Occupations39-5012.00

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp.

Median annual pay
$35,250

BLS, 2024

Employment
575,200

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+5.6%

2024–34

Annual openings
75,800

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
  2. 02Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
  3. 03Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
  4. 04Schedule client appointments.
  5. 05Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
  6. 06Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.
  7. 07Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
  8. 08Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.
  9. 09Operate cash registers to receive payments from patrons.
  10. 10Order, display, and maintain supplies.
  11. 11Comb, brush, and spray hair or wigs to set style.
  12. 12Develop new styles and techniques.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive LearningReading ComprehensionMonitoringWritingLearning StrategiesMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 575,200 in 2024 to 607,400 in 2034, a +5.6% change.

BLS projects an average of 75,800 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.