Cosmetologists

Cosmetologists can make a decent living in the beauty/hair care industry, but as in most careers, they don't receive very high pay when starting out. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that cosmetologists working full time had an annual median income of $24,730 (excluding tips) in May 2018. The top 10 percent earned $50,110 or more and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,980 in that same year. On the extreme upward end of the pay scale, some fashion stylists in New York or Hollywood charge $300 (or more) per haircut. Their annual salary can go into six figures. Salaries in larger cities are greater than those in smaller towns; but then the cost of living is higher in the big cities, too.