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.
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
SOC: 39-5012 O*NET: 39-5012.00
Median Salary
$35,250
per year
Job Growth
📈 5.6%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
75.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$24,580
10th percentile
Early Career
$29,060
25th percentile
Median
$35,250
50th percentile
Experienced
$48,300
75th percentile
Top Earners
$70,220
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$24,580
25th
$29,060
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$35,250
Mean: $43,460
75th
$48,300
90th
$70,220
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $45,640 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $29,060 and $48,300
- •Salary spread is 54.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 295,460 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:575,200
Top Industries
Other Services (except Public Administration)88.4%
Personal and Laundry Services88.4%
Personal Care Services88.2%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+5.6%
Annual Openings:75,800
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)575,200
Current
2034 (Projected)607,400
+5.6%
+32,200
Employment Change
+5.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Florida
23,220 jobs$29,7601.23x
Texas
22,470 jobs$28,3700.85x
California
21,510 jobs$39,3700.62x
New York
20,300 jobs$33,9601.11x
Pennsylvania
18,630 jobs$29,6801.62x
New Jersey
15,140 jobs$44,1101.86x
Illinois
13,770 jobs$34,8001.18x
Ohio
12,730 jobs$29,4401.20x
Virginia
9,480 jobs$37,8501.22x
Massachusetts
9,210 jobs$47,7401.32x
Michigan
9,010 jobs$35,7201.07x
North Carolina
8,720 jobs$36,1400.93x
Arizona
7,760 jobs$35,2201.27x
Washington
7,410 jobs$58,9201.09x
Georgia
6,850 jobs$30,7900.74x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Speaking
94%
#3
Service Orientation
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
80%
#5
Active Learning
74%
#6
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
#7
Social Perceptiveness
60%
#8
Monitoring
54%
#9
Reading Comprehension
46%
#10
Time Management
40%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
Service Orientation
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.0
80%
Active Learning
intermediate3.7
74%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.3
66%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate3.0
60%
Monitoring
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Service Orientation
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Monitoring
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Time Management
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Acupuncturists82%
5 shared skills
Animal Control Workers82%
5 shared skills
Athletic Trainers82%
5 shared skills
Brokerage Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Cooks, Private Household82%
5 shared skills
Dentists, General82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Service Orientation
Learn on the Job:
- →Social Perceptiveness
- →Monitoring
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Service Orientation
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Active Learning
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechApple iOS
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
Microsoft Office software
Apple iOS
Microsoft Excel
Facebook
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
HIGH
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet high physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (14)Training & Development (2)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Operations & Execution (1)Planning & Development (1)Management & Supervision (1)
1
Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development97% perform98%
3
Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
Schedule client appointments.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Operate cash registers to receive payments from patrons.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution79% perform86%
9
Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Develop new styles and techniques.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists professionals typically have a RCS Holland code and highly value relationships
RRealistic
CConventional
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.47
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.45
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.40
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.38
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.22
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.21
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.5
Self-Control
4.5
Cooperation
4.4
Dependability
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.2
Independence
4.2
Integrity
4.1
Concern for Others
4.1
Achievement/Effort
4.1
Innovation
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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