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Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair stylist

The differences between hairstylist/cosmetologists 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 hairstylist/cosmetologist and a hair stylist. Additionally, a hair stylist has an average salary of $38,221, 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 stylist are cosmetology, clips, and kids.

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair stylist overview

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Stylist
Yearly salary$36,770$38,221
Hourly rate$17.68$18.38
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs43,19349,578
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 31%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair stylist salary

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Stylist
Average salary$36,770$38,221
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $53,000Between $27,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAScottsdale, AZ
Highest paying stateWashingtonWashington
Best paying companySoothe-
Best paying industryTechnologyHealth Care

Differences between hairstylist/cosmetologist and hair stylist education

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Stylist
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 33%High School Diploma, 31%
Most common majorCosmetologyCosmetology
Most common college--

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair stylist demographics

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

Hairstylist/CosmetologistHair Stylist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 8.6% Female, 91.4%Male, 9.2% Female, 90.8%
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, 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 hairstylist/cosmetologist and hair stylist 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 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

Hairstylist/cosmetologist vs hair stylist skills

Common hairstylist/cosmetologist skills
  • Scheduling Appointments, 17%
  • Makeup, 12%
  • Salon Services, 8%
  • Cosmetology, 7%
  • Front Desk, 5%
  • Customer Service, 5%
Common hair stylist skills
  • Cosmetology, 31%
  • Clips, 20%
  • Kids, 7%
  • Makeup, 6%
  • Retail Sales, 5%
  • Cleanliness, 4%

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