A Career in Cosmetology

If you’re interested in art, fashion, and beauty--and you like working with people--a career in cosmetology might be right for you. Careers in cosmetology include, among others:

• Beauticians
• Estheticians
• Manicurists
• Salon workers.

Before you can become a cosmetologist, you’ll need to attend beauty school to get a cosmetology license.

Job Description

Once you have a license, you can begin working as a cosmetologist. Right out of beauty school, you’ll likely work as an assistant, intern or apprentice at least a year. In your first few years on the job, you’ll most likely work on building your clientele. The more regular clients you have, the more money you’ll make. As a hair stylist or esthetician you may have to spend long hours standing, and you’ll likely have to work on weekends and evenings.

Career options in the field include:

• Estheticians: Estheticians are skin care professionals who can perform waxing and facials on clients.
  
• Hairdressers: Hairdressers provide beauty services for the hair, including coloring and cutting.
  
• Manicurists: Manicurists work solely on nails, providing manicures and pedicures.

Salary Guide

As with most careers in beauty, the more experience and schooling you have, the more you’ll earn. Factors such as where the salon is located and its reputation can also determine your earning potential. Salons may pay their employees a commission on products sold, a salary based on the number of hours they work, or a commission on the services performed.

According to a 2008 survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage (including tips and commission) for a cosmetologist is $11.33. However, the highest 10 percent of earners made more than $20 an hour.

Education, Training and Work Experience

A state license is required for most careers in the beauty industry. To qualify for a license, you you’ll need to attend a state-licensed cosmetology school. You’ll then go in front of the cosmetology board to take an exam for your license. The exam for a cosmetology license has a written test and may contain a practical test of styling skills.

Some cosmetology schools offer the option to take a portion of the necessary courses online. However, obtaining a license will also require some on-site training, so you can learn how to work with clients and perform certain services.

Career Advancement

Your work as a cosmetologist will vary greatly depending on the area in which you specialize, as will your opportunities for advancement

Once you’ve obtained your cosmetology license, you may wish to start networking to gain regular clients. Some hairdressers and beauticians opt to attend conventions and workshops to network within the field. As a cosmetologist, you may wish to eventually open your own spa or salon.

No matter what part of the cosmetology industry you’re interested in, you’ll have to keep up with a regular cosmetology license renewal schedule.

Related Associations and Groups

For more information about careers in the beauty field, you may wish to research the following associations and groups:

• Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals
• National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers, Distributors and Associations
• National Cosmetology Association.