US
Helena, MT
Montana salary market
$39.4K
Avg / Year
+12% vs U.S.
vs National
50
Employment
$3.3K
Monthly Avg
Updated for 2026

Cosmetologist Salary in Helena, MT (2026)

The Cosmetologist salary in Helena, MT for 2026 is presented as a modeled salary benchmark built from the latest official BLS wage baseline, then extended with wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available. This guide compares the Helena, MT market with the U.S. baseline and breaks projected pay down by experience, skills, industry, and nearby markets. Official BLS and O*NET title: "Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologists".

Official BLS baseline: 2024Helena, MT city pageModeled salary guide10 min read
City Average
$39.4K
per year
Entry Level
$24.1K
starting range
Senior Level
$61.5K
upper local band
Remote / Hybrid
$40.2K
modeled local premium
Monthly
$3.3K
avg before tax
Hourly Rate
$18
median equivalent
Salary figures projected to 2026  from May 2024BLS OEWS baseline  ·  Projections use wage history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available
Advertisement
Advertisement

Cosmetologist Salary Overview in Helena, MT

Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Cosmetologist pay in Helena, MT at about $39,408.0 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $22,390.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $79,990.0.

Salary estimates are based on data from the Helena, Mt metropolitan area.

If you’re comparing Cosmetologist salaries in Helena, MT, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.

Helena, MT vs. U.S. National Average

Helena, MT pays +12% vs u.s. for Cosmetologist roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.

United States National Average
$35.3K
all U.S. markets combined
+12%
Helena, MT Premium
Helena, MT City Average
$39.4K
Cosmetologist
MarketProjected Salaryvs Helena, MTMarket Maturity
Helena, MT (this guide)$39,408.0BaselineLocal market
United States$35,250.0-11% vs U.S.National baseline
Great Falls, MT$40,600.0+3% vs U.S.Comparable city
Missoula, MT$36,940.0-6% vs U.S.Comparable city
Billings, MT$36,830.0-7% vs U.S.Comparable city
Why Helena, MT pay differsThe strongest city salary premiums usually appear where employers compete for specialized talent, where the role is concentrated, and where local costs make compensation harder to hold down.

Cosmetologist Salary by Experience Level in Helena, MT

Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Helena, MT, this breakdown shows how aCosmetologist can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.

Entry-Level
0-2 years
$32.7K
$19/hr median equivalent
$24.1K - $39.4K
Mid-Level
3-5 years
$39.4K
$19/hr median equivalent
$32.7K - $61.5K
Senior
6-10 years
$61.5K
$19/hr median equivalent
$39.4K - $86.3K
Lead / Principal
10+ years
$86.3K
$19/hr median equivalent
$61.5K - $105K
LevelExperienceProjected SalaryProjected RangeMarket Signal
Entry-Level Cosmetologist0-2 years$32,657.0$24,147.0 - $39,408.0-7% vs U.S.
Mid-Level Cosmetologist3-5 years$39,408.0$32,657.0 - $61,517.0+12% vs U.S.
Senior Cosmetologist6-10 years$61,517.0$39,408.0 - $86,268.0+75% vs U.S.
Lead / Principal Cosmetologist10+ years$86,268.0$61,517.0 - $105,248+145% vs U.S.
Advertisement

Best Salary Areas Near Helena, MT

Nearby metro areas help show how Cosmetologist pay changes around Helena, MT. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.

#1
Helena, MT
$39.4K
avg / year
Salary estimates are based on data from the Helena, Mt metropolitan area.
This guide
#2
Great Falls, MT
$40.6K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Cosmetologist salaries around Helena, MT.
+3% vs U.S.
#3
Missoula, MT
$36.9K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Cosmetologist salaries around Helena, MT.
-6% vs U.S.
#4
Billings, MT
$36.8K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Cosmetologist salaries around Helena, MT.
-7% vs U.S.
#5
Great Falls, MT
$36.5K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Cosmetologist salaries around Helena, MT.
-7% vs U.S.

Cosmetologist Salary by Industry in Helena, MT

Industry premiums in Helena, MT usually come from employers that place the Cosmetologist role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.

IndustryModeled SalaryReference RangeSignal
Information$101,490$58,770.0 - $155,910Stronger salary
Manufacturing$65,000.0$37,270.0 - $78,000.0Stronger salary
Management of Companies and Enterprises$62,090.0$37,440.0 - $84,860.0Stronger salary
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation$59,350.0$31,190.0 - $135,870Competitive
Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing$48,740.0$38,720.0 - $48,740.0Competitive
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services$48,670.0$35,360.0 - $131,690Competitive
Government Excluding Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service$41,260.0$28,360.0 - $55,310.0Competitive
Government, Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service$39,720.0$28,240.0 - $57,690.0Competitive

Entry-Level Cosmetologist Salary in Helena, MT

Entry-level Cosmetologist jobs in Helena, MT are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.

For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Cosmetologist salary guide.

Entry estimateA reasonable entry-level salary benchmark for Cosmetologist roles in Helena, MT is about $32,657.0.
Preparation pathJob Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Typical education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Training signal: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Remote vs Onsite Cosmetologist Pay in Helena, MT

Remote work can widen the employer pool for Cosmetologist candidates in Helena, MT. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.

Local Onsite Role
$39,408.0
avg local employer
Hybrid Role
$40,196.2
modeled local premium
+2% local avg
Work TypeEstimated SalaryExperienceBest FitFlexibility
Remote$38,619.8Market dependentNational hiring poolsHigh
Hybrid$40,196.2Metro dependentHelena, MT employersMedium
Onsite$39,408.0Location dependentLocal teams and operationsLower

Cost of Living vs Salary in Helena, MT

A salary in Helena, MT should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.

Monthly Expense
Entry
Mid
Senior
Housing / rent
$525.4
$722.5
$919.5
Transport / commute
$114.9
$131.4
$147.8
Food and groceries
$246.3
$262.7
$295.6
Utilities and internet
$114.9
$131.4
$147.8
Estimated remainder
$1.1K
$1.7K
$2.1K
Advertisement

Top Employers Hiring Cosmetologists in Helena, MT

Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Cosmetologist pay tends to be strongest in Helena, MT, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.

1
Information employers
$101K
Industry benchmark for Cosmetologist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
2
Manufacturing employers
$65.0K
Industry benchmark for Cosmetologist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
3
Management of Companies and Enterprises employers
$62.1K
Industry benchmark for Cosmetologist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
4
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation employers
$59.4K
Industry benchmark for Cosmetologist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
5
Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing employers
$48.7K
Industry benchmark for Cosmetologist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
6
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services employers
$48.7K
Industry benchmark for Cosmetologist roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.

Helena, MT Compared With Other U.S. Cities

This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherHelena, MT is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Cosmetologist work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.

Helena, MT
This guide
$39.4K
Baseline
Great Falls, MT
Nearby U.S. market
$40.6K
+3% vs U.S.
Missoula, MT
Nearby U.S. market
$36.9K
-6% vs U.S.
Billings, MT
Nearby U.S. market
$36.8K
-7% vs U.S.
Great Falls, MT
Nearby U.S. market
$36.5K
-7% vs U.S.
Billings, MT
Nearby U.S. market
$32.1K
-19% vs U.S.
Missoula, MT
Nearby U.S. market
$30.0K
-24% vs U.S.

Career Growth Opportunities in Helena, MT

Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.

1
Intern / Trainee
$20.4K - $27.5K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
2
Junior
$25.4K - $33.5K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
3
Mid Level
$31.7K - $39.5K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
4
Senior
$38.1K - $49.4K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
5
Lead
$45.1K - $57.1K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
6
Principal / Architect
$52.9K - $72.3K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
BLS Demand SignalEmployment is projected to change by 5.6% from 2024 to 2034.
Faster than averageAnnual openings: 75.8 thousand.
Metric2026 Outlook
Projected employment575.2k → 607.4k
Typical educationMost occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related experiencePrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Local market anchor50 jobs with a median of $39,408.0

Factors Affecting Cosmetologist Salary in Helena, MT

Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.

Years of Experience
Salary usually rises as the role moves from entry-level execution to independent ownership, mentoring, and broader decision-making.
Location and Cost of Living
Local salary ranges vary by labor market, employer density, and household-income context.
Industry
Industry pay can vary when employers in higher-margin or harder-to-staff sectors compete for the same occupation.
Specialized Skills
O*NET marks high-demand role-specific skills as relevant skills for this role, making them useful anchors for specialization and salary-growth content.

How to Increase Your Cosmetologist Salary in Helena, MT

In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.

1
Benchmark against stronger markets
Compare national, metro, and industry salary facts before negotiating so your target range is grounded in current wage data.
1-3 months timeline
2
Build a visible specialization
Prioritize skills such as high-demand role-specific skills; O*NET relevance scores make these good first candidates for portfolio and resume positioning.
3-9 months timeline
3
Target higher-paying industries
Use industry salary facts to identify sectors that already pay above the occupation baseline.
2-6 months timeline
Advertisement

Cosmetologist Salary in Helena, MT: FAQs

These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.

These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Cosmetologist" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.

What is the average Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologist in Helena, MTs salary?
The latest national baseline for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologists is about $35,300 per year, based on the current BLS-derived salary facts in CareerClev.
What is the entry-level Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologist in Helena, MTs salary?
Entry-level estimates for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologists are modeled around the lower BLS percentile range, currently about $24,600 per year nationally.
How much can senior Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologist in Helena, MTs professionals earn?
Senior Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologists estimates are modeled from upper percentile wage bands and currently sit around $48,300 per year nationally.
Does location affect Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologist in Helena, MTs salary?
Yes. CareerClev stores salary facts by national, state, and metro locations, so location-specific pages should use the closest available geography instead of a single national number.
Which skills matter for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologist in Helena, MTs salary growth?
CareerClev uses O*NET skill importance and level scores to identify role-relevant skills. These are useful for recommendations, but should not be presented as measured salary premiums unless enriched compensation data exists.
Data
Data Sources & MethodologyUpdated using 2024 BLS OEWS salary facts, O*NET occupation-skill data, Census location context where available, ILOSTAT country benchmarks where mapped, BLS Employment Projections where imported, and Stack Overflow Developer Survey enrichment for mapped tech roles.
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.
Salary Anchor Ad
Salary Anchor Ad