|
 |
| Hairstylists, Barbers,
and Cosmetologists |
| |
| Employment Increase: |
70% |
| People In Field: |
1,761,000 |
| Average Salary: |
$21,000 |
| Qualifications: |
Training |
| |
Nature of the Work:
Acquiring the right "look" has never been easy. It
requires that perfect hairstyle, exquisite nails, a neatly trimmed
beard, or the proper makeup to accent your coloring. As
people increasingly demand styles that are better suited to their
individual characteristics, they rely on hairstylists, barbers,
and cosmetologists more and more. Although tastes and
fashions change from year to year, the basic job of barbers and
cosmetologists remains the same — to help people look their best.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Although all states require barbers and cosmetologists
to be licensed, the qualifications necessary to obtain a
license vary. Generally, a person must have graduated from a
state-licensed barber or cosmetology school, pass a physical
examination, and be at least 16 years old. In addition,
education requirements vary from state to state — some require
graduation from high school while others require as little as
an eighth grade education. In a few states, completion of
an apprenticeship can substitute for graduation from a
school, but very few barbers or cosmetologists learn their skills in
this way. Applicants for a license usually are required to pass
a written test and demonstrate an ability to perform
basic barbering or cosmetology services.
Job Outlook:
Overall employment of barbers and cosmetologists is
expected to grow faster than the average for all
occupations through the year 2005. Population growth, rising
incomes, and a growing demand for the services that they provide
will stimulate the demand for these workers. It is estimated
that there will be 1,761,000 hairstylists, barbers, and
cosmetologists by 2005. Within this occupation, however, different
employment trends are expected. Cosmetologists will account for
virtually all of the employment growth, reflecting the
continuing shifts in consumer preferences to more
personalized services and in salons to full-service, unisex
establishments. Demand for manicurists and for cosmetologists who
are trained in nail care will be particularly strong, with
about 55,000 by 2005. Employment of barbers is expected to
decline slightly.
Sources of Additional Information:
Lists of barber schools, by state, are available from:
National Association of Barber Schools, Inc.,
304 South 11th St.
Lincoln, NE 68502
A list of licensed training schools and licensing
requirements for cosmetologists can be obtained from:
National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
901 North Stuart St.
Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22203
Association of Accredited Cosmetology Schools, Inc.
5201 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22041
Information about barber and cosmetology schools also
is available from:
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools/Colleges of Technology
750 First St. NE
Suite 905
Washington, DC 20002.
For details on state licensing requirements and
approved barber or cosmetology schools, contact the state board of
barber examiners or the state board of cosmetology in your state.
|
| |
| Back to Career Listings |
| |
|
