Cosmetologist Salary - What to Expect
You may have made hundreds trips to your cosmetologist, but perhaps have never thought about a cosmetologist salary. The job outlook for cosmetologists has changed over the years and continues to show a progressive trend. Large numbers of people have turned towards making their career in cosmetology on account of the promising picture it displays. Another good point here is that it ensures a competitive salary. However, many would-be cosmetologists would love to estimate the average income they would make at the end of it. So, if you’re here for the same thinking about how to become a cosmetologist and the money you’ll make a few years down the line then you’ve definitely come to the right place for some information.
A cosmetologist job description can get really long as cosmetology holds within its purview a wide range of services. It comprises of several occupations; those of a hairstylist, skin care specialist, hairdresser and nail artist. In common language we generally refer to them as a hair stylist or a beautician. Spending a day in the life of a cosmetologist will have you trying your hand at hair styling including cuts and trims, colors and dyes.
Cosmetologists offer makeup application services too. The list also includes facials and scalp massages. Not only this, those with a specialization in skin care will ensure the good health of your skin. They suggest some remedial measures and therapeutic medications. Nail art has achieved its independent status but, it is also a part of cosmetology. Thus a cosmetologist will look after manicure, pedicures and other nail art services that the clientele asks for.
Factors Affecting a Cosmetologist Salary
The money that you make as a cosmetologist depends upon on various factors. We have discussed some of them below.
Work place: Your cosmetologist salary has a lot to do with the place where you work. The video and motion picture industry are regarded as some of the top paying industries. Other places where you could make big money are performing arts, high end hair salons and beauty centers. The state where you work also matters. You will receive a more rewarding cosmetologist salary in states where the industry is well developed and where the cost of living is higher. Hawaii, Washington, Massachusetts and New Jersey are some states that offer a very good cosmetologist salary.
Branches: Like we discussed in the cosmetologist work description, cosmetology includes various sub branches within itself. The cosmetologist salary that you can expect will depend greatly on your specialization. A Manicurist and hairstylist will not draw a similar salary.
Level of experience: The level of experience really counts as far as a cosmetologist is concerned. With a higher level of experience you can definitely expect a rise in income. It also allows you to change your sphere of function and move to cosmetology and barber schools an instructor or teacher.
Work arrangement: The work arrangement is another factor that determines your cosmetologist salary. The majority of the cosmetologists are self employed and work on a commission basis. They generally lease places at salons. Therefore, they have to bear the burden of additional expenses that include rent, supplies and taxes. There are some who work as salaried employees.
Education: Your education is a crucial element for your salary. If you complete your training from a renowned college you will be given preference. Also, if you acquire training in various services you will have an upper hand with a big salary.
Educational Qualifications: Make Your Cosmetology Salary Bigger
If you’re thinking about how to become a cosmetologist, there is one important thing you have to consider, the educational qualification. Attending a cosmetology school is mandatory. If you do not then you should at least train under a leading state licensed cosmetologist, one that offers training programs. The educational qualifications become a major consideration for a salary.
Many schools require an age limit; a minimum of 16 years. Some states make it compulsory to complete a high school diploma or any equivalent degree alongside. The duration of training programs will vary depending upon the specialization. Most hairstyling and cosmetology programs extend approximately to a period of nine months while the smaller manicurist courses do not take long. Along with this, securing a license is of utmost importance. You should take the licensing exams administered by the state. These exams differ with each specialization.
Cosmetology Salary: Making an Estimate
While speaking about today’s cosmetologist salary we no longer look at it as the hairdresser salary of a few years ago. To estimate the salary of a cosmetologist there are different methods to consider. It can be computed on an hourly basis, annual income, charges per service. We also have to consider tips and commissions. The US statistics indicate that the average cosmetologist salary ranges between $11 and $20 for an hour. This is an estimated salary statement for a person with minimum, experience and can expect this to rise with rising levels of experience. If you are lucky to get into some of the top paying industries then you could make a salary of approximately $50,000 or more annually.
