A Career Guide for Cosmetologists in Everett, Washington

If you’re a cosmetologist eyeing the Pacific Northwest, Everett offers a distinct blend of urban opportunity and maritime grit. I’ve spent years navigating the local beauty scene here, from the bustling salons on Colby Avenue to the quieter studios in the Silver Lake suburbs. This isn’t a glossy brochure; it’s a grounded analysis of what it truly takes to build a career here. We’ll break down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the day-to-day reality of being a beauty professional in this city.

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

Let’s start with the hard data. The median salary for cosmetologists in the Everett metro area is $39,866/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.17/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $38,370/year, which is a good sign, but it’s crucial to understand the local context. The Everett metro supports roughly 222 jobs for cosmetologists, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%. This indicates a stable, if not explosively growing, market. The key is understanding where you’ll fall on that earnings spectrum.

Here’s a realistic breakdown based on experience, typical for the local market:

| Experience Level | Typical Local Rate | Annual Estimate (Full-Time) | Key Local Factors |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 yrs) | $16 - $18/hr | $33,280 - $37,440 | Often starts at chain salons (Sport Clips, Supercuts) or assistant roles in mid-tier salons. Commission is rare at this stage. |
| Mid-Level (3-7 yrs) | $19 - $23/hr | $39,520 - $47,840 | Building a steady clientele. May have access to commission or booth rent options. This is where the median $39,866 lands. |
| Senior (8-15 yrs) | $24 - $28/hr | $49,920 - $58,240 | Established reputation, often in high-end salons in downtown Everett or Mill Creek. May have a team or senior stylist role. |
| Expert/Master (15+ yrs) | $29 - $35+/hr | $60,320 - $72,800+ | Celebrity or niche specialists (e.g., advanced color correction, specialized extensions). May own a salon or rent a premium suite. |

Insider Tip: The median number is a useful benchmark, but your income is directly tied to your speed, retail sales, and ability to retain clients. A stylist who consistently books 6-7 clients a day and does strong retail can easily outperform the median, even at a mid-level shop.

How Everett Compares to Other WA Cities:

• Seattle: Higher earning potential ($42,000 - $45,000+ median), but the cost of living is punishing. The market is saturated with high-end talent.
• Tacoma: Salaries are similar to Everett (~$39,000 median), but the market is more diverse and less corporate.
• Spokane: Lower cost of living, but salaries also trend lower (~$36,000 median). Everett offers a middle ground.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning a median salary of $39,866 in Everett requires careful budgeting. The city’s cost of living index is 113.0 (US avg = 100), driven largely by housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,864/month. Let’s run the numbers for a single person earning the median.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $39,866/Year)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Pay (Monthly)	$3,322
Taxes (Federal, WA State, FICA)	~$700	WA has no state income tax, but FICA (7.65%) and federal take a significant cut.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$2,622	This is an estimate; use a tax calculator for precision.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,864	This is the biggest hurdle. This leaves only $758 for everything else.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$150 - $200	Older Everett apartments can have higher heating costs.
Groceries	$300 - $400
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$250 - $400	Public transit (Community Transit/Swift lines) is viable but limited for some commutes.
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	Often provided by employer, but not always.
Misc/Personal	$100 - $150
Savings/Debt	$0 - $100	This is the critical issue. On a single median income, every dollar is accounted for.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Short answer: On a single $39,866 salary, it is exceptionally difficult. The median home price in Everett is around $550,000+. A standard 20% down payment is $110,000. Even with an FHA loan (3.5% down, ~$19,250), the monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $2,800/month, which is unsustainable on the net take-home. Insider Tip: Most cosmetologists I know who own in the area did so with a partner’s income or after years of scaling their business to a significantly higher income level. Renting a room or a smaller apartment in a more affordable neighborhood is the realistic first step.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

The Everett job market for cosmetologists isn’t dominated by one type of employer. It’s a mix of chains, high-end salons, and independent studios. Here are the key players:

1. Sport Clips, Supercuts, & Great Clips: These are the backbone of the entry-to-mid-level market. They’re located all over, from the Everett Mall area to Silver Lake. They offer steady hours, benefits for full-timers, and a built-in clientele. Hiring is consistent, and they’re often the best place to start if you’re new to the area.
2. Gene Juarez Salons & Spas: While their flagship is in Seattle, they have a strong presence in the regional market and attract clients from Everett. Working here is a resume booster. They focus on high-end service, advanced training, and retail. The clientele expects expertise, and the pay structure is often commission-based, which can be lucrative for skilled stylists.
3. Independent Salons on Colby Ave & Broadway: Downtown Everett has a cluster of independent salons like Hair & Co. Salon and The Collective Salon. These are often commission or booth-rent models. They attract a diverse, local clientele. This is where personality and specialized skills (e.g., curly hair, men's grooming) shine. Hiring trends are more about fit and skill than a corporate process.
4. The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) Everett: This is a major employer of recent graduates and instructors. They are often looking for licensed cosmetologists to work as barbers/stylists in their student salon (which provides experience) or as educators. It’s a great way to gain stable income while building a client base elsewhere.
5. Medical Spas & Dermatology Clinics: This is a growing niche. Places like Everett Clinic (dermatology) or independent medspas are hiring estheticians and cosmetologists with advanced skincare certifications for facials, chemical peels, and laser hair removal. These roles often pay a higher hourly wage ($22-$28/hr) but require additional training.
6. Cruise Lines (from Seattle): While not based in Everett, this is a major opportunity. Companies like Holland America and Princess Cruises hire licensed cosmetologists for shipboard spas. They provide room/board and a high savings potential. Many Everett-based stylists use this as a 3-6 month contract to save aggressively before returning to local work.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has a specific and stringent licensing process managed by the Department of Licensing (DOL). You cannot work without a license.

Requirements:

1. Education: Complete a state-approved cosmetology program (1,600 hours) or apprenticeship (2,000 hours). Schools in the area include Aveda Institute Seattle (commutable), Gene Juarez Academy, and TSPA Everett.
2. Exams: Pass the written and practical exams from NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology). The Washington DOL administers these.
3. Application: Submit your application, exam scores, and proof of education to the WA DOL. Fees are approximately $110 for the license itself.

Costs & Timeline:

• Tuition: $10,000 - $20,000+ for a full cosmetology program.
• Exam Fees: ~$130 (written + practical).
• Books/Supplies: $500 - $1,000.
• Timeline: From starting school to holding a license is typically 12-18 months if you attend full-time. If you’re already licensed in another state, Washington has reciprocity, but you must still apply and may need to take the Washington state law exam.

Insider Tip: The Washington DOL website is your best friend. The process is bureaucratic but straightforward. If you’re an out-of-state licensure, start your reciprocity application before you move to avoid a gap in income.

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Where you live in Everett impacts your commute, rent, and lifestyle. Here are the top neighborhoods to consider:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It’s Good for a Cosmetologist
Downtown Everett	Urban, walkable, artsy. Close to many salons.	$1,500 - $2,000	Zero commute to downtown jobs. Walk to cafes, the waterfront, and events. Parking can be a challenge.
Silver Lake	Quiet, suburban, family-oriented.	$1,600 - $1,900	More affordable than downtown. Easy access to I-5 for commutes to Mill Creek or Seattle. Safe and calm.
Mill Creek	Upscale, planned community, very green.	$1,900 - $2,300	Home to many high-end salons and day spas. A short commute to those employers. More expensive, but a hub for the beauty industry.
North Everett (Rucker/Hanford)	Older, charming, close to the Naval Station.	$1,400 - $1,800	More affordable single-family homes and apartments. A diverse clientele base. Commute to downtown is easy.
South Everett/Mukilteo	Mix of industrial and coastal (Mukilteo).	$1,700 - $2,100	Proximity to the ferry to Whidbey Island and Boeing. The clientele is diverse (blue-collar, tech, military). Commute can be heavy.

Insider Tip: If you’re working at a chain salon in Silver Lake or Mill Creek, living in that area makes the most sense. For independent downtown jobs, living in North Everett or Downtown itself is ideal. Avoid the furthest south (around Boeing) unless you have a job secured there, as the commute can be brutal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 8% job growth over 10 years is modest but steady. The key to growth here isn’t just more jobs; it’s elevating your role within them.

• Specialty Premiums: Certifications in curly hair (DevaCut/Ouidad), advanced color (Redken, Wella Master Colorist), microblading/PMU, or nail art/gel extensions can add 15-30% to your service pricing. In Everett, the market for these services is growing but not saturated like in Seattle.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Stylist -> Senior Stylist: At a commission salon, this means higher commission splits (e.g., 40/60 to 50/50).
  2. Stylist -> Salon/Team Leader: Managing a team at a chain salon.
  3. Booth Renter -> Salon Owner: This is the biggest leap. Everett has many small, successful salons (2-4 chairs). Renting a suite in a salon building (like in Mill Creek) costs $400-$700/month. This path requires a solid clientele and business acumen.
  4. Freelance/Educator: Working as a freelance artist for brands or teaching at a cosmetology school (like TSPA) provides stable income with high growth potential.

10-Year Outlook:
The demand for skilled, client-focused cosmetologists will remain. The rise of medspas and niche studios will create new opportunities. The key will be continuous education. The stylist who invests in new techniques will command higher rates and see the most growth. Those who stay static may see their income plateau as newer, more skilled stylists enter the market.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-Median Salary for the region ($39,866).	High Cost of Living, especially rent ($1,864/mo).
Stable Job Market (222 jobs, 8% growth).	Tough for Single-Income Homeownership.
Diverse Employer Base (chains, high-end, indie).	Competition from nearby Seattle and Tacoma talent.
Good Work-Life Balance compared to Seattle.	Limited Public Transit for some neighborhoods.
Proximity to Seattle for bigger events/networking.	Weather can be gray and rainy for much of the year.

Final Recommendation:
Everett is a practical choice for a mid-career cosmetologist seeking stability and a reasonable cost of living relative to Seattle. It’s ideal for someone who is good at building a consistent clientele and is willing to specialize to increase earnings. It is not the best choice for a brand-new graduate expecting to buy a home quickly, or for someone who thrives in a hyper-competitive, high-fashion urban environment. Come to Everett if you value a steady grind, a community feel, and don’t mind the rain. The opportunity is here, but you have to build it yourself.

FAQs

1. Can I live comfortably in Everett on a cosmetologist's salary?
Yes, but with careful budgeting. The median $39,866 leaves little room for error after rent and taxes. You’ll need to be disciplined, likely have roommates or a lower-cost apartment, and actively work to increase your income through clientele building and tips.

2. Is it better to work at a chain or an independent salon in Everett?
It depends on your career stage. Chains are excellent for beginners: they offer training, benefits, and a built-in clientele. Independents are better for established stylists who want control, higher commission potential, and a more personalized work environment. Many start at a chain and move to an independent salon after 2-3 years.

3. How important is having a car in Everett?
Very important. While downtown is walkable and some bus lines exist, the city is spread out. Salons in Silver Lake, Mill Creek, and South Everett are not easily accessible by public transit alone. Having a reliable car is essential for commuting to jobs and clients.

4. Are there opportunities to specialize, or is it mostly general cuts/color?
There is a growing demand for specialists. While general cuts and color are the backbone, niches like curly hair, men's grooming, extensions, and corrective color are in demand. Medspas are also a growing field for estheticians. Standing out with a specialty is the best way to increase your rate above the $19.17/hour median.

5. What’s the networking scene like for cosmetologists here?
It’s more localized than in Seattle. Networking happens through local hair shows (often in Everett or Mill Creek), brand classes (Redken, Wella, etc.), and salon owner meetups. The Washington State Cosmetology Association (WSCA) is a key resource. Building relationships with other local stylists is crucial for referrals and career opportunities.