12 Top Cosmetology Careers for Aspiring Beauty Professionals

Summary

Cosmetology is a rapidly growing industry, with more people than ever desperate to break into the world of beautification. Becoming a cosmetologist can be a rewarding, lucrative career path, but the sheer number of choices can also be overwhelming. Do you want to be hands on? Would you rather give virtual beauty advice? Can you do hair and nails? The future of your cosmetology career is in your hands, so it’s important to first consider all of your options. This article will explore the many types of cosmetology careers out there, including what they entail and how much cosmetologists make, plus some frequently asked questions about the cosmetology field.

What Does Cosmetology Cover?

Unlike an esthetician whose primary function is on skin health and more technical skincare processes, the cosmetologist job description covers a wider scope of beauty fields such as nails, hair, and makeup. If it’s been your dream to work in the beauty industry, there are several paths you can travel to find your ideal cosmetology career. 

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12 Cosmetology Careers

There are so many types of cosmetology careers to choose from, each with their own necessary skill sets and training requirements. Read on to discover just what you can do as a professional cosmetologist. 

*All income ranges are estimated averages for the United States at the time of writing, and these numbers will further vary based on the specific state, location, professional experience level, client base, and services offered.

1. Hair stylist 

Becoming a hairstylist isn’t just about styling and blow drying. Many professional hair stylists also need experience in color theory, advanced cutting techniques, extension applications, and scalp health, much of which you’ll learn about in cosmetology school. Most states in the U.S. (with the exception of Alaska and Oregon) require workers to earn their cosmetology licenses in order to legally provide services. 

Average income: $25,000-$75,000/year

2. Barber

Similar to a hair stylist, barbers must possess training in cutting and grooming techniques, as well as scalp health and treatments. However, unlike a standard salon, most barbershops focus more on men’s haircuts and facial hair grooming. They may also offer hairpiece fittings, coloring services, or shaves. 

Average income: $45,000-$55,000/year

3. Nail technicians

Becoming a nail tech is another example of what you can do with a cosmetology license (unless you’re in Connecticut, which doesn’t require one). Nail techs often start in cosmetology and gain their skills in manicure, pedicure, and sanitation practices. You may choose to provide standard manicures, or extend your services to acrylics, gels, or nail art. 

Average income: $40,000-$50,000/year

4. Esthetician

Estheticians provide skincare techniques like facials, laser, exfoliation, and hair removal for their clients. They must learn and understand the various skin types and be able to provide personalized treatments to achieve the best results. Esthetics technically fall under the cosmetology umbrella, however, many states will require aspiring estheticians to earn a separate esthetician license to provide more advanced treatments like microdermabrasion or laser hair removal. 

Average income: $40,000-$75,000/year

5. Makeup artist

Makeup artists are always in demand, and it’s one of the few cosmetology careers (depending on the state) that do not require a cosmetology license. However, undergoing professional training as a makeup artist will teach you about facial anatomy, skin tones and textures, color theory and working with palettes, how to properly prep skin for makeup, application techniques, and so much more. 

Average income: $35,000-$60,000/year

6. Hair colorists

You don’t have to know how to cut hair to color it – but you do have to understand hair textures, lightening techniques, color maintenance, and a little bit of chemistry to get those hues just right. 

Average income: $30,000-$40,000/year

7. Beauty editors

Having a background in cosmetology can offer you legitimacy in the world of beauty blogging. Beauty editors often work at magazines and in editorial fields where they review, evaluate, and recommend various beauty products, as well as examine trends and changes within the industry. For some positions, beauty editors may also need a degree in communications, writing, or journalism. 

Average income: $60,000-$90,000/year

8. Spa managers 

In some states, spa managers must hold a cosmetology license and/or degree in related fields (like hospitality). Spa managers oversee the business’s daily operations, from administrative duties to client services to budgets and inventory. They must also have extensive knowledge of health and safety regulations, and keep the business in compliance with all regulatory codes. 

Average income: $40,000-$60,000/year

9. Cosmetology teacher

If you have a knack for teaching, you could use your talents to help train other cosmetologists to reach their potential and find their own success. You could find a role at an accredited school, or even work freelance for private or group sessions. Depending on your area of expertise, you could teach anything from nail art to hair care to makeovers. 

Average income: $45,000-$50,000/year

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10. Beauty business consultants 

A beauty business consultant works more on the business side of things, analyzing historical and current financial performance and offering solutions to enhance operational success. Beauty consultants can work for specific brands or in places like makeup stores or cosmetics marketing departments. 

Average income: $35,000-$40,000/year

11. Wig stylist

Wig stylists may perform all the same services as a hairstylist, such as cutting, dyeing, and styling, in addition to fitting them properly for each client. You can even specialize in additional niche services like catering specifically to those with alopecia or undergoing chemotherapy. 

Average income: $28,000-$35,000/year

12. Beauty influencer

Easier said than done, right? But as it turns out, beauty influencers come in all shapes and sizes. If you have an extensive background in your craft and can succinctly share your valuable knowledge on beauty products and services, you too can become an important public voice in the industry through a monetized social media platform. 

Average income: Varies. Some beauty influencers can earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars a month to a six- or even seven-figure annual income. 

Grow Your Beauty Career with GlossGenius

While success is never guaranteed, those who dream of pursuing a full-time cosmetology career may find it worth the investment and the risk. Getting a proper education, putting in the training hours, and refining your skills can only benefit you in the long run and significantly increase the chances you can make it as a professional in your field. 

GlossGenius is the ideal partner for cosmetology professionals with features like Online

Booking, which lets clients book their appointments from any device, anytime. GlossGenius also offers Finances to help you manage your expenses and draw important insights about your business health. With Loans, you can get the funding you need in no time, while Marketing will take care of your outreach and ensure you always have customers ready to book. 

Try GlossGenius today and get a 14-day free trial! 

FAQs

What skills are essential for cosmetology school?

Aside from a steady hand and a vision, succeeding in your cosmetology training depends on your focus and ability to properly harness your talents. You’ll also need to possess interpersonal skills, active listening, and patience (for when things go wrong – especially with clients). 

What are the benefits of obtaining an official cosmetology certification?

As a licensed or otherwise certified cosmetologist (depending on your state mandates), you can offer far more services than you could working unlicensed. Earning your certification means you can work as a hair colorist, nail tech, barber, spa manager, as well as an array of other beauty opportunities.

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