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The differences between cosmetologists and dermatologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a cosmetologist, becoming a dermatologist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a dermatologist has an average salary of $407,715, 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 dermatologist are patients, mohs, and patient care.
| Cosmetologist | Dermatologist | |
| Yearly salary | $37,122 | $407,715 |
| Hourly rate | $17.85 | $196.02 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 45,889 | 1,834 |
| Job satisfaction | 2 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Average age | 40 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
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 dermatologist is a physician with expertise in diagnosing and treating skin, nail, and hair problems such as rashes and acne. Their responsibilities include conducting initial assessments and examinations, offering consultations and advice, studying a patient's medical histories, and performing non-invasive procedures as needed. They may also prescribe medication and various services, referring patients to other specialists as necessary. Furthermore, as a dermatologist, it is essential to discuss skin conditions and the extent of treatments to patients, helping them learn different care procedures.
Cosmetologists and dermatologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cosmetologist | Dermatologist | |
| Average salary | $37,122 | $407,715 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $53,000 | Between $202,000 And $820,000 |
| Highest paying City | Duluth, MN | Grand Forks, ND |
| Highest paying state | Washington | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Anthony | Allina Health |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between a cosmetologist and a dermatologist in terms of educational background:
| Cosmetologist | Dermatologist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Most common major | Cosmetology | Business |
| Most common college | - | University of Virginia |
Here are the differences between cosmetologists' and dermatologists' demographics:
| Cosmetologist | Dermatologist | |
| Average age | 40 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 7.4% Female, 92.6% | Male, 14.5% Female, 85.5% |
| 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, 5.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 18.4% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 13% |