Knowing your market value is essential—whether you're negotiating a job offer, setting booth rental pricing, or benchmarking your salon's compensation. This guide provides current data on what beauty professionals earn, how compensation structures work, and factors that affect pay.
Hair Stylist Compensation
What hair stylists earn at different career stages.
- Entry-level (0-2 years): $25,000 - $40,000 total
- Mid-level (3-5 years): $40,000 - $60,000 total
- Senior stylist (6-10 years): $55,000 - $85,000 total
- Master stylist (10+ years): $75,000 - $120,000+ total
- Average commission rate: 40-55% of service revenue
- Average hourly rate (if applicable): $15-30/hour
- Tips typically add 15-25% to base compensation
Pro tip: Total compensation includes base/commission plus tips. Tips are a significant portion—don't overlook them when comparing offers.
Colorist & Specialist Compensation
Specialists typically earn premiums over general stylists.
- Color specialists: +15-25% over general stylists
- Extension specialists: +20-35% premium
- Texture specialists: Growing demand, premium varies
- Bridal specialists: $150-500+ per appointment
- Session stylists: $500-2,000+ per day
- Platform artists: $50,000-150,000+ with travel
Esthetician Compensation
Skincare professionals' earning potential.
- Entry-level esthetician: $28,000 - $40,000
- Experienced esthetician: $40,000 - $65,000
- Master/medical esthetician: $55,000 - $85,000
- Lash technicians: $30,000 - $60,000 (high variability)
- Commission rates: Similar to stylists (40-55%)
- Spa estheticians may earn less but have more stability
Barber Compensation
Men's grooming professionals' earnings.
- Entry-level barber: $25,000 - $40,000
- Experienced barber: $40,000 - $70,000
- High-end/celebrity barber: $80,000 - $150,000+
- Chair rental common: $100-300/week
- Higher client volume, lower average ticket
- Tips important but often smaller per client
Nail Technician Compensation
Nail professionals' earning data.
- Entry-level nail tech: $22,000 - $35,000
- Experienced nail tech: $35,000 - $55,000
- Nail artists (specialty work): $45,000 - $75,000
- Commission rates: 40-60% typically
- Tips significant portion of total income
- High-volume shops vs. luxury positioning affects pay
Management Compensation
What salon management roles pay.
- Front desk coordinator: $30,000 - $45,000
- Assistant manager: $38,000 - $55,000
- Salon manager: $45,000 - $75,000 + performance bonus
- Multi-unit manager: $60,000 - $100,000
- Regional director: $80,000 - $150,000
- Performance bonuses common (5-20% of base)
Booth Rental Economics
Understanding the financial model for independent renters.
- Weekly rent: $150 - $700 depending on market
- Keep 100% of service revenue after rent
- Must fund own supplies: $100-300/month
- Insurance: $200-400/year
- Self-employment tax: ~15% additional
- Break-even typically: $1,500-2,000 weekly revenue
- High earners can net $80,000-150,000+
Benefits & Their Value
Non-salary compensation matters. Know what benefits are worth.
- Health insurance: $3,000 - $8,000/year value
- Paid time off: $2,000 - $5,000/year value
- Education allowance: $500 - $2,000/year value
- Product discount: $500 - $1,500/year value
- 401(k) match: Varies, can be significant
- Total benefits package: $5,000 - $15,000+ value
Pro tip: When comparing offers, calculate total compensation including benefits. A lower salary with great benefits may be worth more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips typically add 15-25% to base earnings for stylists. On $50,000 in commission, expect $7,500-$12,500 in tips annually. This varies by salon type, location, and service mix. Tips are a real and significant part of total income.
Standard is 40-55%. Entry-level may start at 35-40%, experienced professionals 50-60%. Above 60% is exceptional. Compare total packages, not just commission rates—benefits, education, and client support matter too.
Compare your total compensation (base/commission + tips + benefits value) to market data for your experience level and location. If you're significantly below market and your employer won't adjust, you may have options elsewhere.