Cosmetologist in Mississippi: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Mississippi employs 1,040 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $27,560 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Mississippi licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Mississippi (May 2025)
- Mississippi median pay
- $27,560 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $17,370
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $39,810
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $58,790
- Employed in Mississippi
- 1,040
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Mississippi markets:
- Memphis
- $30,980 (1,000 employed)
- Jackson
- $26,990 (300 employed)
- Gulfport
- $26,890 (170 employed)
- Hattiesburg
- $24,580 (70 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Mississippi
Prices in Mississippi run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $27,560 median stretches to roughly $31,678 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Mississippi (2024–2034)
Mississippi is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +1.7%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 220 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Mississippi License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering.
- Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering.
Official requirements: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering →
Training in Mississippi
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Mississippi include:
- Academy of Hair Design-Grenada — Certificate
- Academy of Hair Design-Pearl — Certificate
- Blue Cliff College-Gulfport — Certificate
- Chris Beauty College — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who are creative, social, and want a licensed practice with real self-employment potential once they build a clientele.
Think twice if: Standing all day, chemical exposure, irregular booth-rental income, and state-mandated training hours of 1,000–1,600 sound like barriers.
Why it's resilient: Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
First Steps
Check your state's required hours, compare licensed school costs, and ask about job placement rates before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cosmetologists make in Mississippi?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Mississippi is $27,560 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $17,370, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $58,790. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Mississippi?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering. Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Mississippi?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Mississippi metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Mississippi metro areas, Memphis leads at $30,980, followed by Jackson ($26,990), Gulfport ($26,890). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Cosmetologist in Mississippi?
Real Mississippi options include Academy of Hair Design-Grenada, Academy of Hair Design-Pearl, Blue Cliff College-Gulfport. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Mississippi?
Mississippi projects cosmetologists employment to change +1.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 220 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Mississippi statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Mississippi wages · Mississippi licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.