What Can You Do with a Cosmetology License? Careers & Salary Outlook

Key Takeaways

• A cosmetology license opens doors to careers in hair, makeup, skincare, nails, education, sales, and entrepreneurship.
• The median annual wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is approximately $33,000 to $38,000, with top earners exceeding $60,000 depending on location and clientele.
• Career growth includes senior stylist roles, salon management, platform artistry, brand education, and salon ownership.
• Emerging opportunities include social media influencing, e-commerce beauty consulting, and digital brand partnerships.
• Strong networking, continuing education, and business skills significantly increase long-term earning potential.

Understanding What a Cosmetology License Allows You to Do

A cosmetology license certifies that you have completed state-required education and passed practical and written exams in beauty services. Depending on your state, this includes training in hair cutting, coloring, chemical treatments, styling, skincare basics, nail care, sanitation, and client safety.

Licensing requirements vary by state but generally require 1,000 to 2,000 training hours and ongoing renewal with continuing education credits. You can verify requirements through your state board or the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology.

Once licensed, you are legally permitted to work in salons, spas, barbershops, media production environments, or operate your own business, depending on local regulations.

Top Careers You Can Pursue with a Cosmetology License

1. Hairstylist or Hairdresser

This is the most common career path. Responsibilities include cutting, coloring, chemical treatments, extensions, and styling for events. Stylists work in salons, spas, and independent suites.

Growth path: Junior stylist → Senior stylist → Master colorist or texture specialist → Artistic director or salon owner.

2. Makeup Artist

Licensed cosmetologists often expand into bridal, fashion, theatrical, or television makeup. Media makeup artists typically command higher rates and may freelance.

Emerging opportunity: Social media beauty creator partnering with brands for sponsored content.

3. Nail Technician

While some states require a separate nail license, others include it under cosmetology. Services include manicures, pedicures, nail art, and enhancements.

4. Esthetic-Focused Cosmetologist

Although estheticians often pursue a separate license, many cosmetologists provide facials, waxing, and basic skincare services where permitted.

5. Salon or Spa Owner

Entrepreneurship is a major advantage of holding a license. Owners oversee staff, branding, marketing, finances, and customer experience.

Revenue potential: Highly variable. Successful salon owners can earn well beyond six figures, depending on scale and business model.

6. Beauty Educator or Instructor

With additional certification, licensed cosmetologists can teach in beauty schools. This role offers more predictable hours and salary stability.

7. Platform Artist or Brand Educator

These professionals represent beauty brands at trade shows, teach techniques, and conduct workshops. This path blends artistry with public speaking and sales strategy.

8. Beauty Sales Representative

Cosmetologists often work with professional product companies, leveraging technical knowledge to support salons and drive product education.

9. Film, TV, and Editorial Stylist

Specialized artists work behind the scenes on productions. Union membership may be required for major sets.

10. Digital Consultant or Influencer

Licensed professionals increasingly monetize expertise through YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and online coaching platforms.

Cosmetology Salary Outlook by Role and Experience

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow approximately 7 to 8 percent over the next decade, keeping pace with national averages.

RoleEntry-Level Annual SalaryMid-Career Annual SalaryTop 10% EarningsHairstylist$25,000–$30,000$35,000–$45,000$60,000+Makeup Artist (Media)$30,000–$40,000$50,000–$70,000$100,000+Nail Technician$24,000–$30,000$35,000–$45,000$55,000+Beauty Educator$35,000–$45,000$45,000–$60,000$70,000+Salon OwnerVariable$60,000–$120,000$250,000+

Note: Earnings vary widely based on tips, commission structure, location, clientele, and specialization.

Where Licensed Cosmetologists Work

• Commission-based salons
• Booth or suite rentals
• Luxury spas and resorts
• Film and television sets
• Cruise ships and destination venues
• Retail beauty stores
• Independent home studios where legally permitted

Urban areas and affluent suburbs typically offer higher earning potential due to pricing power and demand for specialized services.

Career Progression Pathways

Unlike many professions, cosmetology offers multiple advancement tracks. Professionals may focus on technical mastery or business expansion.

Technical Advancement

• Certification in advanced coloring techniques
• Texture and curl specialization
• Extension installation certification
• Advanced skincare or product chemistry education

Leadership Path

• Lead stylist
• Salon manager
• Regional manager for multi-location salons
• School director

Entrepreneurial Path

• Booth renter to independent suite owner
• Open a multi-stylist salon
• Launch a product line
• Create online courses or mentorship programs

High-Demand Trends Shaping the Industry

The beauty industry continues to evolve, and licensed cosmetologists who adapt gain a competitive edge.

• Personal branding: Stylists build loyal audiences through Instagram and TikTok.
• Clean and sustainable beauty: Clients increasingly request environmentally conscious products.
• Men’s grooming growth: Expanding services beyond traditional barbering.
• Hybrid business models: In-person services combined with digital consultations or product sales.
• Texture inclusion: High demand for stylists trained in diverse hair types.

How to Maximize Your Earning Potential

1. Specialize Strategically

Specialists in balayage, corrective color, or bridal styling often command premium pricing.

2. Build a Referral System

Loyal clients drive consistent income. Structured rebooking systems and loyalty programs increase retention rates.

3. Continue Your Education

Many states require continuing education for license renewal. Beyond compliance, advanced certifications strengthen your expertise and pricing power.

4. Develop Business Literacy

Understanding marketing, accounting, and customer service is essential for those considering independent work.

5. Choose the Right Location

Research local salon saturation, demographics, and average service pricing before committing to a job or launching your business.

Action Plan: From School to First Job

1. Pass your state licensing exam promptly after graduation.
2. Create a polished portfolio featuring before-and-after photos.
3. Network during school through internships or apprenticeships.
4. Research salon culture, commission structure, and mentorship support.
5. Set 1-year and 3-year career goals to guide skill development.

A cosmetology license is more than a gateway to working behind the chair. It is a foundation for a versatile, scalable, and creative career with strong earning potential for those who combine technical skill with strategic growth planning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetology Careers

What can you do with a cosmetology license?

With a cosmetology license, you can work in hair, makeup, skincare, and nails, as allowed by your state. You can be a stylist, makeup artist, nail tech, educator, salon owner, or beauty sales representative in salons, spas, media, or your own business.

How much can you earn with a cosmetology license?

Most hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn about $33,000 to $38,000 per year, with tips and commission affecting income. Top earners, especially in high-demand areas, can make $60,000 or more, and successful salon owners may earn into six figures.

How long does it take to get a cosmetology license?

Most states require 1,000 to 2,000 training hours plus passing written and practical exams, which usually takes 9 to 18 months. You then renew your license as required and often complete continuing education to stay current and keep practicing.

What are the best career paths to grow your income in cosmetology?

You can grow your income by becoming a senior or master stylist, managing or owning a salon, teaching as a beauty educator, or working as a platform artist or brand educator. Specializing in areas like color, extensions, or bridal styling also supports higher pricing and earnings.

Where do licensed cosmetologists usually work?

You can work in commission salons, booth or suite rentals, luxury spas and resorts, cruise ships, film and TV sets, or retail beauty stores. Some states also allow licensed pros to run home studios or mobile services if you follow local rules.

How can you increase your earning potential as a cosmetologist?

You can raise your earning potential by specializing in in-demand services, building a strong referral and rebooking system, taking advanced classes, and learning business and marketing skills. Choosing a location with strong demand and higher pricing also makes a big difference.