There are currently an estimated 617,300 hairdressers in the United States. The hairdresser job market is expected to grow by 13.0% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are hairdressers?

CareerExplorer rates hairdressers with a B+ employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 85,100 hairdressers. That number is based on 80,100 additional hairdressers, and the retirement of 5,000 existing hairdressers.

Are hairdressers in demand?

Employment of hairdressers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. This growth rate, however, will likely vary by specialty. For instance, the demand for hair colouring, hair straightening, and other advanced hair treatments has risen in recent years, a trend that is expected to continue over the coming decade. A large number of employment opportunities will stem from the need to replace workers who retire or leave their career for other reasons. However, individuals should expect strong competition for employment at higher paying salons, of which applicants must compete with a large pool of experienced hairdressers.

What’s the supply of hairdressers?

Hairdresser job market by state

State Name Employed Hairdressers
California 27,920
Florida 25,960
New York 25,960
Pennsylvania 23,730
Texas 21,520
Ohio 16,890
New Jersey 15,350
Illinois 15,030
Michigan 12,000
Massachusetts 11,480
Washington 9,710
Minnesota 9,640
Virginia 9,300
Wisconsin 8,970
Maryland 8,770
Georgia 8,460
Colorado 7,830
North Carolina 7,530
Arizona 7,140
Indiana 6,660
Tennessee 6,170
Missouri 6,160
Connecticut 5,550
South Carolina 4,940
Alabama 3,540
Kentucky 3,380
Iowa 3,340
Utah 3,180
Oregon 3,110
Kansas 2,970
Nevada 2,840
Louisiana 2,840
Oklahoma 2,720
Nebraska 2,190
New Hampshire 2,020
Delaware 1,760
Arkansas 1,590
Idaho 1,470
West Virginia 1,410
Mississippi 1,310
New Mexico 1,280
Puerto Rico 1,190
Maine 1,160
North Dakota 1,010
Rhode Island 980
District of Columbia 960
South Dakota 930
Hawaii 930
Montana 680
Vermont 650
Alaska 510
Wyoming 500
Guam 90