Cosmetologist Job Description Information

The term "cosmetologist" refers to a person who provides beauty care services for a fee.

 

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED is often required for cosmetology jobs. Most states require prospective cosmetologists to complete a state-approved cosmetology training program. All states require cosmetologists to possess a cosmetology license.

Job Description

• Cosmetologists often focus on hair care, and may also be trained to offer manicures/pedicures, skin care and makeup services. They may also style or maintain wigs or other types of hair pieces.

Benefits

• Cosmetologists typically work in salons or studios that are well-lit and well-ventilated. Cosmetologists also get to work in hotels, spas and resorts. Cosmetologists often work independently, so they can set their own schedule and choose their own clients.

Drawbacks

• Cosmetologists often work more than 40 hours a week. Other drawbacks include having to work evenings and weekends, and infrequent opportunities for job advancement. Also, frequent use of chemicals can irritate skin and the respiratory system.

Compensation

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for cosmetologists in the U.S. in May 2008 was $11.13. This includes tips and commission.

Read more: Cosmetologist Job Description | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5877436_cosmetologist-job-description.html#ixzz1gjrNyFko

Cosmetologist Salary Information

Studying cosmetology can land you in a job in various career fields including hair dresser, makeup artist, manicurist or pedicurist. Cosmetologists salaries usually depend on the nature of the work as well as experience, education and setting.

 

Experience

• The median salary for a cosmetologist with less then one year experience is between $7.52 and $10.50 an hour as of July 2009. As a cosmetologist gains more experience and more clients, her salary goes up. The average salary for a cosmetologist with five to nine years experience is $7.82 to $14.59 an hour. If a cosmetologist has more than 20 years experience, she can earn on average $7.66 to $15.96 hourly.

Average Annual Salary of a Cosmetologist

• As of 2008 the median salary for a cosmetologist in the United States was $11.13, which includes tips and commission. The lower 10th percentile earned on average $7.47 hourly, while the upper 90th percentile earned a median salary of $20.41 hourly.

Top Industries for Cosmetologists

• As of May 2008, the top-paying industry for a cosmetologist was the motion picture and video industry, with an average yearly salary of $61,370. Other top-paying industries include performing arts companies, electronic shopping and mail-order houses, psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals and state government. The average cosmetologist salaries for these settings ranged between $31,860 and $47,710.

Top States

• As of May 2008, the highest paid cosmetologists were located in Hawaii, as they made an average of $41,600 a year. Other top-paying states included Washington, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Vermont. These state ranged between $30,840 and $32,950 a year for the average salary of a cosmetologist.

Career Outlook

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a salary survey revealed that there were 677,000 cosmetologists and barbers employed in the United States in 2006. The employment was expected to grow 11 percent by 2016.

Read more: Cosmetologist Average Salary | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_5268104_cosmetologist-average-salary.html#ixzz1gjqUIP2r

How to Become a Cosmetologist

Cosmetologists are licensed beauty professionals, specializing mostly in hairdressing. In some states, a licensed cosmetologist may also provide services related to skin care, nail care and makeup; in other states, separate licenses are required.

1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
2. Check the licensing requirements for cosmetologists in your state. If you want to do hair, but also have an interest in related areas, make certain you work toward obtaining separate licenses if necessary.
3. Enroll in an accredited cosmetology or vocational school. Download the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences Web site (see naccas.org) for a list of schools. Visit several to see which offers the best combination of classroom and practical training.
4. Look for internships at salons that will provide you with course credit.
5. Get ready for the state board examination, which you will take after graduation. It is part written, part practical. Your school should be willing to give its students mock exams.
6. Look for jobs through your school, classified ads, the Internet and hair salons you have visited in the past.

Read more: How to Become a Cosmetologist | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_14289_become-cosmetologist.html#ixzz1gGoVnZty