Makeup and hairstylists typically train at beauty or cosmetology schools.
Freelance makeup and hairstylists work independently with a variety of clients. They might work out of their home, travel to clients, work in a salon or a combination of those locations. Clients include wedding parties, actors, models, celebrities or anyone else who wants a professional hair and makeup look for an event. Those with strong reputations can charge more than those just starting out.
Basic Salary Information
Freelance makeup and hairstylists can essentially charge whatever they want, though most keep their prices competitive so clients don't hire someone else for less money. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists earned a mean annual salary of $26,510 and a median annual salary of $22,760 in 2010. The lowest-paid 10th percentile earned $16,350 or less, while the highest-paid 90th percentile earned $41,540 or more. The middle 50th percentile earned between $18,320 and $30,490.
Hourly Wage
Some freelance makeup and hairstylists charge by the hour. According to the BLS, the mean hourly wage for hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists in 2010 was $12.74, while the median hourly wage was $10.94. The lowest-paid 10th percentile earned $7.86 an hour or less, while the highest-paid 90th percentile earned $19.97 an hour or more. The middle 50th percentile earned between $8.81 and $14.66 an hour.
Industry
Makeup and hairstylists work in a variety of industries, which affects the rate they charge and how much they earn as freelance workers. According to the BLS, hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists in the personal care services industry earned a mean annual salary of $26,760 in 2010, while those in the death care services industry earned a mean annual salary of $32,360. Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists in the other personal services industry earned a mean annual salary of $25,720, while those that worked in department stores earned a mean annual salary of $21,040.
Location
Geographic Location also affects salaries for freelance makeup and hairstylists. According to the BLS, hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists in Washington, D.C., were the highest paid by location in 2010, with a mean annual salary of $37,680. Those in Hawaii earned a mean annual salary of $34,490, while those in California earned a mean annual salary of $25,180. Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists in Texas earned a mean annual salary of $25,690; those in New York earned a mean annual salary of $28,520; those in Florida earned a mean annual salary of $26,650; and those in New Jersey earned a mean annual salary of $29,170.
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