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Cosmetics Sales Salaries

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Cosmetic sales representatives sell beauty and cosmetics independently and at retail stores.

Cosmetic sales representatives sell beauty products and cosmetics like lipsticks, eyeliners, hair coloring products and perfumes. They work in department stores, specialty retail entities or as independent agents. Those who work in retail stores help customers select the best products for their skin or hair colors. Direct sales agents set appointments for sales parties then show samples of their wares. They also take orders from customers and order products from their direct sales companies. Most cosmetic sales representatives are paid annual salaries, commissions or a combination of both.

  1. Average Annual Salary and Benefits

    • Cosmetic sales representatives earned average annual salaries of $83,000, according to June 2011 data from Simplyhired.com. This figure reflects a combination of their salaries and commissions. Base payments may vary from store to store while direct sellers earn most of the incomes in commissions and bonuses. Cosmetics sales representatives employed by retail establishments usually receive benefits such as medical and life insurance, paid holidays and vacations and retirement savings plans. Many also receive discounts from their employers. Direct sellers usually purchase their own benefits independently since they are mostly business owners.

    Salary by State

    • Cosmetic sales representatives salaries can vary significantly by state. For example, those in Massachusetts earned the highest annual salaries, among those listed, at $100,000. Salary figures represent total incomes, including commissions or bonuses. Those in New York earned the second highest salaries at $97,000 per year. These professionals also earned relatively high salaries in California at $94,000 annually. Cosmetic sales representatives earned slightly higher than average salaries in Colorado at $88,000 per year. And those in Georgia, Texas, Kentucky and South Dakota earned significantly lower salaries at $79,000, $77,000, $71,000 and $65,000 per year respectively.

    Education, Qualifications and Salary

    • Employees working in retail sales, including those in the cosmetics industry, usually have at least a high school education and an interest in cosmetics. Those hired as management trainees may be required to have college degrees, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many retailers will provide training for these sales representatives. Direct sellers will often learn their businesses through their managers, or those who recruit them into their organizations. This is how many of the top direct sales companies operate, including Mary Kay, Avon, Arbonne International and Become Beauty. Sales representatives may study products and prices on their own. Cosmetic sales representatives must be self-driven, have excellent communication skills and patience in dealing with customers. Those with the right combination of education, skill and industry knowledge can continue to increase their incomes considerably.

    Job Outlook and Salary

    • Employment, or the number of jobs for retail sales representatives, including those selling cosmetics, is expected to increase by eight percent between 2008 and 2018, according to December 2009 data from the BLS. Growth will likely be highest in general merchandise stores which offer these products at discount prices. The continued increase in Internet usage will only help retail and direct salespeople in this industry. The average woman's desire to look younger and enhance her appearance will also keep this profession lucrative, which will positively impact salaries or earnings.

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