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Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair assistant

The differences between hairstylist/cosmetologists and hair assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a hairstylist/cosmetologist and a hair assistant. Additionally, a hairstylist/cosmetologist has an average salary of $36,770, which is higher than the $36,693 average annual salary of a hair assistant.

The top three skills for a hairstylist/cosmetologist include scheduling appointments, makeup and salon services. The most important skills for a hair assistant are schedule appointments, cleanliness, and customer service.

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair assistant overview

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Assistant
Yearly salary$36,770$36,693
Hourly rate$17.68$17.64
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs43,19334,394
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 33%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair assistant salary

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Assistant
Average salary$36,770$36,693
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $53,000Between $24,000 And $55,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companySoothe-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between hairstylist/cosmetologist and hair assistant education

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Assistant
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 33%
Most common majorCosmetologyCosmetology
Most common college--

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair assistant demographics

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Assistant
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 8.6% Female, 91.4%Male, 9.7% Female, 90.3%
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, 12.8% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 7.5% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between hairstylist/cosmetologist and hair assistant 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.

Hair assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage product inventory for cosmetology products, place product orders, maintain the inventory.
  • Maintain cleanliness of professional manicuring area.
  • Follow established standards of safety and cleanliness.
  • Provide hairstylist services/professional makeup/manicures/pedicures and modeling.
  • Work part-time as a natural hair stylist offering braid styles and natural styles
  • Perform cosmetology services on clients-scheduling appointments-Inventory

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair assistant skills

Common hairstylist/cosmetologist skills
  • Scheduling Appointments, 17%
  • Makeup, 12%
  • Salon Services, 8%
  • Cosmetology, 7%
  • Front Desk, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
Common hair assistant skills
  • Schedule Appointments, 51%
  • Cleanliness, 12%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Front Desk, 7%
  • Make-Up, 5%
  • Departmental Policies, 3%

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