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The differences between cosmetologists and licensed cosmetologists 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 licensed cosmetologist. Additionally, a cosmetologist has an average salary of $37,122, which is higher than the $36,637 average annual salary of a licensed cosmetologist.
The top three skills for a cosmetologist include TIP, customer service and retail sales. The most important skills for a licensed cosmetologist are retail sales, customer service, and product sales.
| Cosmetologist | Licensed Cosmetologist | |
| Yearly salary | $37,122 | $36,637 |
| Hourly rate | $17.85 | $17.61 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 45,889 | 52,740 |
| Job satisfaction | 2 | 3 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | Associate Degree, 29% |
| 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 Licensed Cosmetologist provides various services, such as hairstyling, skincare, nail treatments, and makeup. They are responsible for complying with health and safety standards.
Cosmetologists and licensed cosmetologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cosmetologist | Licensed Cosmetologist | |
| Average salary | $37,122 | $36,637 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $53,000 | Between $24,000 And $53,000 |
| Highest paying City | Duluth, MN | Montclair, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Anthony | The Lash Lounge |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Education |
There are a few differences between a cosmetologist and a licensed cosmetologist in terms of educational background:
| Cosmetologist | Licensed Cosmetologist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | Associate Degree, 29% |
| Most common major | Cosmetology | Cosmetology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between cosmetologists' and licensed cosmetologists' demographics:
| Cosmetologist | Licensed Cosmetologist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 7.4% Female, 92.6% | Male, 7.9% Female, 92.1% |
| 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, 12.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 7.9% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |