Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Washington
Want to work as a Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Washington? Here’s what the data says. Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services. Excludes “Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance” (39-5091), “Manicurists and Pedicurists” (39-5092), and “Skincare Specialists” (39-5094).
What do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Make in Washington?
For a hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists working in Washington, wages run about $58,920 per year (or roughly $28.33/hour).Annual wages span from $37,420 at the 10th percentile to $104,680 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,420 | $17.99 |
| 25th percentile | $46,980 | $22.59 |
| Median (50th) | $58,920 | $28.33 |
| 75th percentile | $73,080 | $35.14 |
| 90th percentile | $104,680 | $50.33 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Washington nationwide is 1.09.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn a median of $39,017 per year ($18.76/hour), higher than the Washington median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 235,173 hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists across the United States. In Washington alone, around 7,410 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 2,870 hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists.
Top Washington Metros for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
These are the Washington metros with the most hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in Washington.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 4,910 | $60,140 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 530 | $58,800 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA | 310 | $50,670 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 270 | $47,420 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA | 230 | $60,770 |
| Bellingham, WA | 170 | $60,130 |
| Yakima, WA | 80 | $47,130 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | 70 | $45,570 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | 40 | $34,400 |
Top States for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Employment
The table below shows the states where the most hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Florida | 23,220 |
| Texas | 22,470 |
| California | 21,510 |
| New York | 20,300 |
| Pennsylvania | 18,630 |
| New Jersey | 15,140 |
| Illinois | 13,770 |
| Ohio | 12,730 |
| Virginia | 9,480 |
| Massachusetts | 9,210 |
| Michigan | 9,010 |
| North Carolina | 8,720 |
| Arizona | 7,760 |
| Washington | 7,410 |
| Georgia | 6,850 |
| Colorado | 6,520 |
| Wisconsin | 6,460 |
| Indiana | 6,240 |
| Maryland | 5,900 |
| Missouri | 5,470 |
Highest-Paying States for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
The highest-paying states for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $58,920 |
| Hawaii | $52,000 |
| Vermont | $49,640 |
| South Dakota | $49,050 |
| Maine | $48,480 |
| District of Columbia | $48,060 |
| Massachusetts | $47,740 |
| Alaska | $44,700 |
| New Jersey | $44,110 |
| Colorado | $43,680 |
Skills
Top hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Key abilities for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists typically:
- Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
- Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
- Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
- Schedule client appointments.
- Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
- Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.
- Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
- Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.
- Operate cash registers to receive payments from patrons.
- Order, display, and maintain supplies.
- Comb, brush, and spray hair or wigs to set style.
- Develop new styles and techniques.
Work Activities
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Selling or Influencing Others
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Thinking Creatively
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
- Getting Information
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Training and Teaching Others
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Apple iOS
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Cosmetology
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Related occupations to hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists include:
- Spa Managers
- Fashion Designers
- Floral Designers
- Opticians, Dispensing
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
- Costume Attendants
Also Known As
Beautician, Beauty Advisor, Beauty Operator, Beauty Specialist, Beauty Therapist, Colorist, Cosmetic Consultant, Cosmetician, Cosmetologist, Electrologist, Electrolysis Needle Operator, Electrolysis Operator, Electrolysist, Event Stylist, Funeral Home Makeup Artist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 39-5012.00