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Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair colorist

The differences between hairstylist/cosmetologists and hair colorists 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 colorist. Additionally, a hairstylist/cosmetologist has an average salary of $36,770, which is higher than the $35,934 average annual salary of a hair colorist.

The top three skills for a hairstylist/cosmetologist include scheduling appointments, makeup and salon services. The most important skills for a hair colorist are front desk, client appointments, and product knowledge.

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair colorist overview

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Colorist
Yearly salary$36,770$35,934
Hourly rate$17.68$17.28
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs43,19334,025
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair colorist salary

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Colorist
Average salary$36,770$35,934
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $53,000Between $22,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companySoothe-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between hairstylist/cosmetologist and hair colorist education

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Colorist
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorCosmetologyCosmetology
Most common college--

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair colorist demographics

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Colorist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 8.6% Female, 91.4%Male, 18.4% Female, 81.6%
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, 10.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 20.7% Asian, 7.5% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between hairstylist/cosmetologist and hair colorist 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 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

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair colorist skills

Common hairstylist/cosmetologist skills
  • Scheduling Appointments, 17%
  • Makeup, 12%
  • Salon Services, 8%
  • Cosmetology, 7%
  • Front Desk, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
Common hair colorist skills
  • Front Desk, 82%
  • Client Appointments, 13%
  • Product Knowledge, 5%

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