Cosmetologist in Lee's Summit, MO

The Salary Picture: Where Lee's Summit Stands

As a local, I’ve watched the cosmetology scene in Lee’s Summit evolve from a handful of small salons to a more competitive, service-driven market. The numbers tell a clear story: Lee’s Summit offers a stable, middle-of-the-road salary for cosmetologists, but it’s not where you’ll find the highest earning potential in the state. Let’s break it down with the hard data.

The median salary for a cosmetologist in Lee’s Summit is $37,598 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $18.08. This is slightly below the national average of $38,370, but the local cost of living more than compensates for that slight dip. The metro area supports 208 jobs in the field, with a projected 10-year job growth of 8%. This isn't explosive growth, but it’s steady, indicating a consistent demand for skilled professionals.

Here’s how earnings typically break down by experience level. Keep in mind these are realistic estimates for the area, not just national averages.

Experience Level	Typical Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Income (Full-Time)	Key Responsibilities & Traits
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$14 - $17	$29,120 - $35,360	Building a clientele, mastering speed, focusing on cuts, basic color, and nail services.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$17 - $22	$35,360 - $45,760	Strong, recurring clientele, proficient in advanced color techniques, brow services, and basic extensions.
Senior/Stylist (5-10 years)	$22 - $30+	$45,760 - $62,400+	Specialized service offerings (e.g., balayage, keratin), mentorship roles, high client retention.
Expert/Owner (10+ years)	Varies widely (Commission, Booth Rent, Salary)	$60,000+	Business management, advanced certifications, potentially owning a salon suite or full business.

Insider Tip: In Lee’s Summit, the top earners aren’t necessarily the most artistic. They’re the most consistent and business-savvy. Building a loyal clientele that requests you specifically is the fastest way to move from the entry-level bracket to the mid-level and beyond.

How does this compare to other Missouri cities?
Lee’s Summit sits comfortably in the middle of the pack.

• Kansas City: Offers slightly higher median pay (closer to $39,000) due to a larger, more competitive market and a higher concentration of luxury salons.
• St. Louis: Similar to Kansas City, with more opportunities in high-end downtown spas and hotels, pushing median salaries toward $39,500.
• Springfield or Columbia: Median salaries tend to be lower, often in the $34,000 - $36,000 range, with a lower cost of living but fewer high-end establishments.
  Lee’s Summit strikes a balance: a suburban community with an urban polish, where skilled professionals can earn a solid living without the intense pressure of a downtown core.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning the median salary of $37,598 means taking home roughly $2,400 - $2,600 per month after taxes (federal, state, and FICA), depending on your filing status and deductions. With the average 1BR rent at $886/month, this leaves you with a manageable, but not lavish, budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Cosmetologist Earning $37,598:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Income (After Taxes)	$2,500	This is a conservative estimate.
Rent (1BR)	$886	1BR apartments are plentiful in Lee’s Summit, especially near the Town Center.
Utilities	$150	Includes electric, gas, water, and trash. Winter heating bills can spike.
Groceries	$300	Lee’s Summit has multiple grocery options (Hy-Vee, Price Chopper) with competitive prices.
Transportation	$250	Car insurance is mandatory; gas is needed as public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$200	If not provided by employer (common for booth renters).
Professional Costs	$150	Licensing fees, product purchases, continuing education.
Phone/Internet	$100	Standard for the area.
Discretionary/Savings	$464	This includes dining out, entertainment, retirement savings, and emergency funds.

Can you afford to buy a home?
With a median salary of $37,598, buying a home is a stretch but not impossible, especially with a partner or if you advance quickly in your career. The median home price in Lee’s Summit is around $325,000. A 20% down payment is $65,000. Most cosmetologists in this salary bracket would need to:

1. Expect a dual income (with a partner).
2. Live very frugally for several years to save a substantial down payment.
3. Advance to a senior/expert level, increasing income to the $50,000+ range, which makes a mortgage much more feasible.
   Many local stylists start by renting a suite within a salon (like at The Salon Professional Academy or individual suites near Langsford Road) to keep overhead low while building savings. Homeownership is a long-term goal, typically achieved after 5-10 years of building a strong, profitable clientele.

Where the Jobs Are: Lee's Summit's Major Employers

The job market here is a mix of established chains, independent salons, and med-spa hybrids. Networking is key; many jobs are filled through word-of-mouth before they’re ever posted online.

1. Great Clips & Supercuts (Multiple Locations): These are the bread-and-butter employers. They offer steady, predictable hours, benefits (often for full-time staff), and a built-in clientele. Hiring is frequent due to high turnover. They’re a great place to cut your teeth and build speed. Look for locations along Highway 50 and NE Independence Avenue.

2. Costa Salons & Spa (Independently Owned): A high-end, full-service salon focusing on a luxury experience. They look for stylists with a strong portfolio and experience. Commission-based pay can be lucrative here, but they prioritize stylists who can deliver consistent, high-quality results and retain clients. Located near the Town Center.

3. The Salon Professional Academy: This isn't a salon, but it's a major employer of cosmetology instructors and a pipeline for new talent. They often have openings for licensed instructors. They also host rental suites for established stylists.

4. Med-Spas (e.g., Lee’s Summit Dermatology & Aesthetics): A growing trend. These establishments combine dermatology with aesthetic services. They hire cosmetologists with additional training in microneedling, chemical peels, and advanced skincare. Pay is often salaried or hourly-plus-commission and can be higher than traditional salons. Look for these near major medical corridors.

5. Independent Salons & Suite Rentals: The heart of the local scene. Salons like Salon 128 or The Collective Salon offer booth/suite rental. This is the path to being your own boss. You keep 70-100% of your service revenue but pay for your own products, insurance, and marketing. It’s best for established stylists with a loyal following. Expect to pay $300 - $600/month for a suite.

6. Resorts & Hotels (e.g., Chateau Avalon): While not in Lee’s Summit proper (it’s in nearby Kansas City), many Lee’s Summit residents work at these venues. They offer full-time, salaried positions with benefits but are highly competitive.

Hiring Trends: The demand is shifting toward specialists. If you’re a master colorist, an expert in extensions, or have certification in advanced skin treatments, you’ll stand out. The 8% growth is largely in med-spas and high-end independent salons, not the basic cut-and-color chains.

Getting Licensed in MO

Missouri’s requirements are straightforward but require diligence. The Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners is the governing body.

State Requirements:

• Education: Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
• Examination: Pass both written (theory) and practical exams from NIC (National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology).
• Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal history check.
• Application: Submit the application with the required fees and proof of graduation.

Costs (Approximate):

• Tuition at a Local School: $12,000 - $18,000 (e.g., at Paul Mitchell the School Kansas City or The Salon Professional Academy in Lee’s Summit). This often includes your kit.
• State Application Fee: $125
• Licensing Exams (NIC): $150 - $200
• Total Estimated Initial Cost: $12,300 - $18,300
• License Renewal: Every 2 years. The fee is $60, plus 8 hours of continuing education.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Enroll in School: Application and enrollment can take 1-2 months.
2. Training: 1,500 hours is roughly 10-15 months of full-time study.
3. Exam & Licensing: After graduation, schedule your tests. The process from exam to receiving your license can take 4-8 weeks.
   Total Time: You’re looking at about 1.5 years from your first day of school to holding your license.

Insider Tip: Start networking with local salons while you're still in school. Many Lee’s Summit salons offer apprenticeships or jobs to students who are about to graduate. This can shorten your job search significantly.

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Your neighborhood choice affects your commute, client accessibility, and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Cosmetologists
Downtown Lee's Summit	Charming, walkable, historic. Commute to most salons is 5-15 mins.	$950 - $1,100	Ideal for building a personal brand; clients can visit your home office (check zoning). Close to local boutiques for cross-promotion.
The Town Center Area	Modern, commercial, bustling. 10-min commute to most major salons.	$900 - $1,050	Prime location for working in salons like Costa or Great Clips. Easy access for clients coming from the highway.
Highland Park / East Side	Family-oriented, quiet, established. 15-20 min commute to salon hubs.	$800 - $950	Lower cost of living means more disposable income. Good for building a clientele from the local neighborhood.
Longview / South Side	Newer developments, suburban feel. 20-25 min commute to main salon areas.	$850 - $1,000	More space for a home studio. Growing area with new residents—potential for new clients.
Blue Springs (Adjacent)	A separate city but part of the metro. Comparable rents, similar vibe.	$800 - $950	Expands your potential client base. Commutes to Lee’s Summit are easy via I-70 or MO-7.

Insider Tip: If you plan to rent a suite, living within a 10-minute drive of your salon is a huge advantage. It allows you to easily pop over for forgotten tools or to see a client last-minute without a long commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 8% indicates a stable but not booming market. To advance, you must specialize and diversify.

Specialty Premiums:

• Master Colorist (Balayage, Ombré): Can add $5 - $10/hour to your rate or allow for higher service pricing.
• Extensions (Tape-In, Hand-Tied): Specialized training can increase your income by 30-50% due to the high cost of the service.
• Advanced Skin Treatments (Microneedling, Dermaplaning): Often required for med-spa roles, which can offer salaries in the $45,000 - $60,000 range.
• Brow Lamination & Microblading: High-demand, low-time services that boost revenue per hour.

Advancement Paths:

1. Commission to Suite Rental: Move from a 40-50% commission to paying a flat monthly rent for your own space, keeping 70-100% of revenue.
2. Salon Manager: Some large salons (like Great Clips) offer manager roles with a salary around $45,000 - $55,000 plus potential bonuses.
3. Educator: Work for a beauty school or brand (like Redken or Olaplex) doing training. This path often requires advanced certifications and a strong professional reputation.
4. Business Owner: Open your own salon suite or full-scale salon. The most lucrative but highest-risk path.

10-Year Outlook: The cosmetology field in Lee’s Summit will continue to evolve toward wellness and specialization. The general "cut and color" market will remain competitive. The growth will be in niches: medical aesthetics, bridal/wedding services, and specialized hair treatments. Stylists who invest in ongoing education will see the best financial growth.

The Verdict: Is Lee's Summit Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: The Cost of Living Index of 93.3 (US avg=100) means your $37,598 salary goes further here than in most cities.	Limited High-End Market: While there are upscale salons, the number of true luxury establishments (with $60k+ earning potential) is smaller than in Kansas City or St. Louis.
Stable Job Market: With 208 jobs and 8% growth, finding a position is feasible, especially if you're willing to start with a chain salon.	Traffic & Commute: Lee’s Summit is car-dependent. Commutes to the best salon hubs (like near the Town Center) can be affected by rush hour on MO-291 and I-70.
Community Feel: It’s easier to build a personal brand and loyal clientele in a suburb where people value relationships and consistency.	Less "Scene": If you thrive on the energy of a downtown creative scene, Lee’s Summit may feel quiet. Networking is more localized.
Proximity to Kansas City: You get a suburban life with easy access to KC’s larger market, advanced training, and bigger events.	Saturation in Entry-Level: The competition for basic cut-and-color jobs is real. You need a point of differentiation.

Final Recommendation:
Lee’s Summit is an excellent choice for a cosmetologist who values stability, a reasonable cost of living, and a strong community connection. It’s a place to build a solid, sustainable career, not necessarily to hit the highest national salary brackets right away. It’s ideal for:

• Career starters looking for a manageable market to build a clientele.
• Stylists who want to eventually own a suite or small salon without the massive overhead of a major city.
• Professionals with a partner who has a steady income, making homeownership a realistic goal.
• Anyone who prefers a supportive, suburban environment over a high-pressure, competitive urban center.

If you’re looking for the pinnacle of the fashion and beauty industry, Kansas City is a short drive away. But for a balanced life with a solid professional foundation, Lee’s Summit is a smart, strategic bet.

FAQs

1. I'm a new graduate. How long will it realistically take to build a full clientele in Lee's Summit?
Expect 6 months to 1 year of consistent, focused effort. Start at a chain salon to get immediate walk-in traffic. Use social media (Instagram is huge here) to showcase your work to the local community. Partner with local businesses for cross-promotion. Patience and consistency are key.

2. Is booth rental or commission better in Lee's Summit?
It depends on your experience. Commission (40-50%) is better for new grads—you get a built-in clientele and support. Booth rental is better for established stylists (5+ years) with a guaranteed client base. The break-even point is typically around 20-25 regular clients per week. Many stylists start with commission and transition to rental after 3-5 years.

3. How important is it to be licensed in both Missouri and Kansas?
Not essential for most work in Lee’s Summit, but it’s a strategic advantage. Many clients live or work across state lines. Having a Kansas license (which has similar requirements) allows you to service clients in Kansas City, MO (the metro area), and