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The differences between licensed 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 licensed cosmetologist and a hair dresser. Additionally, a hair dresser has an average salary of $36,852, 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 dresser are appointment scheduling, customer service, and product sales.
| Licensed Cosmetologist | Hair Dresser | |
| Yearly salary | $36,637 | $36,852 |
| Hourly rate | $17.61 | $17.72 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 52,740 | 42,777 |
| Job satisfaction | 3 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 29% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A Licensed Cosmetologist provides various services, such as hairstyling, skincare, nail treatments, and makeup. They are responsible for complying with health and safety standards.
A hairdresser, also known as a hairstylist or beautician, is a person who specializes in the cutting or styling of hair with the goal of enhancing a person's appearance. As a hairdresser, your duties may range from cutting, washing, and styling to hair coloring and employing hair texturing techniques. You may also be required to educate clients on healthy hair practices on hair and scalp care.
Licensed cosmetologists and hair dressers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Licensed Cosmetologist | Hair Dresser | |
| Average salary | $36,637 | $36,852 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $53,000 | Between $25,000 And $54,000 |
| Highest paying City | Montclair, NJ | - |
| Highest paying state | Washington | - |
| Best paying company | The Lash Lounge | - |
| Best paying industry | Education | - |
There are a few differences between a licensed cosmetologist and a hair dresser in terms of educational background:
| Licensed Cosmetologist | Hair Dresser | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 29% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Most common major | Cosmetology | Cosmetology |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between licensed cosmetologists' and hair dressers' demographics:
| Licensed Cosmetologist | Hair Dresser | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 7.9% Female, 92.1% | Male, 6.1% Female, 93.9% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 10.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |