Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists provide beauty services including cutting, coloring, and styling hair, as well as scalp treatments, shampooing, makeup application, wig dressing, hair removal, and nail and skincare services. They work in salons, spas, and beauty shops, typically serving walk-in and appointment clients.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves scheduling and meeting with clients for haircuts, color treatments, and styling services. Hairstylists spend time shampooing and conditioning hair, mixing and applying color, cutting and styling, and cleaning their workstation between appointments. They may also perform scalp massages, apply makeup, or provide nail care depending on their specialization and salon offerings. Work hours often include evenings and weekends.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCS. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy practical, detail-oriented work and prefer following established techniques and procedures. You do well in this career if you like working directly with clients, pay attention to precision in your craft, and appreciate the structured, rule-based nature of beauty industry standards and licensing requirements.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $46,280 | $59,510 | $73,540 | 6,930 |
| Oregon | $38,640 | $57,580 | $64,740 | 1,860 |
| District of Columbia | $45,250 | $54,570 | $77,620 | 870 |
| South Dakota | $42,870 | $49,800 | $56,200 | 690 |
| Vermont | $35,870 | $48,650 | $60,860 | 440 |
| Connecticut | $34,310 | $44,620 | $59,790 | 4,090 |
| Maine | $37,000 | $44,000 | $61,860 | 970 |
| Minnesota | $34,620 | $39,170 | $59,300 | 5,320 |
| California | $36,600 | $38,660 | $49,030 | 27,080 |
| North Carolina | $29,270 | $38,410 | $48,300 | 8,490 |
| Montana | $24,270 | $38,000 | $59,900 | 690 |
| New Mexico | $28,810 | $37,750 | $46,240 | 1,230 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Aesthetic Laser Operator (CLO/H) — National Council on Laser Certification
- Cosmetology for Career-Technical Education (S/P2) — Safety and Pollution Prevention
- Certified Laser Hair Removal Supervisor (CLHRS) — National Council on Laser Certification
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 39-5012.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.