Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists to increase by 7.7% between 2024 and 2034, from 595,000 to 640,900 jobs. Its estimate of 73,400 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($35,790), education (Postsecondary nondegree award), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
595,000
Projected employment (2034)
640,900
Projected change (2024–2034)
8%
Annual openings (projected average)
73,400
Pay & Preparation
$35,790
Postsecondary nondegree award
None
None
Essential Skills
Active Listening (3.88/5) • Speaking (3.75/5) • Service Orientation (3.62/5) • Critical Thinking (3.38/5) • Active Learning (3.25/5) • Judgment and Decision Making (3.25/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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