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Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs cosmetician

The differences between hairstylist/cosmetologists and cosmeticians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a cosmetician has an average salary of $80,315, which is higher than the $36,770 average annual salary of a hairstylist/cosmetologist.

The top three skills for a hairstylist/cosmetologist include scheduling appointments, makeup and salon services. The most important skills for a cosmetician are customer service, merchandise displays, and skin care.

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs cosmetician overview

Hairstylist/CosmetologistCosmetician
Yearly salary$36,770$80,315
Hourly rate$17.68$38.61
Growth rate11%1%
Number of jobs43,1939,011
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 42%
Average age4038
Years of experience2-

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs cosmetician salary

Hairstylist/cosmetologists and cosmeticians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Hairstylist/CosmetologistCosmetician
Average salary$36,770$80,315
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $53,000Between $51,000 And $125,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companySoothe-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between hairstylist/cosmetologist and cosmetician education

There are a few differences between a hairstylist/cosmetologist and a cosmetician in terms of educational background:

Hairstylist/CosmetologistCosmetician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 42%
Most common majorCosmetologyBusiness
Most common college--

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs cosmetician demographics

Here are the differences between hairstylist/cosmetologists' and cosmeticians' demographics:

Hairstylist/CosmetologistCosmetician
Average age4038
Gender ratioMale, 8.6% Female, 91.4%Male, 2.8% Female, 97.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 6.2% White, 53.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.0%
LGBT Percentage12%6%

Differences between hairstylist/cosmetologist and cosmetician duties and responsibilities

Hairstylist/cosmetologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage beautiful hairstyles with the use of flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, and other hair products.
  • Work as a hairstylist, receptionist, sell retail and up sell services and products.
  • Apply make-up, dress wigs, learn customer's needs, provide fingernail treatments, and maintain clean work area.
  • Receive certification and start as hairstylist.
  • Maintain hair tools and salon instruments for salon cleanliness and compliance with cosmetology regulations.
  • Train and employ by Aveda, demonstrating the use of plant and flower sensory methodology.

Cosmetician example responsibilities.

  • Administer make-up application to customers during cosmetic demonstrations
  • Administer make-up application to customers during cosmetic demonstrations

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs cosmetician skills

Common hairstylist/cosmetologist skills
  • Scheduling Appointments, 17%
  • Makeup, 12%
  • Salon Services, 8%
  • Cosmetology, 7%
  • Front Desk, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
Common cosmetician skills
  • Customer Service, 59%
  • Merchandise Displays, 16%
  • Skin Care, 7%
  • Cosmetic Products, 6%
  • Inventory Control, 5%
  • Product Knowledge, 4%

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