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Licensed cosmetologist vs hair assistant

The differences between licensed 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 licensed cosmetologist and a hair assistant. Additionally, a hair assistant has an average salary of $36,693, which is higher than the $36,637 average annual salary of a licensed cosmetologist.

The top three skills for a licensed cosmetologist include retail sales, customer service and product sales. The most important skills for a hair assistant are schedule appointments, cleanliness, and customer service.

Licensed cosmetologist vs hair assistant overview

Licensed CosmetologistHair Assistant
Yearly salary$36,637$36,693
Hourly rate$17.61$17.64
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs52,74034,394
Job satisfaction3-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 29%High School Diploma, 33%
Average age4040
Years of experience22

Licensed cosmetologist vs hair assistant salary

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

Licensed CosmetologistHair Assistant
Average salary$36,637$36,693
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $53,000Between $24,000 And $55,000
Highest paying CityMontclair, NJ-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companyThe Lash Lounge-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between licensed cosmetologist and hair assistant education

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

Licensed CosmetologistHair Assistant
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 29%High School Diploma, 33%
Most common majorCosmetologyCosmetology
Most common college--

Licensed cosmetologist vs hair assistant demographics

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

Licensed CosmetologistHair Assistant
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 7.9% Female, 92.1%Male, 9.7% Female, 90.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.6% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 7.9% White, 59.8% 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 licensed cosmetologist and hair assistant duties and responsibilities

Licensed cosmetologist example responsibilities.

  • Manage beautiful hairstyles with the use of flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, and other hair products.
  • Provide pedicure/manicure, skin care services, and dress wigs.
  • Provide all services - hair stylist, nails, make-up, coloring services, blow-outs, and up-do's.
  • Conduct DYI seminars on make-up application.
  • Maintain hair tools and salon instruments for salon cleanliness and compliance with cosmetology regulations.
  • Assist others hairstylist team members.
    • Show more

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

Licensed cosmetologist vs hair assistant skills

Common licensed cosmetologist skills
  • Retail Sales, 32%
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Product Sales, 11%
  • Appointment Scheduling, 5%
  • Make-Up, 4%
  • Cosmetic Services, 3%
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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Updated January 8, 2025

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