Reference Page
U.S. Hair Stylist Statistics
Employment, pay, and growth figures for the hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists behind the U.S. hair-services economy.
Last updated September 7, 2026
The hair-services economy at a glance
Stylz of Faces Boutique serves shoppers who care about a great finished look. These statistics offer a useful look at the professionals who create, install, and maintain the hair services behind those routines.
656,500
hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists worked in the U.S. in 2023.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics includes salon professionals and independent cosmetologists in this count.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook8%
projected employment growth from 2023 to 2033.
That is faster than the 4% average projected across all occupations over the same period.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook52,100
new hairdresser, hairstylist, and cosmetologist jobs projected by 2033.
The occupation is expected to grow from 656,500 jobs in 2023 to 708,600 in 2033.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook89,100
average annual job openings projected for the occupation from 2023 to 2033.
Openings include growth as well as workers changing careers or leaving the labor force.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook$16.95
median hourly wage in May 2023.
The median annual wage was $35,260, before tips and other compensation vary by role and workplace.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook42%
of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists were self-employed in 2023.
Independent work remains a major part of the hair-services economy.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook44%
worked in personal care services in 2023.
Personal care services were the largest employing industry for this occupation.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook HandbookSources and methodology
How to read these figures
Every figure on this page comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists. Employment and pay figures use 2023 data. Growth and openings figures are the Bureau's 2023 to 2033 projections.
- Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last modified April 18, 2025.
Cite this page: Stylz of Faces Boutique, “U.S. Hair Stylist Statistics,” updated September 7, 2026, https://stylzoffaces.com/beauty-industry-statistics.
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