Cosmetology Careers: Working as a Beauty Pro
As a cosmetologist, you can provide a wide range of beauty services to clients and be eligible to work at all sorts of workplaces. At Blue Cliff College, we pride ourselves on preparing future cosmetologists for their careers.
But what exactly does a cosmetology career look like? The answer is that there is no single path, but many options. We’ll talk about what licensed cosmetologists do, where they work, how much money they can make, and more.
What Cosmetologists Do
Cosmetologists can provide hair, skin, makeup, and nail services to clients. Perhaps more importantly, they help people look and feel great.
Cosmetologists often—but not always—operate their own businesses. This can be anything from running a salon to working for themselves. This means understanding and following business laws, regularly updating their portfolios to entice new clients, performing administrative duties, handling their business taxes, and more.
Even cosmetologists who work for others will need to know how to promote their work, such as by maintaining a portfolio on social media, and often perform administrative duties.
Some cosmetologists choose to offer a wide variety of services across hair, skin, and nails, while others specialize in one or two areas. Below are several of the popular specialty tracks that cosmetologists have.
Hairstylist
Cosmetologists who work as hairdressers or hairstylists work strictly with clients’ hair, offering cuts, chemical treatments from coloring to straightening, and special events hair. Some specialize even further, perhaps becoming known for bright and colorful hair, curly cuts, and more.
Hair Braider
There’s a large need for licensed cosmetologists who work with natural hair and its styles. Their services can include braids, locs, weaves, extensions, and other styling services. Hair braiders with cosmetology licenses can also cut, dye, and chemically curl or straighten hair.
Manicurist / Nail Technician
Manicurists, also called nail technicians, offer all sorts of hand and foot services with an emphasis on nails. This includes painting, using gels and wraps, applying acrylics, and helping repair broken nails. They also cleanse, lightly massage, moisturize, and otherwise improve the appearance—and comfort levels—of hands and feet.
Skincare, Makeup, or Lash Specialist
Cosmetologists who focus on skincare and makeup help beautify the skin, both in terms of skin health and cosmetic applications. They provide facials, clean up brow shape, find appropriate products for clients’ unique needs, and, of course, create makeup looks for special events or everyday. (Cosmetologists can perform skincare services, but less extensively than estheticians. Learn more about esthetician careers.)
Cosmetologists may sometimes specialize in artificial lashes, or brow and last tinting. Different states have different rules for what licensing may be required to become a lash tech.
More Jobs in Beauty
Performing beauty services on clients in a salon, spa, or resort setting certainly isn’t the only career path for you after earning a cosmetology license. Check out these career tracks that all build on cosmetology training:
- Cosmetology instructor
- Salon or spa manager or owner
- Product sales or management for a beauty retailer or beauty manufacturer
- Social media influencer
- Makeup, hair, or special effects for theater, television, or movie productions
- Freelance hair, makeup, and nails for weddings and proms
Where Cosmetologists Work
Most people think of cosmetologists in a salon, but cosmetologists are employed in a huge variety of workplaces that include:
- Salons
- Spas
- Resorts and hotels
- Cruise ships
- Their homes
- On the road
- Performing arts and film venues
- And more!
When it comes to the salon, beauty professionals may work as an employee, or they might be self-employed and renting a booth.
How Much Do Cosmetologists Earn?
Because of the huge variety in what cosmetologists call themselves and the scope of their work, getting accurate average earnings data for those working in beauty is tricky.
The best way to find out how much you can earn is by looking at job listings or talking to working cosmetologists in your area who are doing the type of work you aspire to.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, as of 2023, cosmetologists nationwide averaged $41,780 per year ($20.09 per hour). However, Indeed estimates an average of $54,510 as of September 2024. Neither of these resources uses data from self-employed cosmetologists, who make up a big portion of the cosmetology field.
Job Demand for Cosmetologists
Jobs for cosmetologists and hair professionals are expected to grow by about 8% between 2022 and 2032.
Is a Cosmetology Career Right for Me?
Cosmetologists need to be passionate about beauty and great communicators. Being detail-oriented is key, both in terms of providing excellent services and necessary business skills.
If you want to spend your days helping people increase their confidence, look great on special occasions, or provide some much-needed pampering, this may be the career for you! Cosmetology is also known for offering a great deal of flexibility in the hours that you work, which may suit individuals who want to have control over their own schedules.
Blue Cliff College Career Development Services
At Blue Cliff College, we don’t just want you to be educated; we want you to be employed in your new field of choice. Throughout your program, we offer workshops, resume assistance, job fairs, and opportunities to learn from and connect with working professionals. We’re always ready to offer whatever help we can!
Please note that our career services focus on your home state—Mississippi or Louisiana—as licensure requirements vary across the country. We also can’t guarantee employment after graduation.
Get Started in Cosmetology with Blue Cliff College
Blue Cliff College’s cosmetology diploma program is here to give you the training you will need to earn a cosmetology license in Mississippi or Louisiana. Our relatively small classes, modern classrooms and student salon, and skilled teachers are ready to get your new career started.
