| Training to become a cosmetologist means | | | | Nearly half of all barbers, cosmetologists, and |
| aspiring to make people feel beautiful for a living. | | | | personal appearance workers are self-employed. |
| If you want to break out of the conventional | | | | Whether you're ready to work for yourself or |
| career path, an education in cosmetology can help | | | | with a team of dedicated professionals, |
| you along. | | | | cosmetology training can take you there. |
| Required Career Training | | | | The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that |
| For most cosmetology professions, career training | | | | hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists |
| isn't optional. Rather, it's a mandatory step | | | | earned mean annual wages of $25,760 in 2007. |
| towards earning your license. While training for | | | | That's just a few members of the cosmetology |
| manicurists and pedicurists typically requires less | | | | industry; here are a few other popular careers: |
| time, full-time cosmetology training generally takes | | | | • Manicurists and pedicurists: $22,020 |
| nine months to complete. In addition, | | | | • Skin care specialists: $30,600 |
| cosmetologists must be at least 16 years old, hold | | | | • Makeup artists, theatrical and |
| a high school diploma or GED, and complete a | | | | performance: $40,710 |
| licensing exam. | | | | Salaries can vary based on location, experience, |
| Hiring managers in the beauty industry typically | | | | and training. Expect the highest salaries to go to |
| prefer or require prior education among the | | | | skilled, trained professionals with some experience |
| specialists they hire. If you're hoping to work in an | | | | in the industry. Self-employed workers have the |
| area with high competition, you may consider an | | | | additional challenge of word-of-mouth advertising |
| associate's degree over a certificate or diploma. | | | | and other business necessities. Additional business |
| The more educational experience you have, the | | | | training may be ideal if you're hoping to work for |
| stronger your resume may appear to a hiring | | | | yourself or start your own business. |
| manager in the field. | | | | Enjoy a Bright Career Future |
| Typical Cosmetology Coursework | | | | While no career training program can guarantee a |
| Take a look at some typical cosmetology | | | | particular career or salary, formal training is a |
| coursework. Specific programs may differ based | | | | smart first step towards working in the |
| on your specialization and degree or certificate | | | | cosmetology industry. According to the BLS, job |
| program. | | | | opportunities are expected to be good across the |
| • Bacteriology and decontamination | | | | industry. The biggest hiring jumps are expected |
| • Hair structure and color | | | | for miscellaneous personal appearance workers, |
| • Advanced hair styling | | | | including skin care specialists. |
| • Nail airbrushing techniques | | | | When you enroll in a cosmetology program, you |
| Coursework is designed to give you a solid | | | | don't have to pick your specialization right away. |
| foundation for your training without wasting time | | | | For a well-rounded training course, try out |
| with general education coursework. You can | | | | different courses in hair, nails, and skin care. You |
| move through school faster, which means you | | | | can better determine your strengths and learn |
| can get to work sooner. | | | | how to improve. From there, you can personalize |
| Work For Yourself as a Cosmetologist | | | | your education and eventual career. |
