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Entry Level Cosmetologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Cosmetologist information

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How much do entry level cosmetologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cosmetologist in California is $20.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level cosmetologist?

An Entry Level Cosmetologist is a newly licensed professional who provides beauty services such as haircuts, hairstyling, coloring, manicures, pedicures, skincare treatments, and makeup application. They typically work in salons, spas, or beauty boutiques, assisting senior stylists while building their client base. Responsibilities often include shampooing, basic styling, sanitation, and offering product recommendations. This role helps cosmetologists gain hands-on experience and develop advanced techniques.

What does an entry level cosmetologist do?

A typical day for an Entry Level Cosmetologist involves greeting clients, providing basic haircuts, styling services, and assisting with shampooing or color applications under the guidance of more experienced staff. You will also help maintain cleanliness in the salon, ensure tools are sanitized, and support front-desk operations as needed. Tasks may vary based on client appointments and the team’s schedule, offering a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. Over time, you will have opportunities to expand your skill set, take on more advanced services, and build your own client base as you gain experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level cosmetologist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cosmetologist, you need a solid understanding of hair, skin, and nail care techniques, typically supported by completion of a cosmetology program and a state-issued cosmetology license. Familiarity with salon tools such as shears, styling wands, coloring products, and sanitation systems is essential. Excellent customer service, an eagerness to learn, and clear communication skills help you build client relationships and collaborate with salon teammates. These abilities are key to providing high-quality services, ensuring safety, and growing a loyal client base.

How to start out as an entry level cosmetologist?

To start as an entry-level cosmetologist, complete a state-approved cosmetology program and obtain the necessary license, which typically involves passing written and practical exams. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships and developing skills in hair, skin, and nail treatments are essential for building a client base and advancing in the field.

What is the entry level education for a cosmetologist?

Entry-level cosmetologists typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. They must complete a state-approved cosmetology training program, which includes coursework and practical experience, and obtain a license to practice professionally. Licensing requirements vary by state but generally involve passing written and practical exams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cosmetologist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cosmetologist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cosmetologist jobs in California?

For Entry Level Cosmetologist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cosmetologist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cosmetologist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Cosmetologist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Cosmetologist job openings:

Entry Level Cosmetologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cosmetologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,720 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Hair Color Bar Assistant, Licensed Cosmetologist

Madison Reed

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Madison Reed rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 42 rated hair and beauty

Job description

Assistant Colorist, Hair Color Bar
The Assistant Colorist at Madison Reed Hair Color Bar supports the Licensed Colorists and Shift Lead to provide a seamless guest experience from arrival to departure as you learn the services and work towards your next role. You love beauty and hair color, and you pride yourself on helping guests find the best color for them and executing their service with perfection.
The Madison Reed Assistant Colorist is the expert on Madison Reed consultations, hair care products, shampooing and conditioning, blowout services, unlimited roots membership program and subscriptions while learning and practicing services offered. Learning how to connect with guests and fellow team members to foster a focused and friendly work environment, meet the demands of a busy day, keeping the environment clean and organized while building relationships and supporting each other, the Assistant Colorist is in training for promotion to Licensed Colorist in 3-9 months. #livelifecolorfully
This role reports to the Manager, can be full or part time depending on business needs and requires availability at peak times to best serve our guest needs.
At Madison Reed, we aim to pay competitively. Compensation for this role consists of base hourly pay, commissions, and tips. Potential earnings for this location range from $28 -$30 per hour. Actual compensation contingent on factors including Hair Color Bar performance, tenure, and time behind the chair.
Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrate and develop teamwork skills to provide a guest experience aligned with our values of Love, Joy, Trust, Courage and Responsibility.
  • Perform behind-the-chair services such as assisting in finishing services and shampooing and conditioning services, styling, blowouts, hot tool styling, treatment and toner services, and add on product application per guest request.
  • Contribute to achieving monthly sales goals and other key performance indicators, including but not limited to: retail sales, services, memberships.
  • Ensure Hair Color Bar meets company standards as it relates to cleanliness, merchandising, inventory, company asset security.
  • Adhere to protocols regarding Madison Reed systems, policies, processes and procedures.
  • Drive Hair Color Bar revenue through increasing the average service ticket through additional services, sales of unlimited roots memberships, subscriptions, home hair care and more.
  • Take a proactive approach by demonstrating the willingness to learn and complete the Assistant
  • Colorist to Colorist Training including mastering color theory and developing behind the chair application skills to grow your career within Madison Reed

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, team members will regularly stand, walk for four plus consecutive hours; repetitive and regular bending and twisting at the waist; manipulating fingers and hands, bend and reach wrists and arms, reach with hands and arms or move up to ten pounds. May occasionally sit, kneel, stoop, crouch, and lift, push, pull up to ten pounds. Additionally, team members will communicate regularly with guests via ongoing conversations and consultations.
Qualifications:
  • Active cosmetology license in the state in which you are applying.
  • Entry level experience in any customer service or retail sales environment; salon or beauty industry experience preferred.
  • Effective communication, strong problem solving and people skills, in a fast-paced retail or salon environment.
  • Comfortable operating point of sale systems
  • Fluency in English
Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision & FSA (FT Only)
  • Employee Assistance Program (FT and PT)
  • Pre-tax Commuter (Parking & Transit) Basic (FT Only *)
  • Life AD&D (FT Only)
  • Short & Long-term Disability (FT Only)
  • Accident Insurance (FT Only)
  • Critical Illness Hospital (FT Only)
  • Hospital Indemnity (FT Only)
  • Parental Leave* (FT Only - Dependent on Tenure and Position)
  • Team Member Discount: Working Advantage (FT & PT)
  • Pet Insurance (FT & PT)
  • One Medical Membership (FT & PT)
  • The College Tuition Benefit (FT & PT)
  • 401k Plans (FT & PT)
  • Paid Vacation Time (FT Only)
  • Paid Holidays (FT & PT)

*Additional benefits may be available depending on geographic location
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, team members will regularly stand, walk for four plus consecutive hours; repetitive and regular bending and twisting at the waist; manipulating fingers and hands, bend and reach wrists and arms, reach with hands and arms or move up to ten pounds. May occasionally sit, kneel, stoop, crouch, and lift, push, pull up to ten pounds. Additionally, team members will communicate regularly with guests via ongoing conversations and consultations.
Equal Opportunity Statement Madison Reed is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to recruiting, training, compensating, and promoting our employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Inclusion is at the heart of what we do, from the way we craft our job descriptions to the values we espouse daily.Pay Transparency The posted pay range for this role represents the expected compensation for this position. Actual offers are determined by a number of factors including the applicant's experience, skills, and location.Background Checks & Fair Chance We comply with all applicable Fair Chance Ordinances and will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and other applicable laws within the city, county, and state candidates are located.Accommodations We value inclusion and are pleased to provide reasonable accommodations to complete the interview process. If you require an accommodation, please contact hiring@madison-reed.com as early as possible.
Note to Recruiters Madison Reed does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing vendors or search firms and does not pay fees for any such resumes. All unsolicited resumes are considered the property of Madison Reed.

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