Are you passionate about beauty and cosmetics? Do you have a knack for making people look and feel their best? If so, a career in cosmetology might be the perfect fit for you. Cosmetology is a diverse field that offers a wide range of exciting and lucrative job opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore the 25 highest-paying cosmetology jobs, along with their salary information, so you can make an informed decision about your future career path.
1. Dermatologist
- National Average Salary: $217,658 per year
As a dermatologist, you’ll be a licensed medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating skin conditions. Your duties will include performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and conducting minor topical surgeries like wart removal. You’ll have the opportunity to help patients manage various skin issues, such as acne, eczema, fungal infections, and dermatitis.
2. Plastic Surgeon
- National Average Salary: $299,527 per year
Plastic surgeons are among the highest-paid professionals in the cosmetology field. As a plastic surgeon, you’ll perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries to help patients improve their physical appearance or recover from accidents, surgeries, or congenital disabilities. You’ll specialize in specific body areas, such as the face or abdomen, and work closely with patients to understand their needs and desired outcomes.
3. Theatrical and Performance Makeup Artist
- National Average Salary: $124,380 per year
If you have a flair for the dramatic, a career as a theatrical and performance makeup artist might be perfect for you. You’ll specialize in creating makeup designs for musicals, films, plays, television, and other live or recorded performances. Your job will involve using unique makeup products and techniques to showcase specific historical eras or create special effects like bruises and injuries.
4. Barber
- National Average Salary: $88,430 per year
Barbering is a classic cosmetology profession that has stood the test of time. As a barber, you’ll specialize in cutting, styling, cropping, and washing men’s hair. You may also offer treatments for facial hair, such as trimming, shaving, and skin massaging. Barbers typically work in barbershops, but some also find employment opportunities in salons, resorts, or hotels.
5. Spa Manager
- National Average Salary: $83,779 per year
If you have a knack for leadership and a passion for wellness, consider becoming a spa manager. In this role, you’ll oversee the daily operations of a spa, manage staff, develop and implement marketing strategies, and ensure exceptional customer service. As a spa manager, you’ll need a strong understanding of various spa treatments, products, and industry trends.
6. Prosthetist
- National Average Salary: $77,932 per year
Prosthetists are skilled professionals who design, fabricate, and fit prosthetic limbs for patients who have experienced amputation or congenital limb deficiencies. This rewarding career combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of aesthetics and patient comfort.
7. Beauty Sales Manager
- National Average Salary: $75,765 per year
As a beauty sales manager, you’ll be responsible for leading a team of beauty product sales representatives. Your duties will include developing sales strategies, setting sales targets, training and motivating your team, and fostering strong relationships with clients and vendors. This role requires excellent leadership, communication, and marketing skills.
8. Beauty Products Representative
- National Average Salary: $70,879 per year
If you have a passion for beauty products and enjoy interacting with people, a career as a beauty products representative could be an excellent choice. In this role, you’ll promote and sell beauty products to salons, spas, and retail stores. You’ll need to stay up-to-date with the latest product trends and have a deep understanding of the products you represent.
9. Salon Manager
- National Average Salary: $65,931 per year
As a salon manager, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a hair salon or beauty parlor. Your duties will include managing staff schedules, ensuring exceptional customer service, ordering supplies, and implementing marketing strategies. A successful salon manager must have strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
10. Image Consultant
- National Average Salary: $62,007 per year
Image consultants help clients enhance their personal and professional image through wardrobe styling, makeup application, and grooming advice. In this role, you’ll work closely with clients to understand their goals, analyze their current image, and provide tailored recommendations to help them achieve their desired look.
11. Beauty Therapist
- National Average Salary: $61,587 per year
Beauty therapists are skilled professionals who provide a wide range of beauty treatments and services, such as waxing, massage, tanning, and facials. As a beauty therapist, you’ll use your formal training in beauty techniques and your knowledge of body care to help clients achieve their desired look and feel their best.
12. Makeup Artist
- National Average Salary: $60,975 per year
Makeup artists are true artists who use cosmetic products and techniques to enhance their clients’ natural features or create entirely new looks. You’ll expertly handle a variety of beauty products and tools, such as eye shadow, makeup sponges, lipstick, eyelash curlers, and foundation, to help your clients achieve their desired appearance.
13. Tattoo Artist
- National Average Salary: $59,395 per year
Tattoo artists are skilled professionals who imprint ink designs onto their clients’ skin. In this role, you’ll consult with clients to understand their desired tattoo design, redesign existing tattoos, and even assist with tattoo removal. Some tattoo artists also offer permanent makeup tattooing services to enhance clients’ facial features.
14. Hairstylist
- National Average Salary: $56,789 per year
Hairstylists are true artists who help clients achieve their desired hairstyles while keeping their hair healthy. As a hairstylist, you’ll provide a range of services, including cutting, blow-drying, trimming, coloring, curling, and straightening hair. You’ll need to have a deep understanding of different hair types and the ability to use a variety of styling tools and techniques.
15. Cosmetology Instructor
- National Average Salary: $56,215 per year
If you have a passion for sharing your knowledge and helping others succeed in the cosmetology field, consider becoming a cosmetology instructor. In this role, you’ll teach and mentor students in various aspects of cosmetology, such as hairstyling, makeup application, skin care, and nail care. You’ll need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the industry.
16. Massage Therapist
- National Average Salary: $53,729 per year
Massage therapists are skilled professionals who use manual techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body, promoting relaxation, pain relief, and improved circulation. As a massage therapist, you’ll consult with clients to understand their needs and goals, and then customize your massage techniques accordingly.
17. Cosmetologist
- National Average Salary: $52,999 per year
Cosmetologists are versatile professionals who perform a range of beauty services, including hairstyling, pedicures, treating facial hair, and cleaning or styling wigs. They work closely with clients to understand their desired look and provide personalized recommendations for skin or hair care products.
18. Skin Care Consultant
- National Average Salary: $51,973 per year
Skin care consultants are experts in helping clients manage their skin care needs and enhance their appearance. In this role, you’ll consult with clients to determine their skin care requirements, recommend appropriate products, and educate them on how to use those products effectively.
19. Piercer
- National Average Salary: $53,674 per year
Piercers are skilled professionals who specialize in safely and precisely piercing various body parts for clients who wish to adorn themselves with body jewelry. In this role, you’ll need to have a deep understanding of anatomy, sterilization techniques, and proper aftercare instructions to ensure a safe and successful piercing experience for your clients.
20. Nail Technician
- National Average Salary: $53,388 per year
Nail technicians are experts in providing services related to the care and appearance of clients’ fingernails and toenails. Their duties may include performing manicures, pedicures, applying artificial nails, and providing nail art and design services. As a nail technician, you’ll need to have a keen eye for detail and a creative flair.
21. Cosmetics Manager
- National Average Salary: $59,267 per year
Cosmetics managers are responsible for overseeing the operations of cosmetics departments or counters within retail stores or salons. Their duties may include managing staff, ensuring proper inventory levels, providing customer service, and implementing marketing strategies to promote cosmetic products.
22. Freelance Makeup Artist
- Salary Range: Varies based on experience and clientele
As a freelance makeup artist, you’ll have the flexibility to work on your own terms and take on a variety of clients and projects. You may work on weddings, photo shoots, fashion shows, or with individual clients. Building a strong portfolio and networking skills are essential for success as a freelance makeup artist.
23. Master Barber
- Salary Range: $24,000 – $39,000 per year
Master barbers are highly skilled professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in cutting and styling men’s hair. In addition to providing exceptional barbering services, master barbers may also train and mentor apprentices or junior barbers.
24. Beautician
- Salary Range: $30,000 – $38,500 per year
Beauticians, also known as cosmetologists, provide a range of beauty services, including hair cutting and styling, makeup application, and skin care treatments. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences, and ensure they leave feeling refreshed and confident.
25. Tanning Consultant
- Salary Range: $27,000 – $37,000 per year
Tanning consultants are experts in helping clients achieve and maintain a healthy, natural-looking tan. In this role, you’ll recommend appropriate tanning products and services, provide advice on safe tanning practices, and ensure clients have a positive and enjoyable tanning experience.
As you can see, the cosmetology field offers a wide range of exciting and lucrative career opportunities. Whether you’re passionate about makeup artistry, hairstyling, skin care, or another aspect of beauty and wellness, there’s a cosmetology job that can align with your interests and skills. Remember, success in this field often requires a combination of technical expertise, creativity, and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service.
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FAQ
What do the top 10 percent earn in cosmetology?
