Cosmetology is one of the unique and special degrees designed for those who want to make a career in the field of professional make and cosmetic procedures. This is not a medical degree, instead, it is a fashion, style, and art-related degree. People who study cosmetology degree learn about hairstyling, nail styling, nail painting arts, and skincare. People who study this degree become cosmetologists or experts in the field of skin, nail, and hair care. So, if you are interested in a profession in this field, you should take this degree. Below is a list of the top fifteen career choices that you have after a degree in cosmetology.

Top 15 Career Choices After a Cosmetology Degree:

These are the top fifteen career choices that you can make after your Cosmetology degree.

• Hair Stylist
• Nail technician
• Beauty Salon Manager
• Celebrity Beautician
• Wedding and Event Stylist
• Makeup Artist
• Esthetician
• Cosmetology Instructor
• Facial and Skin Specialist
• Cosmetologist
• Hair Color Specialist
• Product Representative
• Barber
• Make-up Writer
• Beauty Consultant

Here are the details about each of these career choices in Cosmetology.

1. Hair Stylist:

After completing this professional degree in cosmetology, you will become eligible for the job of a hairstylist. Hairstyling is considered a complete art and you have to study and practice before entering the practical world. This is important as it gives you a lot of knowledge about multiple hairstyling techniques. There is a huge demand for professional hairstylists. Beauty salons, film studios, and Spa’s hire professionals who not only have practical experience and have studied cosmetology. In your course of study, you learn about the hair structure, and how different products interact with the hair. This knowledge will help you in providing better hair care for your clients.

Apart from a degree, this job also requires having some professional experience. So, you should work as an intern at different places to get some experience. After that, you can easily get this job. Some universities and colleges also provide working spaces to their students, where they can perfect their skills. If your college has this kind of facility, it will be beneficial for you as it will help you get professional experience. According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, hairstylists have a median income of $27,630 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $50,000 per year. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 622,700. This data also shows a growth of 19% for the next decade which is one of the fastest growth rates.

2. Nail technician:

You can also become a nail technician or artist after a degree in cosmetology. This job requires taking care of the hands and nails of your clients. This job requires studying different color patterns, applying nail polish according to current trending styles, and taking care of the nails of your clients by trimming them carefully and giving them a required shape. You will be doing multiple procedures on the fingernails of your client’s hands and feet. All the skills that you need for this job, you can learn from your course of study in college or university. To get this job, you might also need some experience.

So, you should work hard in university or college to get good grades, but also work on perfecting your nail skills. This will help you get the job easily. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the median income of nail technicians is $27,870 per year, while the top earners can make more than $50,000 per year. Also, the total number of jobs in this profession is about 123,000, and the predicted growth rate of jobs in this profession for the next ten years is 33%. This is among the fastest growth rate that means there will be more vacancies for this position in the future.

3. Beauty Salon Manager:

Another job that you can get after this degree is the job of a beauty salon, parlor, or spa manager. This degree provides you with enough knowledge and skills related to management that can help you run a beauty salon business. The required skills for this job include business administration, human resource skills, payroll management skills, finance and communication skills. You can learn these skills from your course in cosmetology. This job provides some of the highest salaries in this field.

You might need some experience of running or administering a beauty salon to get this job. According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, beauty salon managers have a median income of $37,450 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $62,430. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 40,300. This data also shows a growth of 15% for the next decade. That means, in the next decade there will be a lot of vacant positions for this job.

4. Celebrity Beautician:

You can also become a celebrity beautician after this degree. Celebrities from all fields need special make-up artists to help them prepare for extravagant fashion events and parties. Not only that, Hollywood celebrities, and TV artists also need beauticians to help them during their shooting of tv serials, shows, and movies. This job mostly requires staying with the employer to help them when they need to perfect their makeup or if they need a makeover. You will also be advising them about what to wear on different occasions.

This job requires a lot of work and dedication, but it also offers a good salary and a stable income. You may need some experience to get this job after completing your education. You can get this experience by joining other celebrity beautician’s teams. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the median income of celebrity beauticians is about $59,300 per year, while the top earners can make more than $127,030 per year. Also, the total number of jobs in this profession is about 25,400, and the predicted growth rate of jobs in this profession for the next ten years is 10%.

5. Wedding and Event Stylist:

After completing your education in cosmetology, you can also become an event stylist. The job of an event stylist is to prepare the people who are attending an event. For example, wedding events stylists help prepare brides, bridesmaids, grooms, and groom’s maids as well. Not only that, but they also help people who are attending the wedding event as well. This job requires knowledge of current fashion trends, and what goes with what. All the skills that you need for this job properly, you can learn them from your degree.

You might also need some experience for this job, which you can get by joining a team of wedding stylists as an intern or a junior. According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, wedding and event stylists have a median income of $51,560 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $70,000. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 125,900. This data also shows a growth of 18% for the next decade, which is one of the fastest growth rates.

6. Makeup Artist:

You can also become a makeup artist after completing your degree in cosmetology. This degree will provide you with all the information, and skills that you need to become a makeup artist. Makeup artists use multiple products to change the appearance of their clients. This helps them transform into more beautiful and charming people. Makeup artists also use multiple makeup tools and techniques. They need to master these techniques and tools before becoming a makeup artist. This is one of the highest-paying jobs after this degree. This job can help you make a six-figure salary as the top ten percenters in this job have more than $100,000 as their basic salary per year.

Also, there are a lot of chances of future growth and improvement, and also a lot of fame as well. To get this job in a high-end salon, spa, or barbering shop, you may need some practical experience alongside your qualification. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the median income of makeup artists is about $59,300 per year, while the top earners can make more than $127,000 per year. Also, the total number of jobs in this profession is about 3500, and the predicted growth rate of jobs in this profession for the next ten years is 10%, which is average in this profession.

7. Esthetician:

This is one of the best jobs that you can get after completing your cosmetology degree. This is a professional job that requires the knowledge of skincare, haircare, and nail care all at once. The job of an Esthetician is to evaluate the condition of the skin, hair, and nails of the customers and advise them about future procedures. The Esthetician also recommends their clients using multiple products that can help them improve the health of their skin and other body parts. They also perform some of these procedures and use these products on the skin of the clients to make them look more beautiful.

This is one of the best jobs after this degree because it not only requires practical knowledge but also theoretical knowledge of the skin as well. Apart from that, there are a lot of career growth opportunities. According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Estheticians have a median income of $36,510 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $70,000 per year. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 68,700. This data also shows a growth of 28% for the next decade, which is some of the fastest growth rates.

8. Cosmetology Instructor:

You can also become a cosmetology instructor and teach others about cosmetology. There are a lot of teaching opportunities in this field as most of the people who complete this degree enter a professional field. This creates a lack of teachers who are capable and who have some work experience. There are different requirements that you must meet to become a teacher in colleges or universities. But as a cosmetology instructor, you can also teach the people who are currently working in the field through seminars, meetings, and training sessions.

Having experience would increase the chances of your employment as a cosmetology instructor. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the median income of cosmetology instructors is about $53,120 per year, while the top earners can make more than $90,000 per year. Also, the total number of jobs in this profession is about 50,000, and the predicted growth rate of jobs in this profession for the next ten years is -3% which is slow as compared to most of the other jobs in this field.

9. Facial and Skin Specialist:

After this degree, you can also become a Facial and Skin Specialist. This is a job that requires performing facial massage on the face and other skincare producers on the body of your clients. This job requires a lot of skincare knowledge and massaging skills. It also requires knowledge about selecting the right products for your client’s skin as the skin of every person is unique and has different features. This job requires experience and knowledge of the procedure and products that are used in that procedure.

After completing your degree, you might also need some experience before joining a well-known beauty salon or parlor. According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Facial and Skin Specialists have a median income of $36,510 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $60,000. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 68,700. This data also shows a growth of 29% for the next decade. This growth rate shows that it is one of the fastest-growing professions in this field.

10. Cosmetologist:

A cosmetologist is also known as a beautician and you can become one after completing your education in cosmetology degree. You will be responsible for taking care of the skin of your clients, apart from skin, you will also be taking care of their nails and hair. You will also be applying different kinds of makeup on their skin to make it look shinier or according to their needs. You will also be preparing your clients for events, parties, and wedding events. This job will give you a chance to work with the elite in society, from celebrities to politicians, and wealthy people, you will be dealing with all of them all the time.

Some cosmetologists usually choose to work in salons, parlors, or spas, but some also work with one specific client or individual. To become a senior cosmetologist, you may need some prior experience as a skincare specialist. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the median income of Cosmetologists is about $27,630 per year, while the top earners can make more than $50,000 per year. Also, the total number of jobs in this profession is about 622,700, and the predicted growth rate of jobs in this profession for the next ten years is 19%.

11. Hair Color Specialist:

Hair color specialists are the ones who take care of the hairs of their clients. They are different from the hairstylists in terms that they do not work on the styling of hairs, they only work on coloring. These expert cosmetologists know the hair color of their clients and they provide their clients with the products that match their requirements. You might have seen celebrities changing the color of their hair very often. The experts behind this transformation are known as hair color specialists.

They have a lot of knowledge of hair color products. This helps them determine what type of hair color and hair coloring product they should use on the hairs of their clients. You may need some experience apart from your degree to get this job. According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, hair color specialists have a median income of $27,630 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $40,000. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 622,700. This data also shows a growth of 19% for the next decade.

12. Product Representative:

You can also become a product representative of the skincare company after completing your degree. Skincare companies need salesmen who are specialists and know about skincare products. That is why they like to hire cosmetology degree holders as their representatives to help them promote and sell their products. This is known as a part of the marketing campaign of these product manufacturing companies. You will use these products, and talk about their benefits to your clients and other professionals in your field. This will help these companies increase their sales.

This job does not require prior experience and you can join soon after completing your degree. It also has many benefits such as career growth and bonuses. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the median income of product representatives is about $62,070 per year, while the top earners can make more than $86,650 per year. Also, the total number of jobs in this profession is about 169,400.

13. Barber:

This is also a skilled labor job position that you can get after completing your degree in cosmetology. This is a job that requires trimming, cutting, and shaping the hairs of your clients. Barbers have the chance to work as self-employed business persons or they can join a barbershop, spa, or salon. This is not a high-paying job but it offers a stable income and other job benefits such as chances of growth and increased salary after getting some experience.

This is one of the easy jobs, but still, people with experience get paid better as compared to those who do not have any experience. According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, barbers have a median income of $27,630 per year and up to $15 per hour. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 622,700. This data also shows a growth of 19% for the next decade, which is moderately fast.

14. Make-up Writer:

After completing your education in cosmetology, you can also become a blogger, book writer, or writer for fashion magazines. Your job would require researching the trending topics in the fashion industry and writing about them. You can also write about one specific topic such as the makeup domain, or beauty products domain. Whatever the domain you choose, make sure that you have enough data and knowledge to write about that topic. Writers can also work as freelancers on the internet and write for brands as bloggers.

This job offers you the freedom you need. For example, you can become a freelance writer, or a blogger and work from. Or you can join a magazine, or a company and write for them. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the median income of writers is about $67,120 per year, while the top earners can make more than $80,000 per year. Also, the total number of jobs in this profession is about 143,200, and the predicted growth rate of jobs in this profession for the next ten years is 9%, which is slow as compared to other professions in this field.

15. Beauty Consultant:

You can also become a beauty consultant after completing your degree in cosmetology. The job of a beauty consultant is to consult the clients and advise them on the matters of skincare, hair, and nail care. Beauty consultants are hired by celebrities and people who face cameras every day. So, they need to look fresh, and beautiful all the time. That is why they hire these professionals to help them maintain their look. You will not only be advising on the matters of skincare and beauty but will also be working on improving the health of the skin of your clients as well.

This is one of the high-paying jobs and requires a lot of proper experience. According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, beauty consultants have a median income of $36,510 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $50,000. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 68,700 and data shows a growth rate of 29% for the next decade.

Benefits and Salaries for Cosmetology Related Jobs:

Job Title	No. of Job	Required Qualification	Job Outlook	Salary
Hair Stylist:	622,700	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	19%	$27,630
Nail technician:	123,000	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	33%	$27,870
Beauty Salon Manager:	40,300	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	15%	$37,450
Celebrity Beautician:	25,400	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	10%	$59,300
Wedding and Event Stylist:	125,900	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	18%	$51,560
Makeup Artist:	3,500	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	10%	$59,300
Esthetician:	68,700	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	28%	$36,510
Cosmetology Instructor:	34,000	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	-3%	$53,120
Facial and Skin Specialist:	68,700	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	28%	$36,510
Cosmetologist:	622,700	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	19%	$27,630
Hair Color Specialist:	622,700	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	19%	$27,630
Product Representative:	169,400	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	20%	$62,070
Barber:	622,700	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	19%	$27,630
Make-up Writer:	143,200	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	9%	$67,120
Beauty Consultant:	68,700	Diploma/Certificate/Associate’s degree	28%	$36,510

Note:(Bachelors for the job and Masters for further promotion) data source bls.gov

Types of Cosmetology Courses:

Here are the three most common Cosmetology Courses that you can get.

1. Certification Courses:

These certification courses vary in duration, from a few months to two-year-long certification training courses. You can get these certifications from the different colleges and institutes that provide this course or training in cosmetology. The coursework includes multiple subjects, and you learn about the skin, nails, and hair. You also learn about taking care of all of these elements and providing the best experience to your clients. You will also have to pass a cosmetology test that is required by your state and after that, you will be able to work as a cosmetologist.

2. Diploma Courses:

There are also some diploma courses offered by multiple community colleges. Its cost varies greatly and depends on what type of college you select. Make sure that your college is registered with the state. After completing your two-year-long diploma, you will have to pass the state test. This test will determine your ability and eligibility. After that, you will be able to work. Diploma courses focus more on theory, as compared to the training and certification courses. Diploma courses mostly mix the training and theory in a balanced way, so that you get both the knowledge and experience that you need. It can cost you between $15,000 to $30,000 in total.

3. Associates Courses:

You can also select an associate degree course for cosmetology. The duration for this degree can vary from two years to four years, depending on your college, major, and your state. These types of courses provide you with the knowledge that you need about the skin so that you can provide better care to your clients. These courses also prepare you for other roles as well, such as the role of a manager, specialist, and consultant. These job roles provide better salaries and have the potential for career growth as well. It can cost between $10,000 to $15,000 per year.

Skills You Will Learn from Cosmetology Degree:

• Creativity
• Customer Interaction, and communication
• Facial Skills, manicure, pedicure skills
• Physical Strength and Stamina
• Time management
• Nail art, skincare procedures, hair coloring skills, and hair care skills
• Business, finance, and management skills

Conclusion:

As I have mentioned earlier this is a career-specific course and designed for those people who are passionate about skincare, haircare, and nail arts. These courses and diplomas will help you learn all the skills that you need. Apart from these skills, these courses will also provide you professional skills that are also important. After completing your course of education, you will be able to work in beauty salons, as a beauty consultant, and in many other positions, and if you want, you can also start your own business as well. This degree offers many career choices and some of these choices offer good salaries and other job benefits. So, if you are interested in this field, then you should take this major. 

FAQs:

Question: What is a cosmetology degree?

Answer: Cosmetology is the study and application of beauty treatment. This is not linked with the medical degree of cosmetics; it is a different degree or diploma. In this degree, you learn the valuable skills of a barber, hairstylist, nail technician, and makeup artist. Cosmetology is specifically designed for those who want to pursue a career in this direction. It provides basic training and required knowledge to become a certified professional.

Question: How many years does it take to be a cosmetologist?

Answer: This purely depends on which state you live in, and where you will work, or where you are studying. Some of these courses are short and only take two years, while some long courses require four to five years of training and studying.

Question: Is cosmetology a medical degree?

Answer: No, this is not a medical degree, although you learn many medical terminologies, and facts about skin, hair, and nail but these are from the point of view of a stylist and not of the physician.