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Overall, cosmetology is one of the best earning professions for the level of education required. And although cosmetology isn’t the most lucrative career out there, for many professional stylists, the joy of helping clients to feel beautiful and confident is enough to justify the lower salaries.
Shampooers
Everyone has to start somewhere – and as a cosmetologist, you’re likely to start in an entry-level position, such as shampooing.
Typically, stylists in these positions earn an average of $7.78/hour. Although this may seem low, you will earn some additional income in the form of tips. In addition, you’ll benefit from the chance to observe and learn from more experienced stylists. Most shampooers consider this to be a transitionary position – a sort of foot-in-the-door for higher earning positions as full-fledged hairdressers or hairstylists.
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Hairdressers and Hairstylists
| Once you progress from shampooer to a full-time hairstyling position, you’ll find that your income goes up quite a bit. Professional hairdressers earn a median salary of $10.25/hour, although this figure doesn’t take into account the amount of income you’ll earn in tips. |
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A hairstylist who sees an average of ten clients in a day could take home an extra $50-100 in tips – possibly even more in a high-end salon. In addition, your hourly income is likely to vary depending on where you’re based. Cosmetologists in larger metropolitan areas will earn more than their counterparts working in rural areas.
Barbers
If you’ve decided to focus on cutting men’s hair, your median hourly wage will be slightly higher - $11.13/hour on average. As with professional hairdressers and hairstylists, your hourly wage will also be supplemented by the tips you receive from each customer and will vary based on your geographic location. In addition, although the field isn’t as competitive as haircuts for women, you’ll still find that more experienced barbers earn more than their newly-licensed colleagues. Barbers who align themselves with high-end unisex salons also tend to make more per hour than those working in corner-store barber shops.
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Cosmetologists who focus on nail services including manicures and pedicures earn a median salary of $9.23/hour. This is lower, on average, than professional hairstylists and barbers, since these positions are often less complex and require less experience than other cosmetology jobs. Although you will need to learn about different nail disorders and how to treat them, there is far less variation in human nails than there is in hair. Once you’re comfortable with your craft, you’ll need far less continuing education to keep up on the latest trends than hairstylists and hairdressers.
Salon Owners
Overall, the highest earning potential for cosmetologists comes from owning a salon. On average, salon owners earn an average of $22.03/hour, or $45,822/year. Of course, owning a salon comes with significantly more responsibilities, as you’ll be in charge of everything from renting and managing the space to hiring and overseeing a staff of stylists. For many salon owners, the satisfaction of owning and operating a successful small business is enough to justify the additional stress associated with running a salon.
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