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Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair dresser

The differences between hairstylist/cosmetologists and hair dressers 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 dresser. Additionally, a hair dresser has an average salary of $36,852, 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 hair dresser are appointment scheduling, customer service, and product sales.

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair dresser overview

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Dresser
Yearly salary$36,770$36,852
Hourly rate$17.68$17.72
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs43,19342,777
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 46%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair dresser salary

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Dresser
Average salary$36,770$36,852
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $53,000Between $25,000 And $54,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companySoothe-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between hairstylist/cosmetologist and hair dresser education

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Dresser
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 46%
Most common majorCosmetologyCosmetology
Most common college--

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair dresser demographics

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Dresser
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 8.6% Female, 91.4%Male, 6.1% Female, 93.9%
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, 10.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between hairstylist/cosmetologist and hair dresser 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 dresser example responsibilities.

  • Manage product inventory for cosmetology products, place product orders, maintain the inventory.
  • Shampoo, style and color hair as well as advise clients about wigs.
  • Bleach, dye, or tint hair.
  • Assist in hair and make-up.
  • Apply make-up and cosmetics on clients.
  • Shape eyebrows using tweezers, creams.
  • Show more

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair dresser skills

Common hairstylist/cosmetologist skills
  • Scheduling Appointments, 17%
  • Makeup, 12%
  • Salon Services, 8%
  • Cosmetology, 7%
  • Front Desk, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
Common hair dresser skills
  • Appointment Scheduling, 28%
  • Customer Service, 22%
  • Product Sales, 8%
  • Curling Irons, 6%
  • Front Desk, 6%
  • Skin Care, 6%

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