Cosmetology Careers

Careers in cosmetology do not require a formal four-year college education. However, some careers within the field do require specialized cosmetology training. From makeup artists to hair dressers, if you've got a flair for the creative and enjoy making other people over, a career within the cosmetology field just may be your dream job.

Makeup Artist

Makeup artists can become staff makeup artists with companies like Mac and Bobbie Brown Makeup, or they can become freelance makeup artists. Examples of famous celebrity freelance makeup artists are Eve Pearl, Danica Jardien and Kandee Johnson. No formal training is required to become a makeup artists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for makeup artists is expected to increase 40% by 2016 from 2006 levels.The average annual salary of a U.S-based makeup artist in 2009 is $29,000.

Nail Technician

Nail technicians are responsible for painting and manicuring the nails of salon clients. For many nail technician positions, no formal education is required. However, if you wish to attain a position as a nail technician in a high-end nail salon you will have to complete a basic cosmetology/nail technician program (duration of program varies widely by state). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for nail technicians is expected to increase 28% by 2016 from 2006 levels. The average annual salary of a U.S-based nail technician in 2009 is $32,000.

Hair Dresser

Hair dressers are responsible for consulting with hair salon clients and determining the style, cut and color based on the client's wants and needs. Hair dressers can decide to specialize as a barber or remain a general hairdresser (cut, color and style). The minimum education requirement for becoming a hair dresser is to complete a cosmetology course (duration of program varies widely by state). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for hair dressers is expected to increase 12% by 2016 from 2006 levels. The average annual salary of a U.S-based hair dresser in 2009 is $56,000.

Aesthetician

Aestheticians are responsible for beautifying and treating the skin of clients. Common tasks of an aesthetician are performing facials, skin care evaluations and recommending/creating skin care regimes for clients. In order to become an aesthetician the minimum education requirement is to complete a skin care/cosmetology course at a cosmetics school (duration of program varies widely by state.) According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for aestheticians is expected to increase 34% by 2016 from 2006 levels. The average annual salary of a U.S-based aesthetician in 2009 is $27,000.

Hair Color Technician

Hair color technicians are responsible for consulting with clients who wish to change their hair color and creating custom hair colors for clients based on their skin tone and preferences. In order to become a hair color technician the minimum education requirement is the completion of a cosmetology course (duration of program varies by state). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for hair color technicians is expected to increase 12% by 2016 from 2006 levels. The average annual salary of a U.S-based hair color technician in 2009 is $40,000.