Cosmetologist in Billings, MT

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Billings isn't a place where you get rich as a cosmetologist, but it’s a market where you can build a solid, stable career. The data backs this up. The median salary for Cosmetologists in the Billings, MT metro area is $37,172 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.87. This is slightly below the national average of $38,370, but it’s important to contextualize that with the local cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 89.6 (US avg = 100), your dollar stretches further here than in most parts of the country.

The local job market is modest but steady. There are approximately 241 cosmetologist jobs in the metro area, which covers a population of 120,874. The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which is about average for the field nationally. This growth is driven by steady demand for hair, skin, and nail services, coupled with turnover in salons and spas.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary by experience level. These are estimates based on local market trends, as specific state-level data for cosmetologists by experience isn’t always published, but they align with typical progression in the industry.

Experience Level	Years in Field	Estimated Annual Salary (Billings)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$28,000 - $33,000	Basic cuts, color, manicures, pedicures; building a clientele; assisting senior stylists.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$34,000 - $42,000	Consistent client base; proficient in advanced techniques; may specialize in areas like balayage or extensions.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$43,000 - $55,000	Loyal, high-spending clientele; potential for management roles; teaching/mentoring; brand ambassadorship.
Expert/Salon Owner	15+ years	$55,000+	Business ownership, advanced specialization (e.g., corrective color, medical esthetics), industry educator.

Insider Tip: The key to exceeding these averages in Billings is building a loyal clientele and adding specialty services. A stylist who masters blonding or extensions can command higher prices and tips, pushing earnings toward the mid-to-senior range much faster.

How Billings Compares to Other Montana Cities:

• Bozeman/Missoula: Salaries are slightly higher (often by 5-10%) due to larger universities and a younger, more service-oriented population, but rent is significantly more expensive.
• Great Falls/Helena: Salaries are very similar to Billings, but the job market (241 jobs) is the largest in the state outside of Bozeman and Missoula, offering more opportunities.
• Kalispell/Whitefish: Salaries can be higher, especially in high-end resort spas, but the market is highly seasonal and competitive.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. Earning the median salary of $37,172 means a monthly pre-tax income of about $3,098. After federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare (estimating a ~20% effective tax rate for this bracket), your take-home pay is roughly $2,478 per month.

Now, let’s look at a realistic monthly budget for a cosmetologist in Billings:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$874	The city average. Can be lower in older neighborhoods or higher in newer complexes.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150 - $200	Varies by season; heating costs can be higher in winter.
Car Payment & Insurance	$300 - $450	Billings is a car-dependent city; public transit is limited. A reliable vehicle is essential.
Groceries & Household	$300 - $400	Quality of life is good for the cost.
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	Often a significant out-of-pocket cost for self-employed or part-time stylists.
Professional Supplies	$75 - $150	Color, tools, continuing education.
Discretionary Spending	$200 - $300	Eating out, entertainment, savings.
Total Estimated Monthly Expenses	$2,049 - $2,674

Can they afford to buy a home? Let's look at the math. The median home price in Billings is around $335,000. With a 6.5% interest rate and a 10% down payment ($33,500), your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be approximately $2,200 - $2,400. This is at the very top end of the budget range for a cosmetologist earning the median salary, leaving little room for other expenses or savings. It’s not impossible, especially for a dual-income household or a stylist with a strong clientele pushing into the senior range, but it is a significant financial stretch.

Insider Tip: Many cosmetologists in Billings rent for several years, save aggressively, and buy a home once they’ve reached a mid-to-senior level in their career or if their partner also has a steady income.

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

The Billings cosmetology job market is a mix of high-volume chain salons, independent boutique salons, and resort-style spas. Here are the major players and where to look:

1. Great Clips & Sport Clips: These are the bread-and-butter employers for entry-level stylists. They offer steady hours, training, and a fast-paced environment to build skills and speed. Hiring trends are consistent; they always need reliable stylists.
2. Cost Cutters & Supercuts: Similar to the above, these chains are found in shopping centers across the city, from the West End (Shiloh Crossing) to the downtown core. They are a reliable starting point.
3. Salon 700 & The Studio (Salon Suites): These are popular high-end, independent salons. They often rent chairs to established stylists who have a solid clientele. Hiring here is more about reputation and a book of business. They represent the mid-to-senior level market.
4. Spas at Local Hotels & Resorts: The Billings Hotel & Convention Center and properties near Pictograph Caverns State Park often have spa services. These jobs are rarer but offer a different pace and often higher service prices.
5. Estheticians in Dermatology/Medical Spas: With Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare as major medical centers, there is a growing niche for estheticians working in medical settings, focusing on facials, chemical peels, and skincare consultations for patients. This requires additional training and certification.
6. Freelance & Mobile Services: A growing trend, especially post-pandemic. Many experienced cosmetologists in Billings have built mobile businesses or work as independent contractors renting a chair part-time. This offers flexibility but requires self-discipline and marketing skills.

Hiring Trend Insight: The demand is strongest for well-rounded stylists who can do a bit of everything, but the highest-paying opportunities are for those with a defined specialty. There's a noticeable gap in the market for advanced, corrective color specialists.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana’s licensing is managed by the Montana Board of Cosmetology. Here’s the straightforward path:

1. Education: Complete a 1,500-hour cosmetology program at a state-licensed school. In the Billings area, schools like Yellowstone Valley Beauty College are the primary options. The program typically takes 12-18 months of full-time study.
2. Cost: Tuition ranges from $12,000 to $18,000, including books and kits. This is a significant investment, but student loans and payment plans are available.
3. Examination: After graduation, you must pass both a written and practical exam. Milady is the standard exam provider used in Montana. Exam fees are approximately $200.
4. Application: Submit your application to the Montana Board, which includes proof of education and exam scores. The licensing application fee is $100.
5. Timeline: From starting school to holding your license, expect 14-20 months. The board processing time for new licenses is typically a few weeks after you submit all paperwork.
6. Continuing Education: Montana does not currently require continuing education for cosmetologists to renew their license, but it's a professional best practice to stay current on trends and safety.

Insider Tip: The 1,500-hour requirement is strict. Make sure your chosen school is accredited and in good standing with the Montana Board to avoid any delays in licensure.

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Choosing where to live in Billings affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local perspective:

1. Downtown/Midtown: This is the heart of the independent salon scene. You’ll find the most high-end, boutique salons here. Commute is a breeze—often walkable or a very short drive. Rent for a 1BR is around $950-$1,100/month. Best for the stylist who wants to be in the thick of the active, artsy scene.
2. West End (Shiloh Corridor): This is the commercial hub of Billings. Major chain salons (Great Clips, Cost Cutters) are plentiful here. It’s a busy, family-friendly area with all the big-box stores and restaurants. Rent for a 1BR is close to the city average, $850-$950/month. Commute is easy via the main arteries (Shiloh, King Ave).
3. Heights (North of Downtown): A more residential, established neighborhood with older homes and a strong community feel. It’s a short drive to downtown salons. Rent is very affordable, often under $800/month for a 1BR. Good for those who want a quieter home base.
4. South Side (Near the Rims): This area has a mix of older homes and newer developments, with stunning views of the Yellowstone River Valley. It's more spread out, so a car is essential. Rent is variable but generally reasonable ($800-$950/month). Offers a good balance of accessibility and scenic living.
5. Lockwood (East of the Airport): A rapidly growing suburb with newer apartment complexes and more space. Commute to downtown or the West End is 15-20 minutes. Rent for a new 1BR can be slightly higher, $900-$1,050/month, but you get more modern amenities and square footage.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Billings, career growth is less about corporate ladders and more about building your brand and specializing.

• Specialty Premiums: Advanced skills directly translate to higher pay. A stylist proficient in balayage/foilyage can charge 20-30% more than a generalist. Specialty extensions (tape-in, hand-tied) are in high demand and can significantly boost income. For estheticians, certifications in microneedling or chemical peels are highly marketable.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is stylist to salon manager/owner. However, a more lucrative path in Billings is becoming an independent contractor (renting a chair). This allows you to set your own prices, keep a higher percentage of service revenue, and control your schedule. The next step is opening your own salon suite or full-service salon, which requires business acumen but offers the highest earning potential.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is promising. The market will likely see increased demand for specialized skincare and wellness services, particularly in medical and spa settings. Stylists who adapt to online booking, maintain a strong social media presence (Instagram is huge for local portfolio building), and focus on client retention will thrive. The overall outlook is stable with opportunities for entrepreneurial growth.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes further here than in most U.S. cities.	Lower Median Salary: The $37,172 figure is below the national average.
Stable, Growing Market: 241 jobs with 8% growth provide a solid foundation.	Limited High-End Market: The clientele for luxury, high-cost services is smaller than in major metros.
Ideal for Building a Clientele: A less saturated market than big cities allows for faster client base growth.	Car-Dependent City: You'll likely need a reliable vehicle, adding to your monthly expenses.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Unmatched access to hiking, fishing, and skiing for work-life balance.	Limited Diversity in Services: Fewer opportunities for hyper-niche specialties compared to larger cities.
Community Feel: The cosmetology community is tight-knit and supportive.	Weather: Harsh winters with snow and ice can affect commute and client attendance.

Final Recommendation: Billings is an excellent choice for cosmetologists who are in the early to mid-stages of their career, are looking to build a loyal clientele quickly, and value a low-stress, outdoor-oriented lifestyle. It is not the place to expect a six-figure income right away. It is perfect for the "building phase." If you are goal-oriented, enjoy a sense of community, and are willing to specialize to increase your earnings, Billings can be a very rewarding and sustainable place to practice cosmetology.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a job as a new cosmetologist in Billings?
A: Yes, especially if you’re open to starting at a chain salon like Great Clips or Sport Clips. These businesses have high turnover and are often hiring. Your best bet is to apply in person with a portfolio (even if it’s from school) and be ready to start immediately.

Q: Do I need a car to work as a cosmetologist in Billings?
A: Absolutely. While some downtown salons are walkable for residents, clients come from all over the metro area, and most salons are in drive-up strip malls or larger shopping centers. Public bus routes are limited and not always convenient for a service-based profession.

Q: Can I make a good living with just a cosmetology license, or do I need esthetics?
A: You can make a good living with just a cosmetology license, as it covers hair, nails, and basic skincare. However, adding an esthetics license (requires an additional 650-hour program) opens up the lucrative medical spa and high-end facial market, which is a growing niche in Billings.

Q: What’s the best way to build a clientele in a smaller market like Billings?
A: Word-of-mouth is king here. Offer exceptional service, remember client details, and be active on local Facebook community pages (like "Billings, MT - Locals Helping Locals"). A referral program (e.g., $10 off for a friend's first visit) works wonders. Consistency is more important than flashy marketing.

Q: Are there opportunities for side income or part-time work?
A: Yes. Many cosmetologists in Billings work part-time at a salon while building a mobile business or doing house calls for weddings and special events. The lower cost of living means part-time work can be a viable bridge to a full-time career.

Sources: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the Billings, MT metro area. Cost of Living Index from BestPlaces.net. Population data from U.S. Census Bureau. Licensing information from the Montana Board of Cosmetology. Rent data from local rental listings and market reports.