How Much Do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Make in California?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California earns $38,660 per year and takes home $32,708 ($2,726/month) — a keep-rate of 84.6%, with 27,080 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $3,221.67 |
| Federal income tax | $204.93 |
| Social Security | $199.74 |
| Medicare | $46.71 |
| California state income tax | $44.64 |
| You keep | $2,725.63 |
How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make in California?
The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California earns $38,660 per year (BLS May 2025), about $18.59 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$38,660 gross in California keeps $32,708 after federal income tax ($2,459), FICA ($2,957) and state income tax ($536) — $2,726 per month, a 84.6% keep-rate.
How does California compare to the national median for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists?
The California median is $2,870 above the national median of $35,790.
Which state pays Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists the most?
Washington has the highest median gross for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists at $59,510 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in every state · California paycheck calculator · California minimum wage