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Cosmetologist vs beautician

The differences between cosmetologists and beauticians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a cosmetologist and a beautician. Additionally, a cosmetologist has an average salary of $37,122, which is higher than the $36,831 average annual salary of a beautician.

The top three skills for a cosmetologist include TIP, customer service and retail sales. The most important skills for a beautician are cosmetology, skin care, and beauty services.

Cosmetologist vs beautician overview

CosmetologistBeautician
Yearly salary$37,122$36,831
Hourly rate$17.85$17.71
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs45,88942,691
Job satisfaction2-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 28%High School Diploma, 38%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

What does a cosmetologist do?

A cosmetologist specializes in offering various services ranging from haircuts, makeup, skin and hair treatments, manicures, pedicures, and even shaving beards. They must have extensive knowledge and experience on the subject, plus keep up with current trends. Although most clients relay their preferred styling, a cosmetologist may also provide options and suggestions according to a client's hair condition or facial structure. Furthermore, a cosmetologist must have a strong client base, which is why one must build rapport and prioritize customer satisfaction.

What does a beautician do?

A Beautician is a person whose job is to do hair styling, manicures, and other beauty treatments. They work in various trades of the beauty industry, such as hair, skin, or nail care.

Cosmetologist vs beautician salary

Cosmetologists and beauticians have different pay scales, as shown below.

CosmetologistBeautician
Average salary$37,122$36,831
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $53,000Between $24,000 And $55,000
Highest paying CityDuluth, MNChaska, MN
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companyAnthonyMassachusetts General Hospital
Best paying industryHealth CareHealth Care

Differences between cosmetologist and beautician education

There are a few differences between a cosmetologist and a beautician in terms of educational background:

CosmetologistBeautician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 28%High School Diploma, 38%
Most common majorCosmetologyCosmetology
Most common college--

Cosmetologist vs beautician demographics

Here are the differences between cosmetologists' and beauticians' demographics:

CosmetologistBeautician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 7.4% Female, 92.6%Male, 8.1% Female, 91.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 9.0% White, 58.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between cosmetologist and beautician duties and responsibilities

Cosmetologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage beautiful hairstyles with the use of flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, and other hair products.
  • Provide basic nail care service, sculpture nail and tip applications, oil and water pedicures
  • Apply sculptured nails, tip overlays, overlays, wraps, gel nails, manicures, and pedicures.
  • Used POS systems and software to track clients personal profiles.
  • Skil and master numerous techniques in the coloring field of cosmetology.
  • Present new products and selling products to customers using a pos system
  • Show more

Beautician example responsibilities.

  • Manage beautiful hairstyles with the use of flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, and other hair products.
  • Perform makeup artist techniques that include wardrobe suggestions for magazine and local newspaper editorials.
  • Make up applications, formal styling's, cut, and color with Redken product's.

Cosmetologist vs beautician skills

Common cosmetologist skills
  • TIP, 21%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Retail Sales, 11%
  • Spa Services, 6%
  • Hair Color, 5%
  • Clips, 5%
Common beautician skills
  • Cosmetology, 51%
  • Skin Care, 17%
  • Beauty Services, 4%
  • Beauty Shop, 4%
  • Client Appointments, 4%
  • Customer Service, 3%

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