Cosmetology is much more than just cutting hair...

Although we usually associate them with the technical aspects of their job, “there’s so much more to what we do than cutting hair,” says Scott J. Buchanan, president of Scott J. Salons & Spas in New York City and the 2013-2014 chairman of the Professional Beauty Association. “We also get to change people’s lives and make them feel good about themselves.”

How many Salons are there in the United States?

This Beauty Salon industry summary is from First Research which also sells a full version of this hair care services industry report. The US hair care services industry includes about 86,000 establishments (82,000 beauty salons; 4,000 barber shops) with combined annual revenue of about $20 billion.

What is the average starting salary for a cosmetologist?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022) says that the mean annual wage for cosmetologists is $29,192 per year. The BLS numbers often do not account for full-time and part-time cosmetologists, experience in the field, and tips that cosmetologists receive, which could make that salary higher.

Best Paying Cities for Hairdressers

The highest paid in the hairdresser profession work in the metropolitan areas of Lynchburg, Virginia, ($42,550) Springfield, Illinois, ($39,830) and Honolulu ($39,130). The Cheyenne, Wyoming area also pays well, ($37,820), as does the city of Billings, Montana.($38,720) Current average in CT is $14/hr up to $22.50

Not just a career, it's a calling.

Hairdressers are licensed cosmetologists who have been trained in a spectrum of beauty styling techniques, concentrating on hair services specifically, counseling clients on proper hair and skin care and learning to tiptoe around the Achilles’ heel we all share – vanity. The best stylists adeptly juggle these tasks, earning both our tips and our trust. It's plain to see hairdressing is more than a career. It’s a calling.

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So much more than cutting hair...

Although we usually associate them with the technical aspects of their job, “there’s so much more to what we do than cutting hair,” says Scott J. Buchanan, president of Scott J. Salons & Spas in New York City and the 2013-2014 chairman of the Professional Beauty Association. “We also get to change people’s lives and make them feel good about themselves.”

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Bureau of Labor Statistics...

Although growth rates vary by specialty, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in this “calling” will grow by 10 percent. Demand to receive extensions, hair color, straightening and more could translate to 58,400 new cosmetologist positions by 2024.

Job Satisfaction

A job with excellent flexibility for that good work-life balance,  average stress level, good work-life balance and solid prospects to improve, get promoted and earn a higher salary Cosmetology is ranked #12 for the best social service jobs.