Cosmetologist in St. Paul, MN

The Salary Picture: Where St. Paul Stands

St. Paul’s cosmetology job market is stable but modestly paid. The median salary of $39,037/year ($18.77/hour) sits slightly above the national average of $38,370/year, but the gap is thin. With 607 jobs in the metro and 10-year job growth of 8%, this isn’t a boomtown for hairstylists—it’s a steady, reliable market. You’re not moving here for explosive opportunities, but for a balanced lifestyle in a major metro with a lower cost of living than coastal cities.

Here’s how experience impacts your earning potential in St. Paul:

Experience Level	Typical St. Paul Salary Range	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $36,000/year	Commission-based pay, building clientele, often starts at $12-$15/hour + tips
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$36,000 - $42,000/year	Steady clientele, may earn chair rent or higher commission (40-50%), some specialization
Senior (8-15 years)	$42,000 - $50,000/year	Established book, may be a master stylist or salon manager, premium service pricing
Expert (15+ years)	$50,000 - $65,000+	Salon owner, top-tier color specialist, or educator; income heavily dependent on reputation

How St. Paul compares to other Minnesota cities:

• Minneapolis: Median salary is slightly higher at ~$41,000, with more high-end salons and corporate chains. Commute from St. Paul is easy (25 minutes via I-94).
• Duluth: Lower cost of living but fewer jobs; median pay is closer to $36,000.
• Rochester: Driven by Mayo Clinic clientele, median pay is similar to St. Paul but with more medical spa opportunities.
• St. Cloud: Smaller market, pay around $35,000, but very low competition.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at median salary. The real money in St. Paul cosmetology comes from building a loyal clientele in affluent neighborhoods like Summit Hill or Highland Park. Stylists who specialize in balayage or curly hair often command 20-30% higher rates. The $18.77/hour base is common for booth rental or commission jobs, but top performers clear $50-$60/hour with tips and retail sales.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down a $39,037/year budget for a single cosmetologist in St. Paul. This is the median, so it’s a realistic starting point.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $39,037/year):

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,253
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, MN State, FICA): ~$650/month (20% effective rate)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$2,603
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,327/month (City average)
• Utilities (Energy, Internet, Water): $150-$200/month
• Groceries: $300/month
• Health Insurance (if not employer-sponsored): $200-$400/month (MNsure marketplace)
• Car Payment/Insurance/Transit: $200-$400/month (varies)
• Miscellaneous (Phone, Personal Care, Entertainment): $300/month
• Remaining for Savings/Debt: $100-$300/month

Can you afford to buy a home?
At $39,037/year, you’re at the edge of what lenders consider for a mortgage. The median home price in St. Paul is around $280,000. With a 10% down payment ($28,000), your monthly mortgage (including taxes/insurance) would be ~$1,600-$1,700. That’s over 50% of your net income—a risky ratio. Most lenders want housing costs below 30% of income.

Insider Tip: Many cosmetologists in St. Paul buy homes in their 30s after building a clientele and increasing income. Start by renting in a neighborhood with good client potential (like Cathedral Hill), then consider buying in more affordable areas like Payne-Phalen or the East Side once your income rises to the $50,000+ range.

Where the Jobs Are: St. Paul’s Major Employers

St. Paul’s cosmetology job market is a mix of high-end salons, chain franchises, and medical spas. Here’s where to look:

1. Pig Aye Salon (Grand Ave, Mac-Groveland): A trendy, mid-sized salon known for natural hair care and bold color. They hire commission-based stylists and often seek specialists in textured hair. Hiring trends: steady, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

2. Salon 818 (Grand Ave, Summit Hill): High-end, service-focused salon. They prefer stylists with 3+ years of experience and a strong portfolio. Often post jobs on Instagram and local cosmetology schools. Trends: increasing demand for balayage and men’s grooming.

3. The Hair Loft (Rice Street, North End): A family-owned salon serving a diverse clientele. They hire booth rent and commission stylists. Known for consistent business and loyal customers. Trends: looking for stylists comfortable with both classic and modern cuts.

4. LifeSpa (Multiple locations, including Galleria): Part of the Life Time Fitness chain. This is a medical spa setting—more stable hours, benefits, and clientele focused on wellness. Hiring trends: prefer licensed cosmetologists with esthetics crossover (facials, waxing).

5. European Wax Center (Multiple locations, including Maplewood): A franchise specializing in waxing. They train and hire entry-level cosmetologists. Good for building experience quickly. Trends: high turnover but frequent openings.

6. Mayo Clinic (Downtown St. Paul): The in-house salon for employees and patients. Extremely competitive to get into, but offers stability, benefits, and a unique client base. Trends: they hire through internal postings and referrals.

7. Independent Salons (Various neighborhoods): Many successful stylists in St. Paul work in independent booth rental spaces. Check local classifieds and Facebook groups like “Minnesota Cosmetology Jobs” for these opportunities.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often not posted publicly. Join the St. Paul Cosmetology Network (a local Facebook group) and attend events at the Minnesota Cosmetology Association. Many salons hire through word-of-mouth, especially in tight-knit communities like the one around Selby-Dale.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota requires a license to practice cosmetology. The process is straightforward but requires dedication.

Requirements (via Minnesota Board of Cosmetology):

1. Education: Complete 1,550 hours at a state-approved cosmetology school. Programs in St. Paul range from 10-15 months full-time.
2. Cost: Tuition varies from $10,000 - $20,000. Schools like Aveda Institute Minneapolis (in St. Paul) and Empire Beauty School offer programs. Additional costs for kit and books: ~$1,500.
3. Exams: Pass the Minnesota Cosmetology Written Exam and Practical Exam. Exams are administered by PSI. Fee: $150.
4. Application: Submit application to the board with proof of education, exam scores, and fee ($75). Total licensing cost: ~$225.
5. Timeline: From starting school to holding a license: 12-18 months. If you’re already licensed in another state, Minnesota has reciprocity for many states but may require additional hours or exams.

Insider Tip: St. Paul has several affordable schools. The Salon Professional Academy in nearby Eagan offers flexible scheduling. If you’re already licensed, apply for reciprocity early—Minnesota can take 4-6 weeks to process. Also, consider taking the NCEES exam if you want to work in medical spas (often requires extra certification).

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Choosing where to live affects your commute, client base, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Commute to Major Salons	Lifestyle & Client Potential
Summit Hill (Historic, near Grand Ave)	$1,500-$1,700	5-10 min to salon row on Grand Ave	Affluent, educated clients. Walkable, great for networking. Low commute.
Highland Park (South St. Paul)	$1,400-$1,600	10-15 min to Grand Ave, LifeSpa	Family-oriented, stable clientele. Good schools, safe.
Mac-Groveland (Near Cathedral Hill)	$1,350-$1,550	10 min to downtown salons	Mix of young professionals and families. Close to Parks like Hamline Park.
North End (Rice Street area)	$1,100-$1,300	15-20 min to Grand Ave	More affordable, diverse clientele. Growing local business scene.
Downtown St. Paul (Lowertown)	$1,600-$1,800	10 min to any salon	Urban, walkable, but fewer residential clients. Better for young, single professionals.
Payne-Phalen (East Side)	$1,000-$1,200	20-25 min to Grand Ave	Very affordable, strong community. Great for building a loyal local clientele.

Insider Tip: If you’re new to St. Paul, start in Mac-Groveland or Highland Park. The rent is reasonable, commutes are short, and you’ll be near both affluent and middle-class clients. Avoid living too far east unless you’re planning to open your own salon in that community—commuting to Grand Ave daily will eat into your income and time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

St. Paul isn’t a place for quick wealth, but it’s excellent for building a sustainable career.

Specialty Premiums:

• Curly Hair Specialist: Can charge 20-30% more than standard cuts. In high demand in progressive neighborhoods.
• Men’s Grooming/Beard Work: Growing niche, especially in breweries and barbershop hybrids.
• Bridal/Event Styling: Seasonal but lucrative. Networks with local wedding planners at venues like the Como Park Conservatory or The St. Paul Hotel.
• Medical Spa Services: Adding esthetics (facials, waxing) can boost income by $5,000-$10,000/year.

Advancement Paths:

1. Commission Stylist → Booth Renter: Rent a chair at a salon for $400-$800/month. This is where income jumps—you keep all service revenue.
2. Salon Manager: Salary range $45,000-$60,000. Requires strong business skills.
3. Salon Owner: Open in a neighborhood like Payne-Phalen or Highland Park. Startup costs: $50,000-$100,000. Profitability depends on location and marketing.
4. Educator/Brand Ambassador: Work with companies like Redken or Aveda. Travel within Minnesota for workshops. Pay: $40,000-$60,000 plus mileage.

10-Year Outlook:
The 8% job growth is steady but not explosive. Demand will increase in:

• Senior-focused salons: As the population ages, more styling services for older adults.
• Medical spas: Mayo Clinic’s expansion will drive demand for wellness-oriented beauty services.
• Sustainability: Salons using eco-friendly products (like Aveda) are growing in St. Paul’s green-conscious market.

Insider Tip: The key to growth in St. Paul is specialization. Take advanced classes in balayage or curly hair at Aveda Institute. Network with photographers at University of Minnesota events—many stylists build their portfolio through collaboration with local artists.

The Verdict: Is St. Paul Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with 607 metro jobs.	Salaries are modest—median $39,037 won’t make you rich.
Lower cost of living than coastal cities (index 105.8 vs. 130+).	Limited high-end salon scene compared to Minneapolis.
Strong community—easy to build a loyal clientele.	Winters are harsh—commutes can be difficult.
Good work-life balance—less hustle than bigger metros.	Growth requires specialization—generalists may plateau.
Access to major employers like Mayo Clinic and LifeSpa.	Home ownership is tough on median salary.

Final Recommendation:
St. Paul is an excellent choice for cosmetologists who value stability, community, and work-life balance over rapid income growth. It’s ideal if you’re:

• Early to mid-career and want to build a clientele without intense competition.
• Looking to specialize in niches like curly hair or medical spa services.
• Planning to buy a home in the medium term (5-7 years) after income grows.
• Seeking a supportive network of professionals in a mid-sized city.

If you’re driven purely by income potential, look to Minneapolis or larger coastal cities. But for a sustainable, rewarding career in a vibrant, affordable metro, St. Paul delivers.

FAQs

1. Can I make a living on the median salary in St. Paul?
Yes, but it requires careful budgeting. With $39,037/year and rent at $1,327/month, you’ll need to manage expenses closely. Many stylists supplement income with tips (often 15-20% of service) and retail commissions. Building a clientele quickly is key to raising earnings.

2. How do I find a salon job in St. Paul without experience?
Look for entry-level roles at franchises like European Wax Center or Supercuts in the suburbs (Maplewood, Woodbury). They often train new hires. Also, check Aveda Institute’s job board—they hire graduates from their own school.

3. Is it better to work in Minneapolis or St. Paul?
Depends on your goals. Minneapolis has higher salaries and more luxury salons, but competition is fierce. St. Paul offers a tighter community and easier commute if you live there. Many stylists work in Minneapolis but live in St. Paul for the lower rent.

4. What’s the best way to build a clientele in St. Paul?
Focus on neighborhoods where you live and work. Join local Facebook groups (like “St. Paul Moms” or “Highland Park Community”). Partner with nearby businesses—offer discounts to employees at 3M or Securian Financial. Consistency and word-of-mouth are everything here.

5. Are there opportunities for side income?
Absolutely. Many cosmetologists in St. Paul:

• Do mobile services for homebound clients (elderly or new parents).
• Teach part-time at cosmetology schools (Aveda, Empire).
• Sell hair care products online (local boutiques like Ames & Miller in Lowertown may consign).

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Minnesota Board of Cosmetology, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Zillow (rent data), Cost of Living Index (Council for Community and Economic Research).