Top 8 Career Opportunities for Cosmetologists [Updated 2020]

If you have been looking for a career that gives you the freedom to choose your own schedule, makes use of your creativity and socialization skills, and allows you to become your own boss, cosmetology may be the right match for you. Elevate your future career by obtaining an education in cosmetology!

According to Chron, while it’s most common to find a cosmetologist at your salon, they also work in personal care stores, nursing care facilities, and the movie industry. And that’s not everything a cosmetologist can do. Check out some of these top careers for licensed cosmetologists!

1. Makeup Artist

Have a passion for creating stunning makeup looks to pair with gorgeous, intricate hairstyles? Licensed cosmetologists can become professional makeup artists in a variety of places!

Whether you’re looking to create stunning looks for someone’s special day or want to work backstage at a fashion show, you’ll find that many makeup artists are also licensed cosmetologists!

Read More: Where in the world can beauty take you?

2. Esthetician

While cosmetologists aren’t licensed as estheticians, they do learn some elements of skincare and may work in a spa or nail salon providing facials, makeup looks, and more!

Estheticians are non-medical skincare professionals who ensure that a client’s skin is naturally healthy and beautiful. While cosmetologists might only get the basics, you can also consider pursuing a more extensive education as an esthetician to learn how to provide facials, massage, and electrolysis treatments, to name a few.

Becoming a hairstylist is one of the most common careers for licensed cosmetologists, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an amazing career to pursue! A hairstylist does more than shampooing hair and providing simple cuts and hair colors.

Licensed cosmetologists are trained to offer various services, including curling, coloring, shaping, relaxing, repairing and hair styling for people of all ages and genders. Plus, they learn salon rules and laws to keep their business safe and sanitized.

Learn More: What Can a Cosmetologist Do?

4. Nail Technician

If your desire is working to help people achieve the best nails ever, then you will need to train as a nail artist or a manicurist, and cosmetologists can learn these skills, too. It’s a great time to pursue an education in nails! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the manicurist field is expected to grow by 19% from 2019 to 2029.

As a manicurist, you can help to shape, clean, and finish real natural nails. Nail artists can also offer cleaning, shaping and finishing polish services to people who have fake or artificial nails.

5. Barber

A barber is a cosmetologist who focuses on short hairstyles and facial hair. A classic barber is all about creating the full experience, with facial massages, close shaves, and stunning shaping. Cosmetologists learn the basics of creating the services a barber provides, so it’s possible to pursue this career path.

Some beauty schools offer a specific program in only barbering, which allows those beauty professionals to specialize in what interests them most.

6. Salon Owner or Manager

As part of an education in cosmetology, you get more than the hard skills of how to provide stunning looks to each of your guests. You can also learn how to manage and run a business, such as a salon or spa.

You can expect to learn the laws and regulations of the state that you’re intending to get licensed in, and you can also learn the necessary sanitation protocol required by each state. If you’re someone who wants to become your own boss, consider opening your own salon!

7. Product Ambassador

Love certain products? Do you love educating others on what types of products someone should or shouldn’t invest in? You can work showcasing your favorite products at specialty beauty stores, listening to each client and recommending certain products based on their skin type, hair type, and more.

8. Beauty School Instructor

Want to share what you’ve learned in beauty school with others? Consider investing in your education further to become a cosmetology instructor! Depending on the state, you may be required to get a license to teach in beauty school.

This extra education opens up so many more opportunities to get experience supervising students in the student salon and learning how to build a curriculum that prepares future beauty professionals and inspires them to succeed.

Read More: Why Become a Beauty School Instructor?

Elevate Your Career This Year

Love a good hairstylist? Learn how to become one yourself! If any of these careers sound like something you could be passionate about, consider investing in an education in cosmetology. You can learn how to do a bit of everything, from stunning hairstyles to intricate nail art.

As a first step, schedule a tour of the school you’re considering to see what an education is like. You can learn more about class schedules, financial aid* options, and how to start the application process.

*Financial aid is available to those who qualify.