Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologists

Also Called: Cosmetologist, Hair Stylist, Hairdresser, Hairstylist

Certificate After High School

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$23,520

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologists do

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

  • Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
  • Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
  • Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
Industry Areas:

Retail Sales and Services

Training Program Areas:

Cosmetology • OCT-Only Retail Sales & Service

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  • Telephone
  • Contact With Others
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Freedom to Make Decisions

Tools

  • Hair combs or brushes
  • Electric hair clipper
  • Hair or curling iron
  • Hair scissors
  • Applicator brushes

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Video creation and editing software
YouTube
Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Service Orientation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning

Knowledge

Business
customer service
sales and marketing
Education and Training
teaching and course design

Education

  • 79% Post-secondary certificate
  • 21% High school diploma or equivalent

Experience

Previous 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.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Manicurists & Pedicurists

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologists Currently Selected

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, & Secondary School

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

 Job Training Match

Self-Enrichment Teachers

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • ABC Adult School

    Cerritos, CA

  • Academy of Careers and Technology

    Beckley, WV

Apprenticeships

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Artistic (Creator)
    • Enterprising (Persuader)
    • Social (Helper)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Self Control
  • Cooperation
  • Dependability
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Independence

Values

  • Relationships
  • Independence
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Hairdressers, Hairstylists, & Cosmetologists across the country typically make.

$11.31 / hour
$23,520 /year

Entry Level

$16.81 / hour
$34,970 /year

Median Level

$30.44 / hour
$63,310 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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