Shigoto Zukan
日本語

How to become hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Beauty & Personal Care Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$35,790
25th–75th pct. $30,120–$48,830
Top pay (est.)
$92,500
Top 10% $71,190
Pay in 5 years
$42,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$50,400est.
$43,400–$58,500
Outlook score
69/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
10%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+7.7%
73K openings / yr

How to become hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Key skills

Critical Thinking
3.5
Service Orientation
3.2
Social Perceptiveness
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Active Learning
3.0
Instructing
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
5.0
Sales and Marketing
3.9
Education and Training
3.5
English Language
3.1
Chemistry
3.1
Administrative
2.9
Administration and Management
2.9
Sociology and Anthropology
2.6

What the work involves

Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsThinking CreativelyAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Near VisionFinger DexterityManual DexterityArm-Hand SteadinessVisualizationOral Expression

Training before entry

1–2 years
22%
6–12 months
18%
3–6 months
18%
1–3 months
16%
None / short demo
9%

Related work experience

None
58%
6–12 months
18%
1–2 years
15%
2–4 years
5%
1–3 months
4%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.