SOC 39-5012 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists — Worcester
Worcester, MA · 4 metro areas compared
The median wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Worcester, MA is $36,430 per year, close to the national median of $35,790 for the same occupation.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
The median wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Worcester, MA is $36,430 per year, close to the national median of $35,790 for the same occupation. Half of workers earn between $34,030 and $59,940. Beyond that band, the tenth percentile sits at $31,200 and the ninetieth at $93,210.
Employment stands at 640, or 1.8 jobs per thousand held locally. Within the state, Barnstable Town records the highest median at $46,520. Of the 481 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 462nd.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $31,200 | −12.8% |
| 25th | $34,030 | −4.9% |
| Median (50th) | $36,430 | +1.8% |
| 75th | $59,940 | +67.5% |
| 90th | $93,210 | +160.4% |
| Mean | $49,580 | +38.5% |
Other metro areas in Massachusetts
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barnstable Town | $46,520 | 370 | |
| 2 | Boston | $37,430 | 7,870 | |
| 3 | Springfield | $36,690 | 410 | |
| 4 | Pittsfield | $35,550 | 140 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in Worcester run 5.8% above the national average, so the median of $36,430 buys what $34,433 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way the gap against the national median narrows to 3.8% below the national median in real terms.
Published median
$36,430as reported by BLSLocal price level
105.8US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$34,433US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $36,430 a year, 1.8% above the national median.
- Published pay spans $31,200 to $93,210 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 640 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Barnstable Town, at $46,520.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Worcester, MA?
The median annual wage is $36,430, or $17.52 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $35,790, so pay in Worcester, MA is 1.8% higher. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in Worcester, MA earns more than $93,210 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $31,200 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Barnstable Town, at $46,520 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 640 jobs in this occupation in Worcester, MA. Self-employed workers are not included.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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