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What is Cosmetology?
The practice of cosmetology encompasses the study and application of beauty treatment. Cosmetology professionals were often associated with being a hair stylist by the previous generation. Today, trained cosmetology schools create professionals that will perform a range of treatments and solutions. Examples include the following disciplines:
- Hair Styling
- Makeup Artist
- Esthetics
- Permanent Makeup
- Electrolysis
- Nail Technician
- Laser Hair Removal
- Waxing
- Facials
Individuals who study at accredited cosmetology colleges will learn the foundational skills needed to start a career in the field. It is worth noting that fields of specialization such as electrolysis and makeup artistry may require a specific training program. As you will learn, cosmetologists work in a variety of business from spas and salons to hotels and resorts, along with stand-alone businesses.
Cosmetology is an exciting field providing a variety of services and specializations with a variety of training programs. Professionals in the beauty industry may work for a large corporation, a small business, or be an entrepreneur start their own business. A cosmetologist looking to earn a role as a trainer may choose to an alternate path. Instructors and trainers in the beauty industry must take an additional set of courses specifically designed to prepare individuals as instructors.
Career Summary
MEDIAN SALARY
TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT
352,380Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Cosmetology Schools
Casal Institute of Nevada (Casal Institute of Nevada) is an institution accredited by the National Accrediting Committee of Career Arts and Science in 2009. This is a professional organization focusing on cosmetology education and training. The Casal Institute of Nevada (Casal Institute of Nevada) is a beauty school that offers a wide range of top ranked cosmetology majors and certificate programs. This includes certificate courses for general beauticians/cosmetology and skin care specialists and beauticians/beauticians. To be admitted to the school, an applicant must pass the following: formal demonstration of competence, secondary school GPA, rank, and school record.
Acceptance Rate
79
Tuition
$21,301 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Since 1969, the Pennsylvania Central Institute of Science and Technology has been an expert in providing outstanding vocational, vocational, and technical training to public schools and adult learners. It is a leading institute with both institutional and program accreditation by different accrediting bodies.
CPI offers a comprehensive post-secondary diploma cosmetology course of 1250 clock hours. The program includes teaching units for general science, field history, hair, skin, nail care, and business skills. At the end of the course, students who have passed and completed 1250 hours of designated education and training will receive a state permit.
Acceptance Rate
89.77
Tuition
$15,340 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
The Mercer County Technical Education Center is West Virginia's premier technical and vocational education institution. It aims to prepare students with first-class technical and academic skills to obtain career opportunities in the 21st century.
MCTEC promotes a leading cosmetology program in cosmetology. The plan hopes to meet the standards of the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Beauticians and has been approved by the COE. MCTEC’s program requires a total of 1800 training hours in various areas of the cosmetology industry.
Acceptance Rate
80.43
Tuition
$5,517 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Great Lakes Institute of Technology is a two year private career college dedicated to offering a practical education for students located in and around Erie. Students may choose from a few areas of study, including:
- Personal and Culinary Services
- Health and Clinical Professions
- Education
Over the past several years Great Lakes Institute of Technology has awarded degrees to over 730 students with more than 75% of students who start the program complete it. Over twenty different programs are offered at Great Lakes Institute of Technology. The more popular programs are listed below:
- Cosmetology
- Medical Assistant
- Veterinary Assistant
- Nursing Assistant
- Surgical Technologist
To help support students, Great Lakes Institute of Technology may offer support services like those listed below:
- Night and weekend classes available
- Counseling assistance
- Employment search assistance
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has accredited the instruction & training provided by Great Lakes Institute of Technology for over thirty-four straight years. Please visit glit.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$30,000 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Universal Beauty School is a school that offers training in the cosmetology industry for residents of Sweetwater, FL. This school is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, and has done so continuously for the last nine consecutive years. This school primarily offers education in the area of cosmetology through professional and experienced teachers, increasing the chances that students who complete the program get the skills and education required to pursue licensure and gainful employment. In addition to cosmetology, Universal Beauty School also has a nail technology program for students who would like to pursue nail artistry, an esthetics program, which offers a comprehensive education in the area of skin care and treatment, and a hair styling program for individuals who wish to pursue a more fulfilling education in the management and styling of hair. In 2010-2011 close to seventy-two students graduated from this school, with students completing the programs with a graduate rate of around 88%. This school reported individuals had a federal loan default rate of approximately 11% in 2009. Universal Beauty School provides student services in the form of job placement options for graduates looking for work, remedial education classes for program or licensure preparation, and cosmetology career guidance & assistance to help students. City and state licensing procedures may differ, and as such it is recommended students look into getting a license in cosmetology. For additional information regarding consumer disclosures, interested students may visit the school's website.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$39,400 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
25:1
Interested individuals in and around Greenville may obtain a cosmetology education by enrolling at Delta Beauty College. For the last thirty-five years this school has received its accreditation from the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. The school offers an in-depth cosmetology program that teaches the skills and education needed to get licensure and long term employment upon completion. The cosmetology training courses that may be offered at this location are:
In the most recent reporting period, approximately a dozen students completed programs at this school. Delta Beauty College provides student services including career assistance for students starting their a career in cosmetology and help with finding job opportunities for students. City and state licensing procedures may vary, and as such it is recommended students lookup obtaining a license in cosmetology. To see more and get consumer disclosures, please visit the school website here to learn more.Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$20,500 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Wilson Tech, located in Northport, New York, is a technical school that accommodates the needs of both high school and adult students. They also offer educational solutions to businesses and employers who need to train their staff on various subjects. Wilson Tech has a wide array of career certificate programs specifically for high school students who want to jumpstart their future career and collect college credits at the same time. These programs include: carpentry, construction, heating and air, welding, photography, digital film, medical assisting, cosmetology, nurse assisting, culinary arts, veterinary assisting, computer technology, auto body repair, aviation science, and more. Wilson Tech also offers programs that are tailored specifically to adult students who want to change careers or augment their current ones. These specialized programs include: cosmetology licensure, surgical technology certification, practical nursing licensure, medical assisting certification, sonogram tech, and many more. In addition to the many programs of study offered at Wilson Tech, there are also classes offered to employers who need to augment the education of their staff. These classes include: computer training, personal health, safety training, professional development, technical and industry specific training, workplace literacy, and more. These classes are conveniently located, competitively priced, and taught by instructors who have both industry and academic backgrounds. If you or someone you know would like to apply at Wilson Tech, or if you would like more information about the career studies certificates and programs offered there, click here to access Wilson Tech’s official website.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$43,050 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
This is a two-year curriculum institution that focuses on providing students with career-based education. As an institution, LBI fosters hands-on learning and encourages learners to participate in the entire discussion, and build meaningful relationships between the class and the faculty. For learners who are eager to embrace the art of beauty, Laurel Business Institute (Laurel Business Institute) has developed some plans to provide students with the necessary knowledge and appropriate training. Laurel has different plans for cosmetology, including plans for a master's degree in cosmetology. Students will be trained, guided, and advised to become leaders in the field of cosmetology at LBI.
Acceptance Rate
91.45
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
The Salon Professional Academy - Grand Junction provides beauty & cosmetology training for students located in and around Grand Junction. Last year over sixty students completed their education and prepared for licensing. The cosmetology programs that are offered at this location are:
In order to provide support for students, The Salon Professional Academy - Grand Junction may provide services to students, including:- Career counseling for students
- Helping students find employment
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$20,140 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Laurel Technical Institute offers high-quality two-year courses in a number of occupations as well as vocational and technical education. It motivates students to achieve professional achievement through rigorous and purposeful training. LTI aims to provide students with knowledge of beauty and train them to prepare with top ranked cosmetology courses. Students are encouraged to enroll and finish a two-year program as administered by LTI’s school for cosmetology. Ensure that the cosmetology program graduates of the Technical College are prepared and competent for employment.
Acceptance Rate
91.86
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Interested in a career-focused college with a wide range of technical programs and a convenient campus near you? Then Institute of Technology is the perfect educational experience for you. We'll help you launch a new future of real opportunities.
Since 2004, we have been fulfilling our vision to be the premier provider of postsecondary education in the western U.S., measured by student satisfaction and focused educations that lead to valued careers. Our exciting list of career training programs includes education for the fields of allied health, network technology, computer technology, computerized accounting, web/graphic design, culinary arts, and more. Our class schedules are flexible, and our instructors provide classroom instruction balanced with ample hands-on training.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$31,935 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
The Fila Academy focuses on beauty & cosmetology training for students located in High Point and surrounding areas. The cosmetology courses that are offered at this location are:
In one of the ways The Fila Academy may support its students is by offering students with help in finding employment.
The last reported accreditation for The Fila Academy was done by National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can see programs available, tuition, and disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$20,145 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Ohio State School of Cosmetology - Westerville provides beauty & cosmetology training for students located in Westerville and surrounding areas. Over the past several years this school has granted certificates to over 130 cosmetology students. The cosmetology courses that are offered at this location are:
To help support students, Ohio State School of Cosmetology - Westerville may provide services to students, like:
- Career counseling for students
- Job placement assistance
The last reported accreditation for Ohio State School of Cosmetology - Westerville was done by National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. To see program disclosures, please visit the official website of the school.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$22,800 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Located in Onalaska, Wisconsin, The Salon Professional Academy - Onalaska is a private institution that offers career education for individuals interested in cosmetology. This school has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges since 2009. TSPA primarily offers education in the area of cosmetology through professional and experienced teachers, ensuring that students who complete the program are equipped with the skills and abilities needed to pursue licensure and long term employment. In addition to cosmetology, The Salon Professional Academy - Onalaska also offers a nail technology program for students who would like to pursue nail care and an esthetics program, which offers an excellent education in the area of skin care. In the most recent reported academic year, close to 59 students graduated from this school. The Salon Professional Academy - Onalaska offers services for students such as cosmetology career counseling to help students, flexible scheduling for those with irregular schedules, and job placement opportunities for graduates looking for work. Students are asked to look up local and state licensing regulations to make sure programs meet established standards. To see more and get consumer disclosures, you can visit the school site today.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$19,900 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - North Dayton focuses on cosmetology training for students located in and around Dayton. Last year over 120 students completed their training and prepared for licensing. The cosmetology courses that are offered at this school are:
To help support students, Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - North Dayton may provide services to students, like:
- Helping students find employment
- Night and weekend classes available
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - North Dayton has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences since 1998. Please visit creativeimages.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$19,350 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
PCI Academy, located in the rural area of Ames, IA, offers cosmetology training for interested individuals. This school has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences since 1981. The main program offered by PCI Academy is in cosmetology, which prepares individuals with the skills and education necessary to obtain licensure and seek out gainful employment after graduation. The cosmetology training courses that may be offered at this location are:
Approximately 430 students completed their training at this school over the last few years. Between the years of 2007-2009 the estimated average default rate for students taking loans to cover the tuition costs for this school was around 4.95%. PCI Academy provides student services such as job placement options for students looking for work, remedial education classes for program or licensure preparation, and cosmetology career guidance to help students. Students should look up state licensing requirements to determine whether programs meet current standards. To learn more and get consumer disclosures, please visit pci-academy.com.Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$23,624 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Students interested in a cosmetology career can get an education through Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - South Dayton, which is located in a residential area of Dayton, OH. This school has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences since 2002. This school's cosmetology program is constructed to prepare students for immediate employment upon completion, providing all the skills needed to prepare students for licensure and entry into the beauty industry. In addition, Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - South Dayton also offers a cosmetology instructor training program for professionals who want to become educators and a nail technology program, which offers training in nail artistry and care.
In 2010-2011 about eighty-nine students completed programs at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - South Dayton. This school reported students had a federal loan default rate of approximately 6.1% in 2009.
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - South Dayton offers student services such as help with finding job options for students and flexible courses for working or busy students. State and county licensing procedures may vary, and as such it is suggested students lookup obtaining a license in cosmetology. Students can learn more about Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - South Dayton, including licensing and consumer disclosures, by visiting creativeimages.edu.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$19,350 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
23:1
Since 1888, Utah State University has been a public land research institution with an excellent academic record. USU offers a broad assortment of programs and courses under the supervision of USU’s system and faculty. In USU, there is a place waiting for beauty lovers. The university offers a program in cosmetology that prepares them for a State Board Exam for licensure and become a licensed cosmetologist. In addition to the basic knowledge of cosmetology, it also provides students with advantages in learning haircuts, nails and skin care.
Acceptance Rate
90.95
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Morgantown Beauty College Inc is a school that provides training in the beauty industry for residents of Morgantown, WV. Morgantown Beauty College Inc has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences since 1993. This school's cosmetology program is designed to train students for immediate employment upon completion, providing all the skills required to prepare students for licensure and entry into the beauty industry. In addition to cosmetology, this school also offers an esthetics program, which offers an excellent education in the field of skin care and treatment, a cosmetology instructor training program for professionals that wish to teach cosmetology as a career, and a massage therapy program, which educates students with the skills that would be needed in spa settings.
The school enrolls about twenty-one students per year, providing students an excellent learning atmosphere. Morgantown Beauty College Inc reported students had a loan default rate of approximately 9.6% in 2009.
Morgantown Beauty College Inc provides job placement options for graduating students in need of employment. Local and state licensing procedures may differ, and as such it is recommended students lookup obtaining a license in cosmetology. For information and consumer disclosures, please visit school's website.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$19,902 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$20,000 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
The University of Pennsylvania School of Business and Technology is a two-year technical college. The mission of the institution is to enable students to discover their potential and become leaders in their fields and selected majors.
University of Pennsylvania School of Business – Welcome and train beauticians through the Toni & Guy School of Hairdressing Technical School. The program not only enables students to be competent and prepare to pass the state legislative examination, but also makes students the best students in the league. In addition, the institution also offers comprehensive courses in aesthetics.
Acceptance Rate
75.46
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$19,939 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
Founded in 1899, Northern Michigan University is a public research university on the Upper Peninsula. There are 8,000 students in NMU's undergraduate and graduate programs.
NMU offers beauty courses, including two-year certificate courses, one-semester beauty instructor certificate, one-semester beauty and beauty courses, one-semester manicure certificate. Students can choose to focus on specific areas of the beauty field and advance their training. A combination of classroom and laboratory work is offered to students of cosmetology program at NMU.
Acceptance Rate
65.59
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
The University of the Highlands of Siena is known for its Roman Catholic heritage and has been a first-class Catholic university since 1919. SHU's undergraduate college is divided into 7 departments and offers more than 40 academic courses.
Siena Heights University provides accredited courses in cosmetology. SHU has a plan for students who are interested in skin care specialists, which they can use when making inquiries. At the time of admission, the applicant must provide and pass the university's requirements.
Acceptance Rate
73.4
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$19,058 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
What Do Cosmetologists Study in School?
Given the vast number of cosmetology programs across the country, there is no universal standard for course work. However, there are a set of common courses that programs offer from state to state and in many cases from city to city depending on the region.
As a way of helping prospective students understand what to expect during their time in school, we have assembled common cosmetology school classes. Students may be exposed to a wide range of classes at an accredited cosmetology school including:
- Operational and business practices
- Theory of cosmetology
- The basics of shampooing & conditioning
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- Essential principles of esthetics
- Draping & brushing
- Scalp manipulation techniques
- Hair and scalp analysis
- Hair cutting and trimming
- Proper use of razors, scissors, razors, clippers, & shears
- Thermal styling
- Braiding natural hair and artificial hair
- Chemical relaxing techniques
- Hair coloring, tinting, and bleaching
- Proper cleaning and disinfecting of equipment
- First aid and CPR
Students in a cosmetology school focused on hair-styling will learn both basic and advanced hair techniques. As with many specializations in the beauty industry, an accredited program with a structured curriculum and knowledgeable teachers is a must. Understanding the latest styles, coloring, and trends will help round out a solid customer service focus. Further, it is important for all students to learn hair treatments and styling for both women and men.
Cosmetology degrees will frequently include courses in nail technology. Classes may include silk nails, acrylic nails, gel nails, and current trends in nail technology. Learning how to become a nail technician can be formally achieved through a cosmetology degree program or a stand-alone program. In either case, students will learn the finer points of manicures and pedicures of real nails, artificial nails, and decorative nails.
Why Cosmetologists Study a Variety of Techniques
Learning a variety of techniques will help cosmetologists serve an array of customer requests. As students gain knowledge and exposure to a variety of techniques within the cosmetology and beauty industry, they will then be provided with a number of hands-on learning opportunities. By blending academic knowledge with active learning, students will begin to understand and index each technique for later use.
Having the ability to understand theory and access to a wide range of clients is a winning recipe for future cosmetologists prior to real-world application. Quality programs provide substantive guidance, shadowing, training, and opportunities to learn during their time at school.
What Do You Learn in Cosmetology School?
Cosmetology programs teach students how to cut, trim and style hair. They will help students understand how to properly apply cosmetics and essential duties of nail technicians. What most students do not understand is that most accredited cosmetology programs provide another layer of education. Cosmetology schools and esthetician schools may provide students with general education courses required for passing a state licensure exam. Programs will emphasize the importance of customer service, safety, and business management.
Degrees in cosmetology are offered as bachelor's degrees up to a master's degree. However, the most popular degree in cosmetology is the associate degree followed by a certificate program and a diploma. An associate degree will most often be sufficient to start your career in cosmetology in terms of education, experience, and skill requirements. Online programs are available for licensing exam preparation, but those pursuing an associate degree or higher will most likely be required to attend a physical institution.
What are the Top Traits of a Cosmetologist?
A national survey of cosmetology professionals by the U.S. Department of Labor reveals a set of 4 common traits shared by an overwhelming number of cosmetologists. These traits or characteristics include being artistic, social, enterprising, and realistic.
Artistic: Cosmetologists are very artistic in nature as they are challenged daily to create without a step-by-step guide. The survey also found cosmetology professionals to possess a great deal of motivation towards self-expression while at work.
Social: The very nature of working with people lends itself to a vibrant social proclivity. In the cosmetology field, professionals work very close with customers physically and quickly develop relationships that may last for decades.
Enterprising: The survey also revealed a higher level of risk-taking for cosmetologists as they venture out with others or on their own upon completion of their college programs.
Realistic: Professional cosmetologists also were found to be rooted in reality and practical in nature. This affability and demeanor often tie directly into the social component of working well with customers and co-workers.
Top Cosmetology Degrees
The three most popular programs offered by a cosmetology school include an associate degree, certificate program, and a diploma track. Each program has a set of differing requirements, curriculum, and clock hours or credit hours. Before you begin your cosmetology program, take the time to align your priorities and schedule with the best cosmetology program for you. An overview of each type of program is listed below:
Cosmetology Diploma
Diploma tracks provide students with a series of classroom based training and hands-on learning opportunities needed to successfully take and pass a state-administered licensing exam. A diploma program from an accredited college or beauty school will likely result in an entry-level position at a day spa or salon.
Certificate in Cosmetology
A certificate in cosmetology blends theory and active learning to help provide a good set of working tools in the field. Students will learn about cosmetology techniques and disciplines within the trade that may include facials, pedicures, hair cutting, styling, and coloring.
It is common for students to complete a percentage of the core academic program prior to utilizing these newly acquired techniques elsewhere. Certificate programs range in the length of the program and credit hours depending on the school and state of residence but students can expect to complete around 1,500 hours during the program.
Cosmetology Associate Degree
Much like the certificate and diploma programs, an associate degree in cosmetology will provide the essential skills needed to pass states licensing examination. In addition to the core curriculum found in a certificate and diploma program, the associate degree track includes a number of general education courses such as global studies health and philosophy. You may find program cosmetology esthetics courses integrate business principles and real-world case studies to help make the material fresh. The general education courses help students cogently think about problems in a new light and help provide a more well-rounded graduate.
Cosmetology Schools Near You
We receive emails with great frequency from prospective students asking how do I find cosmetology schools near me? To find the top cosmetology schools near you or the best cosmetology programs for you simply trust MatchCollege. Whether you are looking for a great match with a community college, technical college, trade school, or beauty school we can help. In fact, we have assembled data on hundreds of accredited cosmetology programs to help you find your perfect match.
We have made the process increasingly simple through a couple easy-to-use pieces of technology. First, you can simply complete the information box on the page and get matched to a cosmetology program given your criteria provided. The next option is to simply sort by state below for traditional classroom programs or here to find cosmetology programs near you offering online programs.
The final way to find schools close by is to utilize our proprietary matching tool to get a precise list of programs of your choice by winnowing down school type, location, degree level, and state. By using any of the three tools available, you will have the tools at your disposal to obtain quality information from schools that you are interested in learning more about.
How Much Do Cosmetology Schools Cost?
The cost of attending cosmetology colleges will vary from location to location. Variables that drive cost include the required courses in your state, hours required by the state board of cosmetology, size of the institution, geographic location, and resources offered by the school.
Overall costs include tuition, fees, books, supplies, cosmetology kits, and transportation costs for traditional campus-based programs. Take the time to collect information from accredited beauty schools via our expansive portal. Next, you will want to schedule a time to discuss any questions with the school's admissions team.
In a recent survey, we analyzed 1,173 accredited cosmetology schools across the country. What we discovered was the median cost of tuition at a cosmetology school was $13,715. The states with the highest tuition Nevada, Hawaii, and Iowa with an average tuition of $17,782. On the other hand, the states with the lowest tuition were Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Montana averaging $10,293 between these states. The state with the most accredited cosmetology schools is California with 111, followed by Texas at 86 and Illinois with 69 schools.
Cosmetology License & Training
A career in cosmetology will have graduates of cosmetology programs work under professionals for the first few years of their career. This is primarily due to the practical experience gained rather than any particular requirement. Cosmetology requires individuals to have good communication skills and high coordination. The ability to develop a rapport with a customer and to make them feel at ease while they are being treated will assist in developing a strong, trusting client base. The cornerstone of a career in cosmetology is one's clientele, without whom any kind of long term business will be impossible.
All states require licensing to work as a cosmetologist. A written exam will be administered based on a given state's unique requirements. Some states also require an oral exam and/or a practical exam in addition to a written examination. The requirements will vary from state to state and it is prudent for students to review their state's requirements prior to entering a cosmetology program. This extra step will help to ensure your training will provide everything needed to assist you in earning licensure after graduation.
Cosmetology Continuing Education
Cosmetology is a constantly evolving field. As such, cosmetology professionals should consider returning to school to take continuing education programs every few years. By doing so, a cosmetologist will learn new techniques, more efficient styling methods, and gain insights into burgeoning trends in the industry. Improving one's skill set is very important in maintaining clientele as well as growing one's customer base. The constant research of trends and attempts at new ideas will also assist in keeping one's business fresh and increase the odds of generating new traffic to the business.
Cosmetology Careers and Specializations
Cosmetology is a growing field and is projected to grow at a rate of 13% through 2024 due to a high demand for personal skin and hair care. Additionally, projected job openings during that same time frame are at 212,100 according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Such care has seen a rise in demand due to widespread information regarding skin and hair damage due to various factors environmental and human influence.
Proper hygiene includes skin and hair care, which directly ties into maintaining your personal appearance and personal confidence. Understanding this interplay is particularly important for individuals interested in becoming cosmetologists. Helping others look and feel their best is both a skill and an art which increases the demand for trained professionals.
Cosmetologists have various career paths to choose from that may include one or more of the following career tracks:
- Hairstylist
- Manicurist & Pedicurist
- Esthetician
- Makeup Artist
- Cosmetologist
- Product Sales Representative
- Beauty Magazine Writer
- Salon Manager
States Employing the Most Cosmetology Professionals
- California 27,180
- New York 26,410
- Florida 24,620
- Pennsylvania 23,680
- Texas 22,690
Cosmetologist Salary by State
- District of Columbia $45,680
- Washington $40,680
- New Jersey $37,660
- Massachusetts $37,410
- Virginia $37,070
AACS Niche Resources for Cosmetology Students
- American Association of Cosmetology Schools
- Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals
- National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology
- Professional Beauty Association
For those interested in a career as a cosmetologist, you may also want to consider a career as a barber, esthetician, nail technician, or salon manager. For additional information, check out the Essential Guide to a Cosmetology Career on our blog.