Last Updated: April 11, 2026

Updated: April 2025 | Hub: Services & Fitness Jobs | Positions: Hair Stylist, Senior Stylist, Salon Manager | Min Age: 18 (cosmetology license required)

Cost Cutters Application Guide (2025): How to Apply for a Stylist or Manager Job

Quick Answer: Cost Cutters is a value-priced haircut chain operated by Regis Corporation with 500+ locations primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. To apply, visit regiscareers.com or search your local salon on Indeed. Hair Stylists start at $13–$17/hr plus tips, with experienced stylists earning $18–$24/hr plus tips. Salon Managers earn $38,000–$52,000/yr. A valid state cosmetology license is required for all service positions. Cost Cutters is a sister brand to Supercuts under Regis Corporation, sharing the same ATS and HR systems.

Cost Cutters at a Glance

Founded: 1968, Madison, Wisconsin
Parent company: Regis Corporation (also owns Supercuts, SmartStyle, First Choice Haircutters)
Total Locations: 500+ primarily in Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast
Positioning: Budget/value haircuts ($14–$22 range); walk-in model
Glassdoor rating: 3.2 out of 5 stars

How to Apply at Cost Cutters

Step 1: Apply at regiscareers.com

Cost Cutters uses the Regis Corporation careers portal at regiscareers.com. This same portal covers Supercuts, Cost Cutters, SmartStyle, and First Choice Haircutters. Filter by “Cost Cutters” brand and your location. You can also walk into any Cost Cutters salon and ask to speak with the Salon Manager directly about current openings — this direct approach is often effective at franchise locations.

Step 2: Complete Application and License Upload

Submit your cosmetology license details (license number, state, expiration date). Note your available hours — Cost Cutters operates 9am–9pm most days and values stylists who can cover peak evening and weekend times. List your service specializations: basic haircuts, color services, perms, and chemical treatments.

Step 3: Salon Manager Interview

Cost Cutters interviews are conducted by the Salon Manager at the target location. The conversation covers your experience, availability, and service speed. Walk-in volume salons prioritize efficiency and consistency — being able to deliver quality haircuts in 20–30 minutes is valued. A trial cut may be requested to verify technique.

Cost Cutters Pay Rates (2025)

Cost Cutters Pay Rates by Position (2025)
Position	Starting Pay	Experienced Pay	Type
Hair Stylist (Entry-Level)	$13–$15/hr + tips	$15–$18/hr + tips	Full-time / Part-time
Senior Stylist	$16–$20/hr + tips	$20–$24/hr + tips	Full-time
Salon Manager	$38,000–$46,000/yr	$46,000–$55,000/yr	Salaried
Area Supervisor	$55,000–$65,000/yr	$65,000–$75,000/yr	Salaried

Requirements

Cosmetology license: Active state cosmetology license required for all stylist positions.
Minimum age: 18.
Experience: Entry-level accepts recent cosmetology school graduates. Senior positions require 1–2 years of professional experience.
Technical skills: All haircut types and basic color services expected for senior stylists.

Benefits

Health insurance: Medical, dental, vision for full-time Regis Corp employees.
401(k): Retirement plan with employer match.
Paid time off: For full-time stylists.
CE education: Regis sponsors continuing education workshops and platform artist presentations.
Cross-brand transfers: As a Regis Corp brand, Cost Cutters stylists can transfer to Supercuts or SmartStyle locations with retained seniority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Cost Cutters and Supercuts?

Both are Regis Corporation brands with similar business models (walk-in haircuts, no appointments). Cost Cutters is positioned slightly lower-price than Supercuts ($14–$22 haircut vs. $23–$30) and has stronger geographic concentration in the Midwest. Both use the same Regis corporate HR systems (regiscareers.com) and offer the same employee benefits through Regis. For stylists, the day-to-day experience is nearly identical — the primary difference is location availability and local brand recognition in your market.

Cost Cutters Application – Jobs, Pay & How to Apply