Hairdressers and Cosmetologists
SOC 39-5012
Hairdressers and Cosmetologists provide beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating the scalp. They may also apply makeup, dress wigs, perform hair removal, and provide nail and skin care services. State licensing is required.
Wages and Benefits
| Hourly Wages | Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| New Hires, No Experience | N/A | $8.38 |
| New Hires, with Experience | $8.88 - $13.59 | $10.45 |
| After Three Years with the Firm | N/A | N/A |
Source: Employment Development Department, State of California. Almost all responding employers indicate that most Hairdressers work on a per service fee or on a commission basis only.
Average Weekly Hours:
Most (79%) Hairdressers and Cosmetologists work full time, 37 hours per week. Some (21%) work part time, 19 hours per week.
Shifts:
Many Hairdressers and Cosmetologists work a regular day shift. Some work evenings and weekends.
Percent of Employers Offering Fringe Benefits:
| Full-Time Employees | ||
| Benefit Offered | Benefit Offered | |
| Medical Insurance: | Yes* | 36% |
| Dental Insurance: | Yes | 14% |
| Vision Insurance: | Yes | 7% |
| Life Insurance: | Yes | 7% |
| Disability: | Yes | 7% |
| Paid Sick Leave: | Yes | 29% |
| Paid Vacation: | Yes | 36% |
| Retirement Plan: | Yes | 7% |
| Child Care: | No | 0% |
*Data on the percentages of medical insurance premium costs covered by employers is not available.
Other Employer Specified:
Bonuses, Tips.
EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS
Education:
Almost all (86%) firms require a high school diploma. Some (14%) accept less than a high school diploma.
Training:
Many (54%) allow training to substitute for experience. All (100%) require Hairdressers and Cosmetologists to be licensed through the state Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Experience:
Some (31%) firms prefer applicants with 6 months prior experience as a Hairdresser or Cosmetologist. Many accept prior experience in related occupations (with the hairdresser license), such as Manicurist or Receptionist.
Skills rated "Very Important":
Possession of good color perception
Possession of good oral communication skills
Ability to follow oral instructions
Ability to work independently
Possession of good customer service skills
Ability to read and follow directions
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to stand continuously for 2 or more hours
Ability to keep hand and arm steady
Possession of good eye-hand coordination
Cleanliness
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances
EMPLOYMENT TRENDS
Supply and Demand:
Job market for Hairdressers and Cosmetologists:
Employers report it "Moderately Difficult" finding qualified, Experienced applicants, resulting in some competition for job seekers in their job search; and "Not Difficult" finding qualified, Inexperienced applicants, resulting in a very competitive job search for job seekers.
Recruitment Methods, Most Frequently Used:
Employee Referrals, Newspapers, Word of Mouth, School Referrals, and Walk-Ins.
Turnover:
Moderate: 15% in the past 12 months.
Size of 2006 Local Employment:
Medium - between 2,027 and 4,054.
Gender Representation:
Local employer response indicates 88% female, 12% male.
Older Worker Retirement:
No firms report that older worker retirements over the next 10 years will affect their workforce.
To address the effects of older worker retirements, employers of this occupation would: Do nothing, 86%; groom a replacement, 7%; replace with any qualified applicant, 7%.
Many (45%) firms report that older workers would face employment obstacles in this occupation: lack of available insurance programs, physical demands of standing on one's feet for long period of time, and long working hours.
Where the Jobs Are:
Department Stores
Hair Salons and Boutiques
Employers' Employment Outlook:
14 employers responded, providing data representing 71 employees for this occupation.
7 employers project employment to grow, and 7 expect it to remain stable over the next twelve months.
Annual Job Growth Projections for San Diego County:
| Average annual new jobs: | 76 |
| Average annual replacement jobs: | 58 |
| Average annual total openings: | 134 |
New Job Growth Rate 2002 to 2012:
25.4% projected growth is faster than the countywide average of 19.5%.
OTHER INFORMATION
Career Ladder/Promotional Opportunities:
Promote from: Assistant and Receptionist.
Promote to: Manager and Trainer.
Ex-Offender Employment:
Most (63%) responding employers would consider hiring an ex-offender. Of those: 100% would disqualify an ex-offender who committed a homicide; 80%, sex offenses; and 40%, assault/battery.
Alternate Job Titles:
Barber, Stylist.
Related Codes:
MOC - Not Available.
Data Collection Date:
Fall 2005