Cosmetologist in Akron, OH

The Salary Picture: Where Akron Stands

If you're a cosmetologist considering Akron, you're looking at a market that offers a stable, but modest, living. Let's get the numbers on the table. The median salary for cosmetologists in Akron is $37,541 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.05 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $38,370/year, a common reality for many professions in the Midwest. However, Akron's lower cost of living helps offset this difference. The metro area supports approximately 377 jobs in this field, with a projected 10-year job growth of 8%, keeping pace with national trends but not exploding with opportunity.

To understand your potential earnings, it's crucial to look at experience levels. While exact local data for each tier is scarce, we can extrapolate based on industry standards and the local median.

Experience-Level Breakdown (Estimated)

Experience Level	Years in Field	Estimated Annual Salary (Akron)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$28,000 - $33,000	Basic cuts, color, shampooing, assisting senior stylists, building a clientele.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$34,000 - $42,000	Building a loyal client base, mastering advanced techniques, upselling retail.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$43,000 - $52,000	Mentoring junior staff, managing appointments, specializing in services like balayage.
Expert/Salon Owner	15+ years	$53,000+	Business management, high-end clientele, teaching, or owning a salon.

How Akron Compares to Other Ohio Cities
Akron sits in a middle ground. It's not as high-paying as Columbus or Cincinnati, but it's more competitive than smaller cities like Canton or Youngstown. The robust healthcare and manufacturing sectors in Akron create a stable client base with disposable income, but the market isn't as saturated with luxury salons as in larger metros.

City	Median Annual Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index	Key Driver
Akron	$37,541	92.8	Healthcare, Manufacturing, University
Columbus	$40,200	97.5	State Government, Tech, Corporate HQs
Cincinnati	$39,100	96.0	Corporate HQs, Healthcare
Cleveland	$38,800	98.2	Healthcare, Finance, Legal
Canton	$34,500	90.1	Manufacturing, Retail

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning the Akron median of $37,541 means your monthly gross income is about $3,128. After federal, state, and FICA taxes (roughly 22-25% for this bracket), your take-home pay lands closer to $2,350-$2,450 per month.

Akron's average 1-bedroom rent is $816/month. This is significantly lower than the national average and a major advantage. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a cosmetologist earning the median salary.

Sample Monthly Budget (Take-Home: ~$2,400)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$816	Can be lower outside downtown.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$180	Varies by season; Akron winters can be pricey for heating.
Groceries	$300
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential; Akron is a car-dependent city.
Gas	$120	Commutes can add up.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200	A critical variable.
Misc. & Entertainment	$250	Dining out, personal care, etc.
Savings/Debt	$184
TOTAL	$2,400

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a $37,541 salary, buying a home is challenging but not impossible in Akron. The median home price in the Akron metro area is around $160,000-$180,000. With a 3.5% FHA loan, you'd need a down payment of $5,600-$6,300. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be around $1,000-$1,200, which would consume about half of your take-home pay—a very tight budget. It's more feasible for dual-income households or those with significant savings. Insider tip: Look into Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) programs for first-time homebuyers, which can offer down payment assistance.

Where the Jobs Are: Akron's Major Employers

Akron's cosmetology job market is diverse, leaning heavily towards private salons and spas. While there isn't a large corporate chain headquartered here (like a L'Oréal or Procter & Gamble), the local economy provides a steady stream of clients.

1. The Beauty Bar: A popular downtown salon on Main Street, known for its modern vibe and strong social media presence. They frequently hire for stylists, color specialists, and estheticians. They tend to favor stylists with an existing Instagram portfolio.
2. Studio 7 Hair Design: Located in the Merriman Valley, this is a long-standing, high-end salon catering to an affluent clientele. They often seek experienced stylists (5+ years) and offer commission-based structures with a strong retail focus.
3. Akron Children's Hospital: While not a salon, the hospital employs cosmetologists and barbers in their pediatric oncology department to help children with hair loss due to chemotherapy. These positions are competitive, require compassion, and offer stable hours and benefits—a great alternative path.
4. The University of Akron: The university's Salon & Spa Management program is a hub for talent. They often post jobs on their internal boards and partner with local salons for internships. Attending a career fair here is a smart move.
5. Spa at The Polo Field: A full-service spa in the Fairlawn area. They hire estheticians, massage therapists, and nail technicians. Hiring trends show a preference for licensed professionals with additional certifications (e.g., microdermabrasion, lash extensions).
6. Local Chain Salons (Great Clips, Supercuts): While not glamorous, these are reliable employers, especially for new cosmetologists. They offer steady walk-in traffic, which is great for building speed and consistency. Locations are scattered throughout the suburbs like Cuyahoga Falls and Fairlawn.
7. Self-Employment/Suite Rentals: A significant portion of Akron's cosmetologists are independent. Renting a chair or a suite in a salon like The Salon Professional Academy (which also functions as a rental space) is a common path once you have a solid client base.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing demand for cosmetologists who specialize in textured hair (curly, coily) and men's grooming. The "barbering" side of the industry is booming in Akron, with dedicated barbershops seeing more clients than ever.

Getting Licensed in OH

Ohio has clear requirements for licensure through the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology.

1. Education: You must complete a minimum of 1,200 hours at a licensed cosmetology school. In Akron, reputable options include:

   • The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) Akron: A well-known chain with modern facilities.
   • American National University - Akron: Offers day and evening classes.
   • Cost: Tuition ranges from $10,000 to $18,000, depending on the school and program. This does not include kits, books, or exam fees.

2. Examinations: After graduation, you must pass both the written and practical exams from the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). Ohio uses these national exams.

3. Licensing Fees: The application fee is $50, and the license fee is $45. You must also provide proof of insurance.

4. Timeline: From start to finish, expect it to take 12-15 months (including school and exam scheduling). Insider tip: Apply for your license exam as soon as you graduate. Ohio processes applications in about 2-3 weeks, and exam scheduling can take another month.

5. Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years. The renewal fee is $45, and you must complete 4 hours of continuing education (CE) during each renewal period.

If you're already licensed in another state, Ohio has reciprocity agreements with many states, but you'll need to check the Board's website for specific requirements and may need to take the Ohio laws and rules exam.

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Choosing where to live in Akron depends on your clientele, commute, and lifestyle. Here are four key neighborhoods:

1. Downtown Akron: The heart of the city. Ideal if you work at a salon like The Beauty Bar or want to attract a young, professional clientele. Rent for a 1BR is around $900-$1,100/month. The walkability and vibrant nightlife are perks, but parking can be a challenge.
2. Fairlawn: An affluent suburb to the west. Home to upscale malls and spas (like The Spa at The Polo Field). Commutes are easy via I-77. Rent is higher, around $1,000-$1,300/month, but you're in a prime area for attracting higher-paying clients.
3. Merriman Valley: A scenic, wooded area with a mix of older homes and new developments. It hosts salons like Studio 7 and attracts a family-oriented, professional clientele. Rent for a 1BR is moderate, $800-$950/month. It's a quieter, more suburban feel.
4. Cuyahoga Falls: A separate city just north of Akron, with its own Main Street and a strong community vibe. It's a great place to live if you work in the northern part of Akron or in the Falls itself. Rent is very reasonable, $750-$900/month. The commute downtown is about 15-20 minutes.
5. Goodyear Heights: A historic neighborhood with a strong sense of community. It's more affordable, with rents often under $800/month. It's a good option for new cosmetologists on a tight budget, though it's less central.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Akron, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specialization and business acumen.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding certifications can significantly boost your income. For example:
  • Hair Extensions: Can add $5-$15 per service.
  • Barbering/Clipper Work: Can open you up to a whole new, loyal clientele.
  • Esthetics & Lash Extensions: Often command higher hourly rates than hair services alone.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Stylist to Senior Stylist: Requires a strong, consistent client base (often 40-50 regulars).
  • Stylist to Salon Manager/Owner: This requires business management skills. Many stylists in Akron start by renting a chair, then eventually open their own suite or small salon. The cost to rent a chair is typically $100-$250/week.
  • Education: Becoming an educator for a brand like Redken or Matrix can provide another revenue stream, often through teaching classes at local salons or TSPA.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is steady. The key to thriving is adapting to trends (like the demand for curly hair specialists) and building a personal brand. Social media is non-negotiable. The most successful cosmetologists in Akron are those who are active on Instagram and Facebook, showcasing their work and engaging with the local community. The rise of med-spas in the area also creates opportunities for cosmetologists with advanced skincare and aesthetician licenses.

The Verdict: Is Akron Right for You?

Akron is a practical choice for cosmetologists who value a lower cost of living, a stable job market, and a strong sense of community. It's not a city of glitz and glamour, but it's a city where skilled professionals can build a comfortable life and a loyal clientele.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Rent is 30-40% below national averages.	Modest Salary: Median pay is below the national average.
Stable Job Market: 377 jobs and 8% growth provide security.	Car-Dependent: You'll need a reliable vehicle.
Diverse Client Base: From blue-collar to healthcare professionals.	Limited High-End Market: Fewer luxury spa employers vs. major metros.
Strong Community Feel: Easier to build a local reputation.	Harsh Winters: Can impact your commute and energy bills.
Central Location: Easy drive to Cleveland, Columbus, or Pittsburgh.	Slower Pace: May lack the "buzz" of a larger city.

Final Recommendation: Akron is an excellent choice for entry-level to mid-career cosmetologists who are entrepreneurial, value work-life balance, and want to build a sustainable career in a supportive community. It's less ideal for those seeking to work exclusively in high-fashion, celebrity-style salons or who prioritize a fast-paced, metropolitan lifestyle. If you're willing to specialize and market yourself well, you can earn a solid living above the median.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to work as a cosmetologist in Akron?
Yes, without question. Public transportation (Metro RTA) exists but is not reliable enough for a client-based profession where punctuality is key. Salons are spread across the city and suburbs. Budget for a car payment, insurance, and gas.

2. How long does it take to build a clientele in Akron?
For a new stylist, expect to build a solid base of regulars within 12-18 months. Starting at a salon with a strong walk-in traffic (like a chain) can help you build speed and consistency faster. Networking with other local professionals is crucial.

3. Are there opportunities for cosmetologists in healthcare settings?
Yes. Akron Children's Hospital is the primary employer. These roles are highly competitive and require specific experience with oncology patients. Other opportunities may exist in senior living facilities or rehabilitation centers for basic grooming services.

4. What's the best way to find a job in Akron?
Beyond online job boards, visit salons in person with your portfolio and resume. Attend local beauty school career fairs (especially at TSPA). Join Facebook groups like "Akron Beauty Professionals" or "Northeast Ohio Cosmetology Network" for leads and advice.

5. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes. With a Cost of Living Index of 92.8 (US avg = 100), your dollar goes further here. The biggest savings are in housing. While groceries and utilities are near the national average, the lower rent makes a significant difference in your monthly budget, making life on a $37,541 salary more manageable than in many other parts of the country.