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Massage therapy instructor vs cosmetology instructor

The differences between massage therapy instructors and cosmetology instructors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a massage therapy instructor and a cosmetology instructor. Additionally, a massage therapy instructor has an average salary of $53,616, which is higher than the $45,344 average annual salary of a cosmetology instructor.

The top three skills for a massage therapy instructor include anatomy, physiology and respiratory therapy. The most important skills for a cosmetology instructor are classroom management, clinic floor, and syllabus.

Massage therapy instructor vs cosmetology instructor overview

Massage Therapy InstructorCosmetology Instructor
Yearly salary$53,616$45,344
Hourly rate$25.78$21.80
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs59,42524,434
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Associate Degree, 30%
Average age4646
Years of experience44

What does a massage therapy instructor do?

Massage therapy instructors teach students how to give massages for relaxation and therapy purposes. The instructors provide lectures and demonstrate and oversee activities that the class can participate in. Their tasks are to evaluate student's classwork, papers and assignments, instruct students in different types of massage applications and therapy, and develop daily lesson plans to include instructional aids. They should have experience in giving massages to clients with a license required in the state where they teach and practice. Massage therapist instruction must have manual dexterity, good coordination, and the ability to perform massages for in-class demonstration.

What does a cosmetology instructor do?

A Cosmetology Instructor is trained to teach a variety of skills used by hairstylists, manicurists, makeup artists, and other workers in the beauty industry. They teach students from vocational and technical schools how to perform cosmetology practices.

Massage therapy instructor vs cosmetology instructor salary

Massage therapy instructors and cosmetology instructors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Massage Therapy InstructorCosmetology Instructor
Average salary$53,616$45,344
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $86,000Between $31,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City-Roseville, MI
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Porter and Chester Institute
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between massage therapy instructor and cosmetology instructor education

There are a few differences between a massage therapy instructor and a cosmetology instructor in terms of educational background:

Massage Therapy InstructorCosmetology Instructor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 34%Associate Degree, 30%
Most common majorSomatic BodyworkCosmetology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Massage therapy instructor vs cosmetology instructor demographics

Here are the differences between massage therapy instructors' and cosmetology instructors' demographics:

Massage Therapy InstructorCosmetology Instructor
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 30.6% Female, 69.4%Male, 9.2% Female, 90.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 11.3% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 11.2% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between massage therapy instructor and cosmetology instructor duties and responsibilities

Massage therapy instructor example responsibilities.

  • Plan and deliver instruction and mentor to achieve specific objectives base upon establish curriculum in anatomy, physiology and massage therapy.
  • Instruct classes on deep tissue, kinesiology, Swedish massage and structural integration technique.
  • Instruct on specific massage modalities to include Swedish, sports massage, neuromuscular techniques, connective tissue manipulation and acupressure.
  • Implement a detail, student- orient curriculum base on anatomy & physiology and basic massage techniques.
  • Develop materials and course structure to assist students in learning dosage calculations, pharmacology, and practical applications of pharmacy practice.
  • Grade and evaluate students as required by the course syllabus.
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Cosmetology instructor example responsibilities.

  • Achieve business objectives require by corporate standards.
  • Teach general classes consisting of anatomy, chemical relaxing, skin, and product knowledge.
  • Develop and execute course syllabus to satisfy regulatory and professional curriculum requirements
  • Prepare semester academic syllabus for faculty for classroom instructions.
  • Implement teaching methods and theories for secondary education students pursuing diploma and certificates in the discipline of cosmetology.
  • Coach and mentor others; assist in preparing students for a successful cosmetology career, teaching a standardize cosmetology curriculum.
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Massage therapy instructor vs cosmetology instructor skills

Common massage therapy instructor skills
  • Anatomy, 9%
  • Physiology, 9%
  • Respiratory Therapy, 9%
  • Course Materials, 8%
  • Curriculum Development, 8%
  • Ethics, 5%
Common cosmetology instructor skills
  • Classroom Management, 19%
  • Clinic Floor, 12%
  • Syllabus, 11%
  • Course Objectives, 10%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Cosmetology License, 5%

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