How much do you get paid while going through cosmetology school?
I'm a senior in high school wanting to pursue a career in cosmetology. A friend of mine is already in cosmetology school, and although it's discounted, she gets paid by each client she has come in to the student salon. I'd just like to know about how much you would get paid per month?
7 answers
Daniela Silva
Daniela’s Answer
Hi Karis,
General Wages
The largest group of licensed cosmetologists are the 357,030 general cosmetologists, hairstylists and hairdressers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2011 survey. Many general cosmetologists perform skin and nail services in addition to hair care. Their average wage nationwide was $12.72 per hour, or $26,460 a year, according to the BLS. Their annual wages ranged from $16,710 a year or less for the lowest-earning 10 percent to $41,490 a year or higher for the top 10 percent.
Industry
Most than 88 percent of licensed general cosmetologists work in personal care services, such as beauty shops, where their average annual full-time wage came to $26,550 a year in 2011, according to the bureau. Those who worked in department stores averaged $22,880 per year, the lowest wages for major industries. The movie and video industry paid cosmetologists an average of $69,780 per year, the highest for any industry.
Location
Licensed general cosmetologists in the District of Columbia averaged $48,720 per year in 2011, according to the bureau, more than for any state. The highest-paying states were Hawaii and Washington, both with average pay exceeding $34,000 per year. The highest-paying metropolitan area was the greater New York City region, where 15,700 cosmetologists earned an average of $32,380 per year.
In: http://work.chron.com/salary-ranges-cosmetologists-8660.html
Good Luck!
The sky is the limit with this. When you first start out find a salon that will let you be an assistant to another stylist. This will give you a great 2nd education in the really world. The stylist should be a mentor to you. Keep taking classes during your career never stop learning. The first couple of years the income will not be great as you grow so does your income. Best of luck.
Amy
Hi Karis. As a student, I received tips for services rendered but never a "payment" as such. I hope you consider and pursue this field. There are many avenues you can take and you can make as much money as you want. The sky is the limit! Always keep your options open, take extra classes, go to seminars/shows, become knowledgeable of many products/makeup/new trends/latest styles, practice, practice, practice and fly with it. Good luck on your endeavors!
Nay Dunnaway
Venus’s Answer
The experience is far more important then the very small money you would make. In the cosmetology field ,trail and error is what makes a well informed professional. Doing and bringing out the artist inside with the excitement that spreads to the client. Being open to learning ,education to be the best. Your funds grows as your knowledge grows.
Terri’s Answer
When I went to beauty school, I did not get "paid" to work on the salon floor. I got points or credits toward what skills needed experience. I may have received tips or gratuity, but not a paycheck.
My advice is based on my experience in the state of Massachusetts. Other states may have different ways of doing things.
Hope this helps! 😀
Diana’s Answer
Hello, I've been Cosmetologist for 28 years. When first out of school will only make approximately 10-14$ hr. , not including tips.
If you further your education ( going to seminars, classes ect.) You will earn much more. A person that is great with people and is skilled will make at least 40-70,000 yearly. I have managed a salon , also owned my own business working for myself, this is how I arrived with these figures.
I love my craft and hope you will also.
Veronica’s Answer
hi! cosmetology is a great field to be in! I was a Cosmo instructor for almost 5 years so I'm pretty familiar with the rules and regulations. while your in beauty school, you don't actually get paid to be there. when your eligible to be on the clinic floor, you do services at a discounted price but none of that money goes to you. that money helps the school pay the bills and bring in guest speakers etc. some clients do tip, and that money you can keep. while your in school it's actually illegal to take money for services. hope this helps.
Tommy’s Answer
Hey Karis T.,
As far as your friend getting paid in beauty school, that may vary. It would depend on what pay they have in place at the beauty school she goes to. The beauty school I went to, you do not get paid anything. The services you perform would be applied to the checklist of all the things you have to practice in order to complete beauty school. We did get to keep the tips though.
As far as what you get paid when you are licensed and on your own, that super-duper varies! You can make minimum wage or you can make over 100k a year. It all depends on you.
Hello Karis,
I have been a Cosmetologist for 27 years. When first out of Cosmetology School you make at least 10 -15$ hr. , not including tips. Continue to further your education and you will make much more. If your great with people you and are skilled you can make 40-70,000 yearly. I have managed people , also had my own salon --working for myself. This is how I get these figures. I love my craft and I hope you will also.
Diana Sheedy
dawn’s Answer
Upon graduation and acquisition of their license, most stylists typically find employment in a salon where they earn either the minimum wage or a 50% commission, depending on which is higher.
Your income largely depends on your personal effort. Essentially, you'll be dedicating full-time hours to your job and nearly the same amount of time to attracting potential clients.
To succeed, you'll need to actively engage with your local community and seize every opportunity to promote your services to everyone you encounter.
dawn recommends the following next steps: