CDCareer Decision

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Chicago, IL

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Chicago, IL have a median annual salary of $34,260, with 12,000 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $31,200 at the 10th percentile to $58,960 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$34,260

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$16.47

Employment

12,000

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$31,200
10th
$31,200
25th
$34,260
Median
$42,360
75th
$58,960
90th

Local compared with national

Chicago, IL

$34,260

Median annual · 2025

United States

$35,790

Median annual · 2025

The Chicago, IL median is 4.3% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $1,530).

Top skills

  1. 1.Active ListeningImportance 3.9
  2. 2.SpeakingImportance 3.8
  3. 3.Service OrientationImportance 3.6
  4. 4.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.4
  5. 5.Active LearningImportance 3.3
  6. 6.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3
  7. 7.Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1
  8. 8.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  9. 9.MonitoringImportance 3.0
  10. 10.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0
  11. 11.Time ManagementImportance 3.0
  12. 12.WritingImportance 2.9

Career information

Education and experience

Experience
None
Job zone
3

Technology used

  • Apple iOS
  • Appointment scheduling software
  • Customer information databases
  • Facebook
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
  • Sale processing software
  • YouTube

Common tasks

  • Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
  • Schedule client appointments.
  • 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.
  • Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.
  • Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
  • Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
  • Massage and treat scalp for hygienic and remedial purposes, using hands, fingers, or vibrating equipment.
  • Apply water or setting, straightening or waving solutions to hair, and use curlers, rollers, hot combs and curling irons to press and curl hair.
  • Shave, trim, and shape beards and moustaches.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in other locations

Other occupations in Chicago, IL