Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Also called: Hairdressers and Cosmetologists
Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.
Also called: Beautician, Beauty Advisor, Beauty Operator, Beauty Specialist, Beauty Therapist, Colorist
Median pay
$35,790
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$27,040 – $71,190
People employed
305,710
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 2.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 5.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 6.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 7.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 8.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in every state →
What hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists do
- 01Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
- 02Schedule client appointments.
- 03Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
- 04Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
- 05Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.
- 06Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
- Retail Salespersons72% · −1%
- Opticians, Dispensing72% · +32%
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors71% · +32%
- Animal Trainers71% · +12%
- Floral Designers71% · +4%
Change into hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers71% · $39,390
- Animal Trainers69% · $39,990
- Floral Designers69% · $37,360
- Photographers62% · $44,660
Majors that lead here
- Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General
- Electrolysis/Electrology and Electrolysis Technician
- Make-Up Artist/Specialist
- Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design
- Permanent Cosmetics/Makeup and Tattooing
- Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager
- Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor
- Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.