Thinking about getting a cosmetology license? Earning a license in this field can be well worth it, in large part because it opens so many different career possibilities. In this post, we are going to share different types of cosmetology jobs with you. But first, let’s talk briefly about what a cosmetologist does, and go over some of the benefits of earning your license.
What Does a Cosmetologist Do?
A cosmetologist is a professional who specializes in helping clients enhance their appearance through cosmetic procedures.
One cosmetologist could specialize in a particular area like hair or nails, while another might offer a variety of services.
Why Get a Cosmetology License?
Here are a few of the benefits of getting your license in cosmetology:
- You can earn your license in two years or less. In fact, there are programs that do not even take a year to complete. Contrast that with the time and expense of earning a traditional four-year degree. Plus, you will spend a large part of your education learning practical skills. That will make it easier to transition into your job once you earn your license.
- Cosmetology jobs are growing fast. Another reason to consider getting a license in cosmetology is the fact that there is tremendous projected job growth in this field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), expected job growth in various cosmetology fields between 2020 and 2030 is expected to range above 18%. In fact, for personal appearance workers, it is 22%. That means that there is a ton of opportunity out there waiting for you.
- Wages can be competitive. The BLS lists a median hourly wage as of 2020 for all occupations under the umbrella of “Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists” of $20.17. That is a pretty nice wage considering how little time you need to spend studying to enter this field. The exact wage you qualify for will depend on the workplace you choose, your location, your experience level, and the specific type of work you do.
- You can exercise your creativity. The rewards of this job go well beyond monetary benefits for a lot of people. If you are passionate about hair, skin, nails, and other aspects of personal appearance, you will love helping other people to look and feel their best.
- There are social rewards. Many people visit cosmetologists not just to have someone see to their hair, nails, and skin, but also for a social outlet. If you see yourself as a social butterfly, this is the field for you.
- You can find employment in a wide range of settings. Some cosmetologists work for others, while other cosmetologists are self-employed. You could work in a salon, a spa, a resort, a cruise ship, a retail setting, or even a cruise boat.
- There are many different cosmetology careers to consider. Once you earn your license, there are a lot of options. And you always can shift your focus later down the road if you want to explore something new.
Different Career Paths in Cosmetology
Now that you know some of the benefits of earning a license in cosmetology, let’s talk about some of the career paths you can consider.
1. Hair styling or barbering
If you love styling hair, why not consider doing it for a living? You can work at a hair salon that aims its services at women, or a barber shop that aims its services at men.
During the course of your work, you can wash hair, cut or trim it, apply perms, dye hair, texture hair, braid hair, put in extensions, style weaves, offer advice to customers on maintaining their hair health, and more.
2. Nails
If you love to give yourself or others a manicure or pedicure, you might find fulfilment in a career as a nail technician.
3. Makeup
As a makeup artist, you help your clients to achieve the effects they desire for special events such as photo shoots, weddings, job interviews, television appearances, performances, and more.
Along with a career applying regular makeup, you could also consider becoming a specialist in permanent makeup.
4. Esthetics
If your passion is for skincare, then you might excel in a career as an esthetician. Cosmetologists who do work in this area may perform treatments such as facials, wrinkle reductions, exfoliations, waxing, hair removal, eyebrow threading, skin conditioning, and more.
5. Electrology
Speaking of hair removal, some clients like to get this done permanently through an electrical treatment. If you go into the field of electrology, you can perform this procedure. Be aware that after earning your cosmetology license, you might need to go on to earn a further certification before you can get started as an electrologist.
6. Teacher
Once you have your own license in cosmetology, you will have the skills to teach others, especially after you have spent a bit of time working professionally in the field. So, you can consider going to work as an instructor.
7. Manager
When you first start out in cosmetology, you probably will either be opening your own freelance business, or you will be working at somebody else’s establishment. But as your experience grows, you may be able to become the manager at a salon, spa, or other venue where cosmetology treatments are performed.
Taking on a leadership role like this is a great way to increase your earnings as a cosmetologist.
8. Related fields
Finally, after you begin working as a cosmetologist, you might find that it makes a good bridge to other fields that interest you. One example might be fashion design. Another might be massage. Depending on what you want to do, you might need to pursue more certifications or licensing before you can proceed with your new chosen line of work.
How Do You Get a Cosmetology License?
Are you already dreaming of working in one of the job roles above? Then you need to know the next steps toward making that dream come true. Here are the basic steps:
1. Start by looking up the requirements to get a cosmetology license in your state.
2. Find a program that can help you meet the requirements for your state, and do the necessary hours to complete the program. The lengths for different cosmetology training programs can vary quite a lot, so do your research to find one that meets your budget and schedule.
3. Apply for a cosmetology license. You may need to pay a fee at this point. There will most likely not be a refund if you fail your exam.
4. Take the exam to earn the license.
5. Once you pass the exam, you can become licensed in cosmetology.
You will need to maintain your cosmetology license after you earn it. That may entail paying a fee on a regular basis to renew your membership. In some cases, continuing education hours might also be required.
Earn Your Cosmetology License Now
Are you ready to enter into one of the exciting cosmetology fields above? It is time to start earning your cosmetology license.