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The differences between cosmetologists and hair dressers 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 hair dresser. Additionally, a cosmetologist has an average salary of $37,122, which is higher than the $36,852 average annual salary of a hair dresser.
The top three skills for a cosmetologist include TIP, customer service and retail sales. The most important skills for a hair dresser are appointment scheduling, customer service, and product sales.
| Cosmetologist | Hair Dresser | |
| Yearly salary | $37,122 | $36,852 |
| Hourly rate | $17.85 | $17.72 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 45,889 | 42,777 |
| Job satisfaction | 2 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 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 hairdresser, also known as a hairstylist or beautician, is a person who specializes in the cutting or styling of hair with the goal of enhancing a person's appearance. As a hairdresser, your duties may range from cutting, washing, and styling to hair coloring and employing hair texturing techniques. You may also be required to educate clients on healthy hair practices on hair and scalp care.
Cosmetologists and hair dressers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cosmetologist | Hair Dresser | |
| Average salary | $37,122 | $36,852 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $53,000 | Between $25,000 And $54,000 |
| Highest paying City | Duluth, MN | - |
| Highest paying state | Washington | - |
| Best paying company | Anthony | - |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | - |
There are a few differences between a cosmetologist and a hair dresser in terms of educational background:
| Cosmetologist | Hair Dresser | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Most common major | Cosmetology | Cosmetology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between cosmetologists' and hair dressers' demographics:
| Cosmetologist | Hair Dresser | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 7.4% Female, 92.6% | Male, 6.1% Female, 93.9% |
| 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, 10.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |