Even though you can find many types of careers and opportunities in the field of cosmetology, there are some areas with more opportunity than others. Of course, the most important factor in your decision should be your passion for a particular type of work in beauty. If you dream of becoming a makeup artist, nail technician, or spending your days coloring and styling women’s hair, then your first step is searching for cosmetology programs that will help you fulfill your specific goal.
But in case you’re undecided, let’s take a look at some of the current top careers you can pursue once you complete your beauty school education. We took a few things into consideration while creating this list. First, job growth is important, as well as job availability. These are careers that you can take with you no matter where you live. As long as you keep up with your license requirements if you move out of state, you can find work in each of these careers across the nation. We also looked at salary potential with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to show you what you can expect to earn in each of these careers.
The Top 5 Beauty Jobs in 2019
Here are the five best beauty jobs to have in 2019:
- Hair design
- Nail technician
- Permanent makeup
- Barbering
- Esthetician
1. Hair design.
Hairstylist occupations never go out of style, and opportunities for beauticians that can cut, color, and style hair can be found in every community. Like many beauty trades, hair stylists can work full or part-time hours, with more flexibility in their schedules than most 9-5 careers. The BLS anticipates a 13% growth in hairstylist occupations through 2026. This is almost double the national average (7%) that is estimated for all occupations combined. Hair design also tops the list because it gives you a foundational skill on which you can build out into other areas.
Want to become a hair stylist? Learn more here.
2. Nail technician.
Manicurists and pedicurists have another skillset that is widely desired by women from every walk of life. You can even find a growing number of men who are getting manicures to keep their nails looking healthy for professional reasons. In some of the top paying states for nail tech work, you can earn an annual mean wage in the $30,000 to $36,000 range. Of course, your compensation will depend on whether you work full or part-time. Many nail technician programs include nail artistry courses that can even further expand your creative polishing skills.
Want to become a nail technician? Learn more here.
3. Permanent makeup.
Permanent makeup programs may not be the most commonly sought programs by beauty students, but they are worth considering. People need permanent makeup procedures for a variety of reasons. Some are elderly or disabled and cannot handle the physical stress of applying makeup regularly. Others have been in accidents or have a situation that requires makeup or hair simulation in certain areas. The great thing about permanent makeup is the availability of short-term programs that are low-cost compared to longer 12-month programs, such as cosmetology or esthetician training. Some permanent makeup courses can be give you foundational skills, such as eyebrow, eyelash and lip techniques, in just about a week.
Want to become a makeup artist? Learn more here.
4. Barbering.
In 2017, Forbes reported that barbershops were booming and “bucking retail trends.” The growth of barbershops coincides with a booming men’s grooming industry that is estimated to generate $26 billion as soon as 2020. Barbering programs offer many of the same skills that traditional cosmetology programs offer. This is a result of men wanting more creative and complicated services when they visit the salon. It’s no wonder the BLS expects barbering careers to keep pace with hairstylists and other cosmetology professionals, with an anticipated job growth that well outpaces the national average.
Want to become a barber? Learn more here.
5. Esthetician.
Modern hair studios and salons want to serve as many of their clients’ beauty needs as possible. That’s why many salons offer hair, makeup, skincare, and massage therapy services. This allows them to sell package deals and increase their revenue while creating loyal customers. If you want to work in a salon as a skincare specialist, applying facials and other skin treatments to clients, it could be a good move. The BLS anticipates job growth for estheticians to grow at 14%, which is in line with the other careers on this list. Plus, esthetician training can be found at many beauty schools across the country.
Want to become an esthetician? Learn more here.
While these are the most common careers that result from beauty school education and training, there is a world of opportunity in cosmetology and spa-related industries that you can explore. Many cosmetology schools offer additional certifications and short-term training that can add to your main focus. Many schools also offer salon management, massage therapy, and makeup artistry programs, which can result in career success as well.
To choose a cosmetology school program and plan your career trajectory, reach out to cosmetology schools in your area. They can help you choose the right program and pursue the career that fuels your passion for beauty!