by our College Data Analytics TeamHave you ever dreamed of doing the hair and makeup for a celebrity on the red carpet? Major in Cosmetology and your dream may become a reality.
Cosmetology experts help people look and feel good about themselves. You will be equipped with the skills to tame bad hair days and accentuate natural features with makeup. Classes in areas such as hair cutting and coloring, skin care, manicuring, and salon business practices will also teach students how to follow safety and health standards and run a salon or spa while giving clients the best experience possible.
Degrees in general Cosmetology are available, but due to the vastness of the major, students decide to concentrate in a specific area. Some of the many concentrations you may choose from include: Barbering, Electrology and Electrolysis Technician, Make-Up Artist, Hair Stylist and Hair Design, Facial Treatment Specialist, Aesthetician and Skin Care Specialist, Nail Technician and Manicurist, Permanent Cosmetics and Tattooing, Salon Management, Cosmetology, and Barber/Styling.
A degree in Cosmetology covers Cosmetology And Related Personal Grooming Services. Continue reading for the key facts every cosmetology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering cosmetology programs.
In the U.S., cosmetology is a widely-pursued major, with 136,936 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Cosmetology Schools ranking analyzes these 1,583 schools to determine the best overall colleges for cosmetology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of cosmetology programs later in this article.
Coursework for Cosmetology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations cosmetology graduates commonly enter.
Cosmetologists work directly with people, placing a high value on strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Professionals must pay close attention to detail and be good listeners when the customer explains the service and final result they want. Cosmetologists must also be creative and up to date on the newest trends.
Many jobs in cosmetology are part time with hours both during the week and on weekends. Those who decide to be self-employed may work more weekly hours and set their own schedule. Hairdresser, stylists, and some other specialists can expect to spend a lot of time on their feet.
Most cosmetology programs are available as associate's degrees. Once students finish the degree, they must become licensed in the state they wish to practice. An internship in the field is helpful to students who wish to gain hands-on experience while working towards their degree.
Skills emphasized by a cosmetology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a cosmetology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several cosmetology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 69,567 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,399 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 60,071 |
People currently working in careers related to cosmetology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 41.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 23.7% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 8.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 8.2% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 6.3% |
| Some college courses | 6.2% |
| Master’s degree | 4.6% |
| First professional degree | 0.7% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in cosmetology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
The majority of Cosmetology graduates work in a salon, spa, or barbershop. Some graduates are self-employed and work out of their home or rented space.
Studying cosmetology prepares you for numerous career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to cosmetology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to cosmetology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | 606,268 | 3.4% |
| Fitness and Wellness Coordinators | 403,205 | 4.2% |
| Personal Service Managers, All Other | 320,819 | 2.9% |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | 268,468 | 1.6% |
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | 253,179 | 6.7% |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | 226,641 | -3.6% |
| Shampooers | 193,543 | 10.8% |
| Spa Managers | 184,703 | -2.2% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of cosmetology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $17,533 |
| 4 years | $20,210 |
| 5 years | $22,425 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for cosmetology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers cosmetology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Personal Service Managers, All Other | $176,674 |
| Spa Managers | $143,396 |
| Fitness and Wellness Coordinators | $66,320 |
| Skincare Specialists | $60,954 |
| Barbers | $47,321 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $39,017 |
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | $36,599 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $31,083 |
With 1,583 different cosmetology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased cosmetology school rankings to help you.
Students interested in cosmetology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Culinary Arts and Related Services | 24,487 |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science | 2,676 |
| Casino Operations and Services | 564 |
| Culinary, Entertainment, and Personal Services, Other | 101 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
