The 5 Highest-Paying Hairstylist Jobs

highest paying hair stylist jobs

Are you a professional hairstylist, or are you passionate about becoming a hairstylist? Are you looking for the highest-paying hairstylist jobs? If you are one among those wondering how to find hairstylist jobs in the U.S., you are at the right place.

This article focuses on guiding both fresh and experienced hairstylists in finding a job that suits their qualifications. Go through this write-up to learn more about hairstylists’ career paths, the highest-paying hairstylist’s job openings in the U.S., and the highest-paying cities.

5 Highest-Paying Hairstylist Jobs in the U.S.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the industry is projected to grow about 11%, between the years 2021 to 2031. As a hair styling enthusiast, this is the right time for you to choose a career path in this industry as it is expected to grow in the near future. The number of job openings for hairstylists was around 93,800

Furthermore, some of the highest-paying hairstylist jobs in the U.S. are as follows:

  • Natural Hairstylist.
  • Hair Colorist.
  • Wig Maker.
  • Extension Expert.
  • Hair Therapist.
5 Highest-Paying Hairstylist Jobs in the U.S.
5 Highest-Paying Hairstylist Jobs in the U.S.

NATURAL HAIRSTYLIST

Role Description – They groom ethnic hairs without chemicals.

Average Salary – The average salary is $39,004 per year.

Job Opportunity:

The Natural Hairstylist is a part of the hair styling profession where experts focus on treating ethnic hair without using chemicals. Natural Hairstylists are responsible for analyzing the various hair textures and coming up with suitable products to groom their hair. Natural Hairstylists generally cost $18.75 per hour. As people these days prefer organic products to chemicals, this role is in high demand.

HAIR COLORIST

Role Description – A Hair Colorist alters the color of their client’s hair with mixed chemicals.

Average Salary – The average salary is $38,511 per year.

Job Opportunity:

A Hair Colorist alters or tints the hair color of their client. They analyze the hair conditions and prepare them for styling. Professionals with good skills in colors and licensed colorists have high earning potential. They use mixing bowls, applicator brushes, cream colors, liquid brushes, measuring scales, tones, and towels in their salons to color hair. In the case of hourly wages, they cost $ 18.51 an hour. 

WIG MAKER

Role Description – They create wigs and provide alternative hair solutions.

Average Salary – The average salary is $36,582 per year.

Job Opportunity:

Wig Makers design wigs for their clients. They create wigs by sewing and fastening together hair strands, and come up with attractive and trendy designs to meet users’ expectations. They provide suggestions to clients on alternative hair settings. As people are more likely to experiment with many styles they like, this is growing to be an important career for hairstylists. With respect to the time spent on wig making, they cost $17.59 per hour

EXTENSION EXPERT

Role Description – They add extensions to clients’ hair by cutting and sewing.

Average Salary – The average salary is $54,336 per year.

Job Opportunity:

There aren’t many Extension Experts as it is one of the most challenging services of all hair stylings. Professionals prefer creating new wigs instead of altering or extending the existing ones. So these professionals are in high demand in the market. The hourly wage of Extension Experts is around $26.12.

HAIR THERAPIST

Role Description – They examine hair conditions and provide solutions for hair loss and other issues.

Average Salary – The average salary is $39,850 per year.

Job Opportunity:

The Hair Therapist uses temporary and permanent hair removal techniques to remove unwanted facial hairs. They also suggest hair care products and treatments to prevent hair loss. Hair Therapists provide consultation sessions with clients and undergo distinct treatments per the client’s hair condition and requirements. A Hair Therapist with a certified license can make a good sum of money. The Hair Therapist usually charges $19.16 per hour. 

Career Paths for Hairstylists

A Hairstylist is a professional in the beauty industry who enhances clients’ appearances with their hair and beauty services. Hairstylists are capable of treating all types of hair with high attention to detail. Shampooing, coloring, styling, and cutting are a few of the popular services by hairstylists. Hairstylists closely analyze the hair conditions of their customers and guide people in their hair care routine.

To pursue your career as a hairstylist, you must be aware of the career path. Let us now discuss some of the career options available for a licensed hairstylist. After procuring your hairstylist license, you can try out one of these and start your career.

  • Fashion Show Stylist.
  • Celebrity Hairstylist.
  • Artistic Directors for Salons.
  • Salon Manager.
  • Cosmetology Educator.

For those who are wondering about the work environment? Here is a list of possible workplaces where you can start your job after getting your cosmetology license.

  • Hair Salons.
  • Hotels and Resorts.
  • Medical Spas.
  • Beauty Schools.
  • Hair Clinics.

Now that you know more about the available career paths and possible work environments for hairstylists, let’s explore a few job openings in the U.S.

Hairstylists Job Openings in the U.S.

Now let us discuss some of the recent and ongoing job openings for hairstylists in the U.S.

JOB 1: 

Company’s name: Ulta Beauty

Role: Hairstylist

Ulta Beauty is actively hiring Full Time Hairstylists. As the company is known for its high-standard retail services, they prefer candidates with appropriate cosmetology certificates to maintain their quality.

The location for the job opening is in Lebanon, TN.

To learn more about the job opening, you can check the web page of Ulta Beauty.

JOB 2:

Company’s name: Sport Clips Haircuts

Role: Hairstylist

Sport Clips Haircuts are hiring part-time hairstylists who can provide professional hair and makeup services to guests. This is an entry-level job role.

The job opening location is in Columbia, SC.

For further details on this job opening, refer to the Sport Clips Haircuts.

The Highest-Paying Cities in the U.S.

Here is a list of cities where the earning potential for hairstylists is relatively higher.

  • Barnstable Town, Massachusetts.
  • Worcester, Massachusetts.
  • New Bedford, Massachusetts.
  • Seattle, Washington.
  • Casper, Wyoming.
  • East-Wenatchee, Washington.
  • Western Washington, Washington.
  • Spokane, Washington.
  • Central Nebraska, Nebraska.
  • Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Washington.

Wrapping Up

Are you passionate about the fashion industry and are interested in hairdressing and styling, these hairstylist jobs can be the right option. As people these days are getting crazier with trendy hairstyles, beauty therapists have huge openings in this industry. With growing demands, the hairstylist industry is expected to expand further in upcoming years.

If you are someone who is preparing for a hairstylist exam or you know someone who is aspiring to take a hairstylist exam, refer to our free practice test. Our free practice test can help you effectively with your exam preparations. Grab this opportunity and secure your dream job.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I find Hairdresser jobs online?

LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed are the best employment service-providing companies that help candidates with their job search. If you are searching for hairstylist jobs, these online portals will notify you with suitable job alerts that match your resume.

How long does it take to become a hairstylist?

The time duration varies concerning the state and the type of course you choose. Usually, a complete hairstylist program takes 1 to 2 years while there are also 6 months of courses. Before choosing a course, make sure the licensing program and the institution are recognized by your state licensing board.

What degree do you need to be a hairstylist?

The basic requirement to become a hairstylist is to graduate from a recognized hairstylist/cosmetology school. In addition to this basic qualification, most states prefer licensed hairstylists.

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