some make more.
Here are some common earnings for hair stylists:
- The lowest 10% earn $30,000 or less each year.
- About 25% earn between $30,000 and $48,000 each year.
- The middle 50% earn between $48,000 and $75,000 each year.
- The highest 10% earn more than $93,000 each year.
Your exact earnings can depend on many things, such as where you work and how many years of experience you have.
What are the highest paying cities for a Hair Stylist?

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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $88,298
In Boulder, a dynamic hub of creativity, professionals enjoy vibrant cultural events and a strong community spirit. Many salons partner with upscale boutiques and local businesses, offering opportunities for networking and growth. Notable companies like B. Scott Salon attract creative minds.
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Richmond, VA
Average Salary: $79,988
Richmond’s historic charm meets modern flair in its beauty scene. Salons in the area often focus on innovative trends and personal customer service. Job seekers can find rewarding positions in prestigious salons like The Salon at Richmond.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $77,558
Baltimore’s diverse neighborhoods foster a rich, multicultural environment. Hair stylists here thrive on a mix of classic styles and modern looks. The city’s vibrant arts scene offers plenty of inspiration. Popular spots include The Hair Studio at North Avenue.
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Springfield, IL
Average Salary: $75,230
In Springfield, a mix of small-town warmth and big-city opportunities awaits. Hair stylists enjoy a supportive community atmosphere. Local salons such as The Salon offer a blend of professional experience and a friendly work environment.
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Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $73,976
Charleston’s Southern hospitality creates a welcoming workplace. The city’s focus on tourism means busy salons year-round. Local salons like The Salon at King Street provide a blend of service and style in a historic setting.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $73,603
Philadelphia’s rich history and vibrant culture make it a lively place to work. The city’s salons offer diverse experiences, from high-end establishments to boutique shops. Job seekers might find opportunities at renowned places like The Salon at Rittenhouse.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $72,625
Seattle’s innovative spirit and natural beauty create a unique setting for beauty professionals. The city’s progressive trends keep the work exciting and fresh. Salons like The Salon at Capitol Hill thrive on creativity and style.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $71,807
Miami’s vibrant energy and diverse clientele make it an exciting place to work. The city’s fashion-forward attitude means stylists stay on top of the latest trends. Notable salons like The Salon at Miami Beach offer a dynamic work environment.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $71,558
Boston’s historic charm and academic influence create a unique work environment. The city’s blend of traditional and modern styles keeps the work interesting. Salons such as The Salon at Newbury Street provide a rich, professional setting.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $70,751
Denver’s outdoor lifestyle and creative community make it an exciting place for stylists. The city’s focus on wellness and fitness translates to a vibrant beauty scene. Salons like The Salon at LoDo offer a dynamic and supportive work environment.
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What are the best companies a Hair Stylist can work for?

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Rudy's Barbershop
Average Salary: $96,306
Rudy's Barbershop offers a high-paying opportunity for Hair Stylists. They provide top-notch services across the United States, emphasizing traditional barbering techniques with a modern twist. Their salons are known for a friendly atmosphere and excellent customer service.
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Gene Juarez Salons & Spas
Average Salary: $90,315
Gene Juarez Salons & Spas provides Hair Stylists with a dynamic work environment. With locations across the country, they offer a variety of services and focus on luxury. Hair Stylists here benefit from advanced training and a strong brand reputation.
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Salon Halo
Average Salary: $90,000
Salon Halo values creativity and innovation in Hair Stylists. Their salons are located in many key cities across the U.S. Hair Stylists enjoy a vibrant work environment and the chance to explore new styles and techniques.
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Hair Cuttery
Average Salary: $89,685
Hair Cuttery provides a great opportunity for Hair Stylists with competitive salaries. With multiple locations nationwide, they focus on modern haircuts and a friendly salon culture. Hair Stylists here can expect a supportive work environment.
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Floyd's 99 Barbershop
Average Salary: $88,375
At Floyd's 99 Barbershop, Hair Stylists enjoy a positive work environment. With locations spread across the U.S., they offer classic barbering services with a modern flair. Hair Stylists here benefit from a family-friendly atmosphere and excellent benefits.
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HAIR MECHANIX (Guys Haircuts)
Average Salary: $79,038
HAIR MECHANIX provides a unique opportunity for Hair Stylists focused on men's haircuts. Their locations are in various cities across the U.S. Hair Stylists here enjoy a casual yet professional atmosphere and the chance to master specialized services.
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SmartStyle
Average Salary: $78,503
SmartStyle offers Hair Stylists a chance to work in a fast-paced environment. With many locations across the country, they focus on convenience and affordability. Hair Stylists here can expect a busy schedule and the chance to meet many clients.
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Lady Jane's Haircuts for Men
Average Salary: $75,000
Lady Jane's Haircuts for Men provides Hair Stylists with an opportunity to specialize in men's haircuts. Their locations are in several cities nationwide. Hair Stylists here enjoy a welcoming environment and the chance to develop expertise in men’s styles.
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Capelli Salon
Average Salary: $74,300
Capelli Salon offers a well-rounded experience for Hair Stylists. With locations in many major cities, they provide a range of services and a friendly work environment. Hair Stylists here benefit from a supportive team and excellent client interaction.
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The Gents Place
Average Salary: $68,145
The Gents Place focuses on men's grooming and offers Hair Stylists a specialized work environment. Locations are spread across several U.S. cities. Hair Stylists here enjoy a niche market and the chance to build strong customer relationships.
How to earn more as a Hair Stylist?
Want to increase earnings as a Hair Stylist? Focus on a few key areas. These can help boost income and job satisfaction. The right approach can make a big difference in earnings.
First, gaining extra certifications can lead to higher pay. Special training in popular styles or techniques can set a stylist apart. Clients often pay more for specialized skills. Certifications in color treatments, extensions, or updos can add value. They make a stylist more versatile and attractive to clients.
Second, building a strong personal brand can lead to more clients. Use social media to showcase work. Share before-and-after photos and client testimonials. A well-known personal brand draws in new clients. It also encourages repeat business.
- Get Extra Certifications: Learn specialized skills to charge more.
- Build a Personal Brand: Use social media to attract clients.
- Enhance Customer Service: Offer top-notch service to keep clients coming back.
- Network with Other Professionals: Collaborate with others to reach more clients.
- Offer Additional Services: Provide extra services like makeup or skincare.



