by our College Data Analytics TeamHave you ever dreamed of doing the hair and makeup for a celebrity on the red carpet? Major in Cosmetology and your dream may become a reality.
Cosmetology experts help people look and feel good about themselves. You will be equipped with the skills to tame bad hair days and accentuate natural features with makeup. Classes in areas such as hair cutting and coloring, skin care, manicuring, and salon business practices will also teach students how to follow safety and health standards and run a salon or spa while giving clients the best experience possible.
Degrees in general Cosmetology are available, but due to the vastness of the major, students decide to concentrate in a specific area. Some of the many concentrations you may choose from include: Barbering, Electrology and Electrolysis Technician, Make-Up Artist, Hair Stylist and Hair Design, Facial Treatment Specialist, Aesthetician and Skin Care Specialist, Nail Technician and Manicurist, Permanent Cosmetics and Tattooing, Salon Management, Cosmetology, and Barber/Styling.
In 2020-2021, cosmetology was the 226th most popular major nationwide with 107,895 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 12,286 over the prior year, a growth of 11.4%.
Our 2023 Best Cosmetology Schools ranking analyzes 34 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for cosmetology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of cosmetology programs later in this article.
Cosmetologists work directly with people, placing a high value on strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Professionals must pay close attention to detail and be good listeners when the customer explains the service and final result they want. Cosmetologists must also be creative and up to date on the newest trends.
Many jobs in cosmetology are part time with hours both during the week and on weekends. Those who decide to be self-employed may work more weekly hours and set their own schedule. Hairdresser, stylists, and some other specialists can expect to spend a lot of time on their feet.
Most cosmetology programs are available as associate's degrees. Once students finish the degree, they must become licensed in the state they wish to practice. An internship in the field is helpful to students who wish to gain hands-on experience while working towards their degree.
cosmetology degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional cosmetology certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
There are many different cosmetology degree levels. You can spend many years getting as high as a in cosmetology to something that takes less time like a . Depending on the cosmetology degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to cosmetology, with approximately 10.0% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for cosmetology workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 45.8% |
| High School Diploma | 15.7% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 12.4% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 10.5% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 8.5% |
See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in cosmetology have received.
The education level required is different depending on the cosmetology career you are seeking.
The majority of Cosmetology graduates work in a salon, spa, or barbershop. Some graduates are self-employed and work out of their home or rented space.
Want a job when you graduate with your cosmetology degree? Cosmetology careers are expected to grow 13.5% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to cosmetology.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | 697,400 | 13.0% |
| Personal Service Worker Supervisors | 316,500 | 14.6% |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | 143,000 | 13.2% |
| Skincare Specialists | 69,700 | 13.7% |
| Barbers | 64,000 | 13.5% |
Recently graduated cosmetology students earned an average of $17,002 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $5,512 to as high as $36,823. As you might expect, salaries for cosmetology graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for cosmetology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers cosmetology grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Makeup Artists | $72,030 |
| Personal Service Worker Supervisors | $41,710 |
| Skincare Specialists | $36,350 |
| Barbers | $33,220 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,190 |
With over 4,796 different cosmetology degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased cosmetology school rankings to help you with this.
Cosmetology is one of 4 different types of Personal & Culinary Services programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist | 46,395 |
| Aesthetician/Esthetician & Skin Care Specialist | 31,569 |
| Nail Technician/Specialist & Manicurist | 11,623 |
| Barbering/Barber | 8,381 |
| Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist | 2,437 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Culinary Arts | 19,806 |
| Funeral & Mortuary Science | 2,354 |
| Casino Operations and Services | 192 |
| Other Personal & Culinary Services | 81 |
Image Credit: By Tiffany Bumgardner under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
