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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Median Salary
34,970
Job Outlook
+7%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Self-employed

51%

Private for profit

46%

Private not for profit

1%

State and local government

1%

Federal Government

0%

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 89,100 openings for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$21,300

10%

$34,970

Median

$50,330

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Post-secondary certificate

    78%

  • High school

    20%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General
  • Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager
  • Make-Up Artist/Specialist
  • Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Education and Training
  • Administration and Management
  • Administrative

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Time Pressure

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test