Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
SOC Code: 39-5012Also known as:
Beautician, Beauty Advisor, Beauty Operator, Beauty Specialist, Beauty Therapist
Median Annual Salary
$35,250
+5.6% growth (2024-2034)
76K
Openings/Year
575K
Current Jobs
What Hairdressers, hairstylists, and 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.
💰 Salary
$35,250
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.6%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
76K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
575,200
Projected Employment (2034)
607,400
Related Careers
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
$50,280 •
+8.1% growth
Manicurists and pedicurists
$34,660 •
+7.0% growth
Shampooers
$31,470 •
+5.5% growth
Skincare specialists
$41,560 •
+6.7% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Service Orientation
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Schedule client appointments.
- Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
- Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.
- Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
- Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.
- Operate cash registers to receive payments from patrons.
- Order, display, and maintain supplies.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists:
Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General
55,875 degrees awarded •
1,370 colleges offer this program
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other
2,497 degrees awarded •
92 colleges offer this program
Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor
1,436 degrees awarded •
349 colleges offer this program
Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design
1,386 degrees awarded •
90 colleges offer this program
Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager
514 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Make-Up Artist/Specialist
426 degrees awarded •
24 colleges offer this program
Electrolysis/Electrology and Electrolysis Technician
351 degrees awarded •
12 colleges offer this program
Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup and Tattooing
90 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists make?
The median annual salary for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is $35,250.
What education do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists need?
Most hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General, Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other, Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor.
Is becoming hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists a good career choice?
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to see +5.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 75,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists?
Top colleges for aspiring hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists include
Nouvelle Institute, Futura Career Institute, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Central Georgia Technical College, Southern Regional Technical College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists?
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists may also be known as: Beautician, Beauty Advisor, Beauty Operator, Beauty Specialist, Beauty Therapist, Colorist, Cosmetic Consultant, Cosmetician, Cosmetologist, Electrologist, Electrolysis Needle Operator, Electrolysis Operator, Electrolysist, Event Stylist, Funeral Home Makeup Artist, Hair and Makeup Designer, Hair Colorist, Hair Cutter, Hair Designer, Hair Dresser.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.