Healthcare trades
cosmetologist salary in Rhode Island
The median cosmetologist in Rhode Island earns $31,200 a year based on the latest BLS wage release. That is 13% below the national median of $35,790, and the top 10% in the state earns more than $38,630.
STATE MEDIAN
$31,200
Per year, 2025
TOP 10 PERCENT
$38,630
Per year
WORKERS IN STATE
1,470
Reported employment
VS NATIONAL
-13%
Below national median
What do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn in Rhode Island?
These percentile cuts show how pay spreads from entry level earnings to top-end specialists in the state.
10TH PERCENTILE
$31,200
Lower end of the pay range
25TH PERCENTILE
$31,200
Early career benchmark
MEDIAN
$31,200
Middle of the market
75TH PERCENTILE
$32,950
Experienced worker benchmark
90TH PERCENTILE
$38,630
Top earning range
How does Rhode Island compare to national earnings?
Rhode Island pays 13% below the national median for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. That makes cost discipline more important, especially if you are choosing between a free apprenticeship path, a community college certificate, and a private program.
Rhode Island
$31,200
State median annual wage
National median
$35,790
BLS national median wage
How do you train as a cosmetologist in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, most hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists start through community college, certificate programs, and employer-linked clinical or salon training. Compare tuition, required hours, licensing steps, and how quickly the program gets you into paid work. Rhode Island typically regulates cosmetology training hours and the state licensure exam. Program length, required hours, and apprentice options vary by state board.
Lowest debt path
Apprenticeship, community college, or employer-sponsored training usually keeps borrowing pressure lowest. That matters more than raw starting pay if you are comparing a free path against a private program.
What to verify before enrolling
Check tuition, licensing hours, exam pass rates, employer placement, and how quickly the program gets you to a paid job in Rhode Island.
What is the debt-to-income reality in Rhode Island?
The 8% rule says a monthly student loan payment should ideally stay below 8% of gross monthly income.
For a community college style path with an illustrative $10,000 of training debt, a simple 10-year repayment schedule lands near $83 a month. Against a median gross monthly income of $2,600 in Rhode Island, that works out to about 3.2%.
This is an illustrative midpoint between a free apprenticeship path and a higher-cost private program. Your exact result depends on tuition, grants, and how long you stay in school.
What else should you read next?
Healthcare trades guide
Read the full healthcare trades guide for training paths, debt ranges, and employer context.
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Trade comparison methodology
See how CollegeLens sources BLS wages, training-cost ranges, and debt-to-income examples.
Common questions about cosmetologist pay in Rhode Island
What is the average cosmetologist salary in Rhode Island?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $31,200 for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in Rhode Island, with the top 10% above $38,630.
Is cosmetologist a good career in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island currently has 1,470 reported jobs in this trade. The path can work well when training cost stays reasonable relative to a median income of $31,200.
How do you become a cosmetologist in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, most hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists start through community college, certificate programs, and employer-linked clinical or salon training. Compare tuition, required hours, licensing steps, and how quickly the program gets you into paid work. Rhode Island typically regulates cosmetology training hours and the state licensure exam. Program length, required hours, and apprentice options vary by state board.
Where does Rhode Island rank for cosmetologist earnings?
Rhode Island is below the national median for this trade. State median: $31,200. National median: $35,790.
What does cosmetologist training cost in Rhode Island?
Training cost depends on the path. Apprenticeship can be near $0 out of pocket while you earn. Community college programs often land in the low thousands. Private trade school and certificate routes can be much higher. Always compare program cost against expected earnings in Rhode Island.