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The differences between cosmetologists and cosmetic chemists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cosmetic chemist has an average salary of $59,876, which is higher than the $37,122 average annual salary of a cosmetologist.
The top three skills for a cosmetologist include TIP, customer service and retail sales. The most important skills for a cosmetic chemist are R, GMP, and QC.
| Cosmetologist | Cosmetic Chemist | |
| Yearly salary | $37,122 | $59,876 |
| Hourly rate | $17.85 | $28.79 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 45,889 | 7,556 |
| Job satisfaction | 2 | 5 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
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.
A cosmetic chemist specializes in formulating and developing skincare and cosmetic products such as make-up, lotion, soap, and shampoo. They typically work at laboratories where they work on different chemicals and substances, conduct studies and experiments, perform extensive research and analysis, develop and implement tests and assessments, and maintain records of all procedures. Moreover, a cosmetic chemist must maintain an active communication line with staff while adhering to the safety protocols and standards of a laboratory, especially when handling different chemicals.
Cosmetologists and cosmetic chemists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cosmetologist | Cosmetic Chemist | |
| Average salary | $37,122 | $59,876 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $53,000 | Between $42,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Duluth, MN | Skillman, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Anthony | BASF |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a cosmetologist and a cosmetic chemist in terms of educational background:
| Cosmetologist | Cosmetic Chemist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Cosmetology | Chemistry |
| Most common college | - | University of Southern California |
Here are the differences between cosmetologists' and cosmetic chemists' demographics:
| Cosmetologist | Cosmetic Chemist | |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 7.4% Female, 92.6% | Male, 51.9% Female, 48.1% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 8.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 18.4% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 5% |