How Much Do Hairstylists Make? The 2024 Updated Guide

Published January 8, 2024

If you’re obsessed with hair, you might want to be a hairstylist. Who doesn’t want to beautify people and make hair their canvas for creativity, right? Most importantly, if you have a passion for it, you deserve to make a living off of it. 

But the real question lies: is being a hairstylist a financially fulfilling career? Let’s find out. Keep reading as we’ll discuss how much hair stylists make in the USA in this modern time. We’ll also discuss the top 10 highest cities for hair stylist jobs. Also, the query of how to become a successful hairdresser. Let’s start. 

What Is a Hairstylist?

A hairstylist renders complete salon services. They cut, color, shampoo, blow dry, and style tresses. They stay vigilant on the latest trends in haircuts and styles. They also make recommendations for what style and color will look best on a client. Other responsibilities include: 

1. Showing the use of and selling hair care products 
2. Establishing relationships with clients to boost retention 
3. Proactively finding new clients 
4. Engaging in ongoing education to sustain knowledge of trends 
5. Providing outstanding customer service 

Advantages of Being a Hairstylist

1. Travel opportunities 

As a hairstylist, you can work anywhere globally. Whether you want to work in a high-end salon in Paris or provide hair services to clients on a tropical island. The career will give me the flexibility to do so. 

2. Job security 

The demand for hairstyles is constant. People will always need haircuts and styling. It is a stable career choice. 

3. Good earnings 

With experience and skills, hairstylists can earn good money. They have income from regular clients. They also have tips. Further, they can potentially get commissions from hair products sold. 

4. Happiness  

Hairstyling is defined as one of the happiest jobs. It could be because they make strong connections with their clients. They have the satisfaction of helping people look and feel their best. 

5. Creativity 

As a hairstylist, you can express creativity daily, from crafting stunning colors to creating intricate updos. The job calls for you to hone your artistic talent. 

6. Flexibility 

Many hairstylists have the capacity to make their schedule. It is excellent if you seek work-life balance. 

7. Growth opportunities 

There’s always something new to learn in the beauty industry. Hairstylists can continue to grow and evolve professionally. It is through education and training. 

8. Social interaction 

Hairstylists spend their days engaging with a variety of people. If you’re a social butterfly, you’ll enjoy meeting and conversing with different clients every day. 

9. Helping others 

Hairstylists have the chance to make a direct impact on someone’s self-esteem and confidence. 

10. Independence 

Many hairstylists have the avenue to be their own boss. They can rent a chair in a salon. They can also start their own business. 

Hair Stylist Salary: Average Hair Stylist Income

As of November 29, 2023, the average monthly pay for a hairstylist in the United States is $3,649. 

We see monthly salaries as high as $5,708. We also see as low as $1,625. The majority of hair stylist salaries currently range between $2,833 (25th percentile) and $4,166 (75th percentile) across the United States. The average pay range for a hair stylist varies considerably, by as much as $1,333. It can be an indicator of many opportunities for advancement and increased pay. It will anchor on skill level, location, and years of experience. 

How Much Do Hair Stylists Make in Florida?

The average pay for a Hair Stylist is $20.53 per hour in Florida. It is per the report, indeed. On the other hand, Salary.com reports an average salary of $27,418 as of October 25, 2023. 

What Are the Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Hair Stylist Jobs?

We’ve also ruled the ten cities where the typical salary for a hair stylist job is above the national average. Topping the list is San Jose, CA, with Benicia, CA, and Vallejo, CA, which are close behind in the second and third rankings. 

1. San Jose, CA- $55,136 
2. Benicia, CA- $54,420 
3. Vallejo, CA- $54,036 
4. Oakland, CA- $53,930 
5. Hayward, CA- $53,838 
6. Antioch, CA- $53,772 
7. Lebanon, NH- $53,577 
8. Seattle, WA- $53,536 
9. Mexico, IL- $53,401 
10. San Francisco Bay Area, CA- $53,001 

How to Be a Successful Hairdresser?

1. Establish strong foundations 

It all boils down to the basics. Have solid technical skills. Craft a strong understanding of the business side of beauty. 

2. Commit to pursuing education inside the classroom and out. 

Information and inspiration are all around you. Every experience can enrich you. Look around. Remain constantly conscious of the world. 

3. You attract what you project. 

If you project energy, a fantastic attitude, and excellent technical skills, you’ll always have many exciting clients. If you have a great personality, your chance for growth will triple or more. 

4. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. 

If something turns out to be a little short, longer, or redder than you would like to, figure out why. Learn from your shortcomings. Move forward. 

5. Customize your work 

It doesn’t matter how flawless or elegant a haircut is if it’s not ideal for the person. It’s critical to understand the aesthetic of your work. It is so the hair pairs to the client’s facial features and shape. Also, account for the bone structure, complexion, body type, and personal style.

6. Work hard 

In the beauty industry, you have to hustle. You walk into the salon daily and show your employer that you brought your A-game. 

7. Put your work up on social media. 

Take before and after shots of your clients. Post them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Collect followers. Tell your clients. You can even leverage these mediums. Use them to market and promote your services.

8. Invest in business cards. 

Make sure you have them on you at all times. You never know when you’re going to bump into a new client. 

9. Attend a trade show. 

These are the top places to get discounts on products. It’s also an impressive avenue to network. You can connect with other hairdressers and colorists. More importantly, you learn about new trends. Finally, you can attend insightful classes.

10. Be flexible with your clients. 

If one of your clients is having a challenge booking an appointment with you, offer to work on time that is best for them. Being flexible like this will make you leave an impact. It shows you’re unlike other competitors. It also shows that you care for your client on a personal level.