Cosmetology vs Esthetician
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Cosmetology salaries vary widely. The average salary for a cosmetologist is between $20,000 and $30,000. Estheticians often make more, around $31,304. Hairstylists can expect an average salary of $24,731.
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If you are passionate about skin care, a career as an esthetician may be for you. If you prefer styling hair or doing nails and makeup, cosmetology could suit you.
Esthetician Roles and Salaries in Comparison
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Estheticians work in salons, spas, or resorts. They can also work as manicurists, pedicurists, makeup artists or salon managers.
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On average, estheticians earn $3,000 more per year than cosmetologists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2019 skincare specialists earned a median hourly wage of $16.39 compared to $12.54 for cosmetologists.
Advancement in the Beauty Industry
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With training, a cosmetologist can become a licensed esthetician.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for cosmetologists is $24,300 per year and for estheticians, it’s $30,270 per year. Estheticians cannot perform invasive procedures that alter living dermal tissue.