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Beauty Schools & Programs
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn a median salary of $33,400 per year, with employment projected to grow 8% through 2032 (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Beauty school programs train students in cosmetology, hair design, nail technology, and salon management – preparing graduates to pass state board exams and begin working in salons, spas, or their own businesses. With over 80,500 annual job openings nationwide, trained beauty professionals remain in consistent demand.
Beauty Schools Salary Snapshot
U.S.75,800 openings/yr
What Is a Beauty School Program?
Beauty school programs teach the technical and creative skills needed to work as a licensed cosmetologist, hairstylist, nail technician, or makeup artist. Coursework combines classroom theory with extensive hands-on practice in student salons, where trainees work on real clients under instructor supervision. Students learn everything from hair cutting and coloring to skin care basics and salon business operations. Programs are designed to meet your state’s licensing hour requirements so graduates can sit for the cosmetology board exam and begin working immediately after passing.
What You’ll Learn
- Hair cutting, coloring, highlighting, and chemical texturing techniques (perms, relaxers)
- Shampooing, conditioning, scalp treatments, and hair analysis
- Manicure, pedicure, and nail art techniques
- Skin care basics including facials, waxing, and makeup application
- Sanitation, disinfection, and infection control procedures
- Salon business management, retail sales, and client booking
- State cosmetology laws, safety regulations, and professional ethics
- Career development including portfolio building and interview preparation
- Color theory and consultation skills for customized client services
- Advanced styling techniques for special events, editorial, and bridal work
How Long Does Training Take?
State-required training hours for cosmetology range from 1,000 to 2,100 hours depending on the state. Full-time beauty school programs typically take 9 to 15 months to complete, while part-time and evening schedules extend the timeline to 18 to 24 months. Some community colleges offer associate degree programs in cosmetology that take about two years, combining beauty training with general education credits. Tuition at beauty schools generally ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on program length, school type, and location. Additional costs include a student cosmetology kit ($200 to $800), textbooks, licensing exam fees, and any required uniforms. Many schools participate in federal financial aid programs and offer payment plans.
Admissions & Requirements
- High school diploma or GED is required by most states and schools
- Minimum age of 16 or 17 depending on the state
- Students typically purchase a cosmetology kit (shears, combs, mannequin heads, brushes) – kits cost $200 to $800
- Some programs require a physical exam or proof of immunizations
- A portfolio or prior experience is not required for entry-level programs
- Background checks may be required in states where licensure mandates one
Licensing & Certification
Every state requires a cosmetology license to work legally as a hairstylist or beauty professional. After completing the required training hours at an approved school, graduates must pass a state board exam that includes both a written test and a practical skills demonstration. Specific requirements vary: for example, California requires 1,600 hours, New York requires 1,000 hours, and Texas requires 1,500 hours. Licenses must be renewed periodically, and many states require continuing education credits for renewal. Some cosmetologists also pursue specialty certifications in areas like color correction, hair extensions, or texture services.
Career Outlook & Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn a median annual wage of $33,400, with the top 10% earning over $50,100 per year (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The field generates roughly 80,500 job openings each year due to a combination of new positions and workforce turnover. Earnings vary significantly based on location, clientele, specialization, and whether a cosmetologist works as an employee or rents a booth. Experienced stylists in high-demand markets or with established client bases often earn well above the median, particularly those who specialize in color services or bridal work.
Where You’ll Work
Most beauty school graduates work in hair salons, day spas, or barbershops. Some find positions in hotel and resort spas, bridal studios, or theater and film production companies. A significant number of cosmetologists are self-employed, either renting booth space in an established salon or operating their own businesses. Opportunities also exist in product sales, education roles at beauty schools, and platform artistry for product manufacturers.
Online vs In-Person Options
Beauty school training is primarily hands-on and must be completed in person at a licensed school with a student salon. Some programs offer the theory portion of the curriculum (sanitation, cosmetology law, product chemistry) through online coursework, but the practical hours involving cutting, coloring, and client services must be done on-site. Fully online cosmetology programs do not meet state licensing requirements. Hybrid programs that combine online theory with in-person practical training can offer scheduling flexibility, but students should verify that their state board accepts the hybrid format before enrolling.
Browse by Location
- View all locations: Beauty Schools by state
Beauty Schools Salary by State
| State | Median annual | Top 10% annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $29,660 | $49,710 |
| Alaska | $44,700 | $78,060 |
| Arizona | $35,220 | $56,150 |
| Arkansas | $26,450 | $35,120 |
| California | $39,370 | $75,100 |
| Colorado | $43,680 | $93,980 |
| Connecticut | $37,070 | $71,830 |
| Delaware | $30,980 | $87,300 |
| District of Columbia | $48,060 | $97,760 |
| Florida | $29,760 | $60,780 |
| Georgia | $30,790 | $79,050 |
| Hawaii | $52,000 | $78,840 |
| Idaho | $33,820 | $36,900 |
| Illinois | $34,800 | $62,610 |
| Indiana | $31,480 | $55,900 |
| Iowa | $37,850 | $67,520 |
| Kansas | $34,740 | $70,180 |
| Kentucky | $32,170 | $96,670 |
| Louisiana | $23,470 | $46,720 |
| Maine | $48,480 | $74,160 |
| Maryland | $36,440 | $61,610 |
| Massachusetts | $47,740 | $70,670 |
| Michigan | $35,720 | $70,250 |
| Minnesota | $42,850 | $62,530 |
| Mississippi | $28,360 | $62,990 |
| Missouri | $30,390 | $73,050 |
| Montana | $38,230 | $79,870 |
| Nebraska | $39,190 | $60,100 |
| Nevada | $29,690 | $59,070 |
| New Hampshire | $42,000 | $55,530 |
| New Jersey | $44,110 | $101,300 |
| New Mexico | $28,150 | $62,400 |
| New York | $33,960 | $72,760 |
| North Carolina | $36,140 | $61,620 |
| North Dakota | $33,870 | $77,630 |
| Ohio | $29,440 | $60,800 |
| Oklahoma | $30,680 | $49,990 |
| Oregon | $35,760 | $75,670 |
| Pennsylvania | $29,680 | $61,990 |
| Rhode Island | $30,510 | $62,400 |
| South Carolina | $29,120 | $60,740 |
| South Dakota | $49,050 | $61,900 |
| Tennessee | $29,170 | $72,460 |
| Texas | $28,370 | $62,470 |
| Utah | $34,960 | $74,710 |
| Vermont | $49,640 | $77,990 |
| Virginia | $37,850 | $88,980 |
| Washington | $58,920 | $104,680 |
| West Virginia | $31,150 | $58,380 |
| Wisconsin | $36,550 | $55,070 |
| Wyoming | $32,400 | $62,400 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.
Career Guide
Ready to learn more about what beauty professionals do day-to-day, salary expectations, and advancement opportunities? Our career guide covers everything from entry-level salon positions to building your own business as an independent stylist.
Career Guide: Beauty Professional →
FAQs
How much does beauty school cost?
Tuition at beauty schools typically ranges from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the program length, school type, and location. Costs also include a student kit ($200-$800), textbooks, licensing exam fees ($50-$200), and any required uniforms. Many beauty schools participate in federal financial aid programs, and some offer payment plans.
Can I specialize in one area like hair coloring or nail technology?
Yes. Many states offer separate licenses for nail technology, esthetics, and barbering that require fewer training hours than a full cosmetology license. Nail technology programs typically require 300-600 hours, while esthetics programs require 260-1,000 hours. Some cosmetologists also pursue advanced certifications in color correction, extensions, or textured hair after licensing.
What is the difference between cosmetology and barbering?
Cosmetology programs cover hair, skin, and nails, while barbering programs focus specifically on men’s haircuts, fades, beard trimming, and straight razor shaving. Licensing is separate in most states. Some beauty schools offer both tracks, and a few states allow dual licensing for professionals who want to offer the full range of services.
How much do cosmetologists earn in their first year?
Entry-level cosmetologists typically earn toward the lower end of the pay scale. The BLS reports that the bottom 10% of hairdressers and cosmetologists earn around $20,040 per year (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). First-year earnings depend heavily on location, salon type, and whether you work on commission, hourly wages, or booth rental. Building a loyal client base usually takes one to two years and is the primary driver of income growth.
Is booth rental better than working as a salon employee?
Both models have trade-offs. Salon employees receive a steady paycheck, benefits in some cases, and an existing flow of walk-in clients. Booth renters keep a larger share of service revenue but pay a fixed rent and handle their own scheduling, marketing, supplies, and taxes. Most new graduates start as employees to gain experience and build a client base before considering booth rental.
Do beauty school credits transfer to a college degree?
In most cases, beauty school training hours do not transfer directly as college credits. However, some community colleges offer cosmetology programs where the same training counts toward an associate degree. If earning a degree is a priority, look for accredited community college programs that combine cosmetology licensure preparation with general education coursework.
What continuing education is required after licensing?
Most states require licensed cosmetologists to complete continuing education (CE) hours for license renewal, typically ranging from 4 to 16 hours every one to two years. CE topics often include sanitation updates, new techniques, chemical safety, and state law changes. Some states accept online continuing education courses, while others require in-person attendance.
Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.
Browse Beauty Schools by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
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