Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

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.

SOC: 39-5012.00

Common Job Titles

CosmetologistHair StylistHairdresserHairstylist
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

295,460

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$24,580
10% of workers earn the following or more$70,220
Workers on average earn$43,460

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
  • Sales and Marketing3.7/5
  • Administration and Management3.0/5
  • Education and Training3.0/5
  • English Language2.9/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Apple iOSFacebookIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

Appointment scheduling softwareCustomer information databasesSale processing softwareYouTube

Tools & Equipment

Butterfly hair clampsColor application combsCurling ironsCuticle nippersCuticle pushersCuticle scissorsDesktop computersDetangling combs