Some possible jobs within this career area are:
If you select a career training program, you’ll receive education as well as certification, or preparation for a certification exam. Depending on the career path you select, you might need a state, county or city license to practice. Cosmetologists, for example, must keep their license active, just like massage therapists or other fields. You also could benefit by occasionally returning to training to stay abreast of new technologies, techniques and skills. This is particularly true for air conditioning technicians, electricians and construction workers.
Skilled trades are always going to be in demand. Some fields are in consistent growth or flux, particularly those areas that are tied toward technology. For example, the increased interest in solar energy means that solar workers are going to be in demand, and existing workers will need training on incorporating solar technology into their daily lives. Many workers in these fields are self-employed or work on contract. Because of this, it’s recommended that you join unions or other professional associations so you can stay up to date on trends, laws and development in the industry.
Skilled tradesmen can get their certification or license in as little as six months, or as long as a year. Many programs last between six months and a year – be sure to ask your chosen school how long the program can take, and whether they offer a job placement or referral service.
How to Become a Beautician
To learn how to become a beautician, or cosmetologist, you will need to complete either a one year cosmetology training certification program or a two year associate's degree in cosmetology.
Courses in a cosmetology certificate program include hairstyling, hair cutting and shaping, coloring, scalp treatments, facials, and manicures. In addition, you will learn cosmetology laws, safety and sanitation regulations that pertain to beauticians, chemicals used in the cosmetology business, and skin and nail disorders that you may encounter as a beautician.
You may also take classes to learn how to provide makeup analysis and how to care for hairpieces and wigs. A certificate program will give you the knowledge needed to take the state license exam and begin your beauty career.
Because many cosmetologists are self-employed, once you become a beautician you may wish to continue your education and earn an associate’s degree in cosmetology. This curriculum will teach advanced cosmetology concepts and will include management, business, and marketing classes that will aid you in running your own beautician business.
Beautician Salaries
Like most careers, beginning beauticians typically earn much less than those with experience. Other factors that can affect the wage of a beautician are the location of the salon and its size; some salons pay a commission on hair products sold by the beautician and some may offer bonuses for new clients the stylist brings to the business.
In 2008 The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for beauticians working in a salon-type business earned a median salary of $27,070. Beauticians working in specialized areas earned significantly higher salaries, as in the following examples:
- Motion Picture and Video Industries $60,110
- Other Personal Services $34,560
- Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers $32,270
- Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals $31,440
- Other Amusement and Recreation Industries $30,750
(Salary data retrieved 6/27/11)
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