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Hair colorist vs hair stylist

The differences between hair colorists and hair stylists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a hair colorist and a hair stylist. Additionally, a hair stylist has an average salary of $38,221, which is higher than the $35,934 average annual salary of a hair colorist.

The top three skills for a hair colorist include front desk, client appointments and product knowledge. The most important skills for a hair stylist are cosmetology, clips, and kids.

Hair colorist vs hair stylist overview

Hair ColoristHair Stylist
Yearly salary$35,934$38,221
Hourly rate$17.28$18.38
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs34,02549,578
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%High School Diploma, 31%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Hair colorist vs hair stylist salary

Hair colorists and hair stylists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Hair ColoristHair Stylist
Average salary$35,934$38,221
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $57,000Between $27,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City-Scottsdale, AZ
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company--
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between hair colorist and hair stylist education

There are a few differences between a hair colorist and a hair stylist in terms of educational background:

Hair ColoristHair Stylist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%High School Diploma, 31%
Most common majorCosmetologyCosmetology
Most common college--

Hair colorist vs hair stylist demographics

Here are the differences between hair colorists' and hair stylists' demographics:

Hair ColoristHair Stylist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 18.4% Female, 81.6%Male, 9.2% Female, 90.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.7% Asian, 7.5% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.2% Asian, 7.6% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between hair colorist and hair stylist duties and responsibilities

Hair colorist example responsibilities.

  • Manage product inventory for cosmetology products, place product orders, maintain the inventory.
  • Provide hairstylist services/professional makeup/manicures/pedicures and modeling.
  • Perform cosmetology services on clients-scheduling appointments-Inventory

Hair stylist example responsibilities.

  • Manage beautiful hairstyles with the use of flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, and other hair products.
  • Manage product inventory for cosmetology products, place product orders, maintain the inventory.
  • Commission stylist, assist other stylists as well as cleaning and greeting guests.
  • Work extremely quickly and efficiently as a hairstylist to reach sales and productivity goals while maintaining exceptional customer service
  • Bleach, dye, or tint, using applicator or brush.
  • Specialize in braids, sew-ins, glue-ins, dreads, wraps, twist, and curls.
  • Show more

Hair colorist vs hair stylist skills

Common hair colorist skills
  • Front Desk, 82%
  • Client Appointments, 13%
  • Product Knowledge, 5%
Common hair stylist skills
  • Cosmetology, 31%
  • Clips, 20%
  • Kids, 7%
  • Makeup, 6%
  • Retail Sales, 5%
  • Cleanliness, 4%

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