how much do hairstylist get paid?

Hello everyone Im interested in going through cosmetology school. I am just wondering how much does hairstylist get paid? do they get paid by the hour too or just by tips? I also wondering how much tip does hairstylists usually get? I just got a haircut at walmart for 17 dollars and the hairstylist done a really good job and i didnt know how much i should have tipped.

I have been a hairstylist for 7 years now. I make only 10.65 on the hour, I get bonuses and about 300 a wk in tips. I have worked as a booth renter, you have to buy your own products and pay a weekly booth rent I have paid as high as 150 a week or low as 50 a wk. I have also been on straigth commission I got 40% of what I made.

As a hairstylist you can choose how much you make. If you really apply yourself and become very good at your trade you can make lots of money. You can make $8 an hour or $800 an hour depending on how much you want to work it and spend mastering your trade. I am actually still a student and only halfway through beauty school but I have been working very hard and making lots of connections. As it stands right now I have a salon that wants me as soon as I graduate. They charge $100 for a haircut and I would make a 40% comission off of that and they charge between $150 - $200 for hair coloring. So I am looking at around $40 an hour when I graduate. There is nothing special about me, I am just someone that really wants it. If you are going to do it I would highly recommend using a Paul Mitchell School. They are awesome schools with great education and provide you with lots of opportunities.

So how much do hairstyliest really make a year

hey sorry about the misspelling but I meant will the insurance cover a medical bill like from the doctors and if we have kids.

how much would i get paid if i worked in a small town compared to a big city?

Myka Dee said: how much would i get paid if i worked in a small town compared to a big city?

Try doing some searches using the Indeed Salary Search tool (www.indeed.com/salary). You can do searches based on job titles, skills and locations.

HOW MUCH IS YOUR HAIR TO GET DONE AND HOW MUCH DO YOU REALLY GET PAID AN HOUR WHAT EVER

*****This is real, I mean if you live in a Place like Ohio or any small city you will get paid anywhere between 7-8 bucks an hour plus tips. I encourage all stylist to venture out into big cities, flat out hair stylist do not make enough money to take a vacation every 6 months. You must work your booty off but you will have an aching back so.If your gonna suffer please get paid for it (managers get paid 10.75 out here) also.....A high end salon thats different you may recieve 40-plus but dont count on it....

so their is no telling how much you make a year because you set your own prices and what ever you make thats what it is right, so their isn't just one answer.

It depends on the area & salon. My 22 year old daughter works at a very exclusive salon and makes well over 40 grand a year.

KS, if hair is your passion, don't let people rob you of your dream. Alot of people make a very nice living doing hair. My daughter made more in her first year than I have ever made in a year. She got lucky & got into a good salon right out of school. Some of the people she works with though started at mass hair places like Great Clips & Hair Cuttery & then moved on to the better salon. If you have talent & passion you will get there!

cathy, thank-you so much i think i needed to hear that. im gonna make my dreams come true, without worrying about others'.

A stylist can make as much as they think they are worth. It can be challanging. But worth every snip. As I grew in the undustry life got really easy. I have been in the industry for 26 years and I had to pay my dues. Once I figured out that if I don't work I don't get paid.. I love the business and it has been a great joy to do what I am so passion about. Good Luck !! Just remember the sky is the limit....

are there any places that pay just on salary???

Myka Dee in Alpena, Arkansas said: how much would i get paid if i worked in a small town compared to a big city?

Small town approx 8 hrly ..rent booth and your pretty much standing alone but make lots more money at the least 100 daily prob will pay 75-100 for your space rental. Own your own shop and the sky is the limit if you are good. Do not have stat's on big city.

Bethany in El Cajon, California said: Did you question your passion while you were in school? Is that something everybody does? Because let's face it, doing old lady perms is not why most of us want to get into the business!

Oh yeah...even dropped out for a minute!! Got back on track and I'm loving it...yeah, perms are not cool...or roller sets unless your on a set lol!! a movie set.

lauren said: that was crap!!

Hourly is better than commission when the salon is dead or having a dry spell and
you dont have a cliantale and are new to the area .

commission is good when you get 50+ percentage . and the salon is Mad Busy .....

Boothe rental requirs a boothe rental license and good managing skills and a big fat cliantale ...

contracts unless the owner is a total dick they dont mean s**t
so dont burn bridges and always remember the golden rule .

chains are good for benifits paid vacation,insurense,paid training,but be prepared to work hard like any place :)

I pay low rent make great money and only work 8 months out of the year. I say rent if you can. I have a cosmo license and a biz lisence. I prefer not be feel like I am owned by a salon owner. And don't settle for less than 60% cimmish ever. That is my golden rule..

Bethany in El Cajon, California said: You are my inspiration, then!

Let me ask you, how do you know if you are the 'learned' or the 'gifted' type?

When I first started cosmo school I felt like the world was my oyster, like no one could do it like me...

After six months, I feel a bit deflated.. I can come up with brilliant results if I'm given creative freedom, but the industry does not seem to care about my creative freedom. The industry cares more about giving someone the exact look they're after.. which usually means replicating something already created.

I guess I feel stifled.. there seems to be so much to learn, but honestly I'm only interested in about 10% of it..It just doesn't seem so fun anymore, and I'm only a quarter of the way through school!

Is it true you must be able to do everything well to be a successful stylist?

I feel I have the opposite problem.. I am ovely 'gifted' and not eager enough to become 'learned'! (Or maybe I am just unaware of how to use my gifts to my full advantage?)

Any advice would be SO appreciated.

Hello Bethany,
I am a lot like you. You said "Creative Freedom" That right there not only say's but shows people who you are and what you are capable of. I have been a active stylist for 7 years but i have only worked as a stylist for 5. During this time I always thought it would be nice to booth rent. Kind of create my own hours and get used to my clientele. Well to tell you the truth. My oppinion on it is if you have a Aunt or Grandmother or somebody you know who can pass you clientele then you should do well and won't drop in money digets for to long. If you don't know anyone then it takes a long long time to build a customer base. It takes a lot of money at first to get there. Benefits are not great and they don't have much 401k or anything like that. I have also like you grown out of it. I have lost interest.get back to you on next e0mail

Bethany in El Cajon, California said: You are my inspiration, then!

Let me ask you, how do you know if you are the 'learned' or the 'gifted' type?

When I first started cosmo school I felt like the world was my oyster, like no one could do it like me...

After six months, I feel a bit deflated.. I can come up with brilliant results if I'm given creative freedom, but the industry does not seem to care about my creative freedom. The industry cares more about giving someone the exact look they're after.. which usually means replicating something already created.

I guess I feel stifled.. there seems to be so much to learn, but honestly I'm only interested in about 10% of it..It just doesn't seem so fun anymore, and I'm only a quarter of the way through school!

Is it true you must be able to do everything well to be a successful stylist?

I feel I have the opposite problem.. I am ovely 'gifted' and not eager enough to become 'learned'! (Or maybe I am just unaware of how to use my gifts to my full advantage?)

Any advice would be SO appreciated.

Hello Bethany,
Me again saying I would get back to you. Anywho thye don;t have very good insurence and not to mention none of 401k for long term stuff. I am board with it. Through out school they gave me haircuts after haircuts and I am great at them now. my specalty. but they didn't give me much color and that is what is making money now. So if you can, request more color and you also want to be good on your cuts also, goes hand in hand. Finish your school cause you always have it behind you. Hair cutting is an demanded job and it always will be. Try out a place or two. If you decide then you don't like it do like I did and get your self a new career. At least if you can have hairdressing behind you through school you will make more then most and always have that opertunity to make more like with your tips for exsample. Get back to you again lol.----Crissy

Bethany in El Cajon, California said: You are my inspiration, then!

Let me ask you, how do you know if you are the 'learned' or the 'gifted' type?

When I first started cosmo school I felt like the world was my oyster, like no one could do it like me...

After six months, I feel a bit deflated.. I can come up with brilliant results if I'm given creative freedom, but the industry does not seem to care about my creative freedom. The industry cares more about giving someone the exact look they're after.. which usually means replicating something already created.

I guess I feel stifled.. there seems to be so much to learn, but honestly I'm only interested in about 10% of it..It just doesn't seem so fun anymore, and I'm only a quarter of the way through school!

Is it true you must be able to do everything well to be a successful stylist?

I feel I have the opposite problem.. I am ovely 'gifted' and not eager enough to become 'learned'! (Or maybe I am just unaware of how to use my gifts to my full advantage?)

Any advice would be SO appreciated.

Hello once again,
When you get your licence you will always have it.(keep it up to date.) Who knows when you land that awsome job on America's next top hairdresser.LOL So I worked as a hair dresser for 5 years made the same as when I started to when I finished.(and school for me was a full school year and full time.)I have now been working as a phlebotomist for 2 years and make about the same as when I ended hair dressing. I love my job there is good insurence and 401 k and many ways to exspand. I am busy the day goes by, and I love it. (weekends,nights,on call, whatever there is always a shift differential of 1 to 3 or 4 dollors an hour more)And this took me 3 month of part time schooling to make the same as I was for hairdressing after 5 years. I have been working at littleton Hospital. Anyway sorry enough about me, good luck, go with it and get it. try it. Then Change. Good luck Crissy

Bethany, keep working!!! The most important thing is to finish hairdressing school and then get out there and sell yourself to potential employers!! I have worked as hairdresser and makeup guy for 10 years in LA and Vegas before going into medicine (I do hair and makeup part time now). And I can tell you that 50% or more of the beauty industry is selling yourself!!! Personality is everything. But to really find the most progressive salons to make your mark in the beauty world, you have to work in LA, NY, Vegas or Miami where the movers and shakers of the beauty world work. Enough said.

KS in Montebello, California said: hi, im a student i attend a beauty college at the moment..and i have a passion for doing hair. most people tell me its not a good profession, however i cant get it off my mind..im a really talented hairstylist. does anyone have any idea as to how i can become "big" as they say? i wanna make money i definatly dont want to work at fantastic sams or super cuts. no offense to anyone.

Hi, I'm a hairstylists in tennessee i work with Goldwell which is awesome and i work in a small town outside of memhis I make about 700.00 a week not including tips i work 4 days a week and i get 60% of what i do i love doing hair it is a passion to me so if you want it go git it. ive been doing hair for 4 yrs if that tells you anything!!!

Question of the day All? Is it me or are their days we cant cut our way out of a paper bag lol and roygbiv just turned into a I love lucy show lol

Katherine in Cary, North Carolina said: Hair is an expression of our personality, it gets altered, and grow's back , we have control over it. My life is all about my artistic abilities. I am now 22 and have decided to start a career as a hairstylist. I have a very big dilema. I live in Raleigh North Carolina and the only schools are Aveda and Mitchell's. I am not sure which school would be best and offer the training and skills I need to be sucessful. I was wondering if someone could help with advice as to where would be a more beneficial place to attend? Also would anyone advise starting as an appretiance with a salon while in school? Thanks so Much!!!

From what I've heard, Aveda ROCKS and Paul Mitchel is {not so nice haha had to edit}.. And personally I can tell you from using products from both lines that Aveda is awesome and I hate PM...

The problem with apprenticing is that you can't touch the hair until you have your license.. But if you can find someone to watch, DO IT and do it as soon as possible... The more learning you can get in before you get you licenxe, the better, because school, even high-end school, will NOT teach you everything you need to know.

Jenny-Florida in Richardson, Texas said: Hairstylist are the 2nd highest paid profession in the world. However, there are "2" types of hairstylist... Learned and Gifted. When you are a learned hairstylist, you copy and mimick what you see, therefore you can only make a certain amount of money. But when you are "gifted", you are passionate, innovative, patient and hunger to know all about your craft...you can command your dollar. By the way I earn a six-figure income doing hair.

can u tell me how u got started. I'm having a hard time decideing which route to take???

can anybody tell me about owning a salon as opposed to just working at one? I don't think I can work for someone else for the rest of my life. I'm too managerial. (someone drivin with management skills, please respond)...

Lindsey in Dearborn, Michigan said: can anybody tell me about owning a salon as opposed to just working at one? I don't think I can work for someone else for the rest of my life. I'm too managerial. (someone drivin with management skills, please respond)...

Everyone starts at the bottom of the barrel, and slowly works their way up. I went to school, then I assisted fr 7 months at a salon. Went to classes twice a week, and attended a 6 week finishing course. I then went on the floor for 2 years to build up my clientele. It was very hard making only 48% commision, and working under someone else. Now I am booth rental and work for myself. Only working 3 days a week and setting my own schedule. It took time to get there, but it was worth it. I am my own boss. I thought about owning a salon. They say the first 5 years you really don't profit much. You have to get your name out there first. Advertising Marketing etc. Unless you buy an already established salon. Hope that helps

(this is me again, I don't know why the location keeps changing...)
I know what you mean about the bottom of the barrel -- I just finished college and internship after internship, and was finally about to get a "real job"....but I know this is something I really want to do (always have) so I'm going to try it.

So everyone pretty much assists for a year after they get licensed right? So, when you rent a booth, you get 100% of what you charge? Do you set your own prices or does the salon? That sounds like a good deal once you build your clientele...

Lindsey in West Bloomfield, Michigan said: (this is me again, I don't know why the location keeps changing...)
I know what you mean about the bottom of the barrel -- I just finished college and internship after internship, and was finally about to get a "real job"....but I know this is something I really want to do (always have) so I'm going to try it.

So everyone pretty much assists for a year after they get licensed right? So, when you rent a booth, you get 100% of what you charge? Do you set your own prices or does the salon? That sounds like a good deal once you build your clientele...

Well it all depends. Usually its less than a year, depending on the salon. I assisted for 7 months. Should of really only been like 4. But more classes for me. Yes you do get 100%, and can charge your own prices. Just make sure you start out at a salon that charges high prices, that way your clients are use to paying that. Also you have to think about your weekly booth rent that you have to pay for and your products. Also Advertising.

Hello,
I am reading all this great input.. I wanted to just put out there that I am a hairdresser for 26 years and work in Redondo Beach CA. I am relocating to the Dallas TX area.I will have 2 homes Dallas and Lake Texoma. Can anyone point me in a busy salon direction? Just point me somewhere? I do color,hilites, perms, mens cuts,waxing if necessary and children. I have an outstanding client base but have to move to be with my one and only. I see a few comments from the Richardson area and Flower Mound? I looked in both places but only on the internet. I have already contacted TX state board all I have to do is pay $125.00 to get my new Cosmo Lisence.

Thanks,
Sandra

Hello, has anyone on here started as an apprentice? How much did you make starting off? I'm really curious because i'm trying to find a full time apprenticeship right now.

Thanks!
Stephanie

What is the best school to go to? If I want to become a hair stylist

gosia in Oak Brook, Illinois said: What is the best school to go to? If I want to become a hair stylist

I would highly reccomend Paul Mitchell The School. The Paul Mitchell system is awesome and the people are like family. The top people at Paul Mitchell want to see your goals achieved and are willing to help you get there. They are real people and not big headed. It is a great education and well worth the money.

Tirzah Lopez in South Orange, New Jersey said: Being a Hairstylist do we get good insurance that will cover the bill kike from the doctors and and like if we have kids.

I do 90% to 10% at my new shop. You need a new job. Newark NJ

kingliontut@yahoo.com

hey,
One thing I'm curious about is the schools... Some say Aveda some say Paul Mitchell. I think they're both great, but it depends on what you want to do with your career. If you want to be a hairstylist in a salon who doesn't do "fun stuff" but cuts old ladies then you should go to Aveda. if you want to do fashion, tv etc then you should go to Paul Mitchell. That's what I think at least, from the information I've heard of both schools. But I can be wrong.

Anyone else who has a comment on that?

I have been doing this for 26 years. I just stuck in there. When I fell I got up and tried something else. I always made sure wherever I went to work the rules worked for me never for them it is about me and my clients. If I did not like the rules I looked elsewhere. Always inquire about the rules. Here are a few of my owm personal rules. It is always about the customer. I am always on time. I never miss an appointment. I never over book myself. I always send an email with my traveling schedule. I only work about 8 months out of the year. I just always make sure my integrity is in check and always make it about my customers. I just take care of my business. ( Be responsible)When I go out of town and someone needs something I book them an appointment before they come see me. So I know they are taken care of. Stuff like that. The #1 problem with some of the businesses now days is the customer service really stinks. People look for that. That is the #2 compliment I get about running my biz the #2nd one is how much they love their hair ! That is success! Not the loud music and big this and flashy that. When the day is over it was really all about you and who was in the chair....

I read here that it's better if you have a beatu school diploma before attending Paul Mitchell the school? Is that true? I thought you could go there without any experience. THe only experience you needed was the Benjamins you would pay them =)?

M B in Göteborg, Sweden said: I read here that it's better if you have a beatu school diploma before attending Paul Mitchell the school? Is that true? I thought you could go there without any experience. THe only experience you needed was the Benjamins you would pay them =)?

No it is not true. I went to a Paul Mitchell school and had nothing more than a high school diploma. Paul Mitchell gives you all the training and experience you need and you can go there without any experience. They have classes that you can take to further your education if you are already licensed and some people go back to a Paul Mitchell school after they graduate beauty school just to get the experience and training that Paul Mitchell provides. But you don't have to go anywhere first and I actually recommend that you just go right to a Paul Mitchell school. They look for students that have a lot of talent and spread the word about you. It is not quite the same if you already have your license or have already been through school. Up to you what you want to do, but I just went directly to a Paul Mitchell school and I am so glad I did.

christina said: Hello everyone Im interested in going through cosmetology school. I am just wondering how much does hairstylist get paid? do they get paid by the hour too or just by tips? I also wondering how much tip does hairstylists usually get? I just got a haircut at walmart for 17 dollars and the hairstylist done a really good job and i didnt know how much i should have tipped.

well if you like the job you should have paid 5 dollars

christina said: Hello everyone Im interested in going through cosmetology school. I am just wondering how much does hairstylist get paid? do they get paid by the hour too or just by tips? I also wondering how much tip does hairstylists usually get? I just got a haircut at walmart for 17 dollars and the hairstylist done a really good job and i didnt know how much i should have tipped.

I am a hair stylest with floyds barber shop in Colorado. I am getting paid com. I get 40% of all the sales I do, I do about $2500 in sales a week, about $500 in tips, I love my job. If your going to do anything i recomend both rental or if your getting paid com. If your getting paid hourly, you really wont make good money! Good luck with your career!

how long os it good to be in the bussiness before you open your own shop? also how much is a tipical shop?

ok, so I have been doing hair for about5 years now. I was working at a salon by my house and it got very slow and was talking about closing, so I left. I am now at a much nicer saon that has much more to offer but its so hard to build! I lost about 30% of my clients because of the prices being higher, and the location being further. A couple of girls I work with nd I have put up fliers and placed ads in the paper and it still isnt getting any better. Does anyone have ANY ideas I could use to help build clientelle. I am a very good stylist and have a PASSION for doing hair. It just feels like no one wants to pay the money to get their hair done!!

I don't have my license yet, but I do have my degree in Marketing/PR. It is not an easy task to build clientele of any kind, especially when the competition is high. You have to first determine and define who your key audience is -- who is going to WANT to pay the price of having you style their hair? Is the neighborhood one that is going to bring in that clientele - maybe you're in the wrong part of town. Find those people and reach them; try to reach your KEY audience- find out where they hang out/go out and what message you'll need to send them to get them to try you out. Be as efficient as possible. Maybe those people aren't the ones that will respond to fliers/coupons/direct mail. It may take another approach. After that, once you get them in the door, it's all dependent on your energy, personality and skill that will determine whether or not they stay.

Lindsey is right. There are always people willing to pay whatever price you charge, as long as you make it worth their money, you just have to find those people and target them. I have had people be shocked at the price I charge for a pedicure, because they can get one from a chop shop for a lot less, then come and actually get the pedi. After I am done they realize why I charge what I do and feel it is definitely worth it and come back. Your clients walking out are your best form of advertisement. Make sure you have business cards always on hand and give each client 5 or so and ask them to please pass them on to anyone that comments on their hair. I actually put the name of the client on the cards and give a small bottle of some product to them whenever I get people coming because of them. People always like to get free things. Now this won't work for everyone or everyplace, but it is just an example of finding out how to reach those people. The clients I get don't go by fliers but rather by word of mouth. If their friend tells them to check it out then they will. So I found a way to get people to tell their friends. Basically a rewards program. Doesn't cost me much for the small product and it makes them feel special.

Here is what I do when I move. I don't worry about who does not come back. I look at the opportunity. Those 30% were probably the ones you did not need anyway. When you lose some you always gain new people. I try not to get so attached to what I don't have and concentrate on what I have.I never say I am going to work I always say I am going to a hair party. I never advertise it is a waste of time and energy. I just go to work and make sure my clients know my love and passion for what I do and my books always fill up right away. I always say lose 1 client and 3 more always come along. It is like this if you squeeze too hard there is no room for anything to come. Just relax stay inside of your passion and it will come. Like that movie. You have to always be buiding for whatever you want to come..I also raise my prices for new customers and a little bit for the old ones. This gives you a little raise for the year to come. Remember confidence is the money winner in this business....I was told once. If you are good at what you do people will stand in an alley for YOU to do their hair!

Hello all

I am struggling with what I want to do in life. I just recently got married and I really want to have my career in place in the next 2 years. I went to beauty school right after high school (2000) and I loved it. I was too afraid to go to college so I decided to do hair. My mom always made me do my sisters hair for school pics and special events, so I said hey why not. I felt very intimidated by the friends that I made there and I wasn't sure if Comsetology was for me. I did finish, however, I never went to get my license. I regret it now. I have assisted at 3 different salons. The first two were when I graduated and then the last one was after I took a little break from it. What stopped me? The lady i was working for was supposed to call me when she needed me. I worked for her for about 3 weeks and I never heard from her again. That was when I just left hair alone and joined the coroporate world. I have my associates degree and am still working my way to my BS, i work in an accouting postion an dI am bored to death. I feel as if I am getting called back into the Cosmetology feild but I'm afraid. Afraid that I'm not skilled enough, afraid that I'm not creative enough. One of my friends of 15 years has just opened a salon and I felt that that was my sign, but her clientle is weak at the moment. She is a great stylist and I would love for her to take me under her wing so to speak but I think I need more than that. I thinkI should be at a place like PM or some other big hair company that will provide me with more skill and the education I need to be motivated, and help me get my license. So thats enough about me and my struggles. I would appreciate any advice any of you have to offer.

mrssavage82 in Hyde Park, Massachusetts said: Hello all

I am struggling with what I want to do in life. I just recently got married and I really want to have my career in place in the next 2 years. I went to beauty school right after high school (2000) and I loved it. I was too afraid to go to college so I decided to do hair. My mom always made me do my sisters hair for school pics and special events, so I said hey why not. I felt very intimidated by the friends that I made there and I wasn't sure if Comsetology was for me. I did finish, however, I never went to get my license. I regret it now. I have assisted at 3 different salons. The first two were when I graduated and then the last one was after I took a little break from it. What stopped me? The lady i was working for was supposed to call me when she needed me. I worked for her for about 3 weeks and I never heard from her again. That was when I just left hair alone and joined the coroporate world. I have my associates degree and am still working my way to my BS, i work in an accouting postion an dI am bored to death. I feel as if I am getting called back into the Cosmetology feild but I'm afraid. Afraid that I'm not skilled enough, afraid that I'm not creative enough. One of my friends of 15 years has just opened a salon and I felt that that was my sign, but her clientle is weak at the moment. She is a great stylist and I would love for her to take me under her wing so to speak but I think I need more than that. I thinkI should be at a place like PM or some other big hair company that will provide me with more skill and the education I need to be motivated, and help me get my license. So thats enough about me and my struggles. I would appreciate any advice any of you have to offer.

Figure out what your passion is and follow it....and be totally honest with yourself...