by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 1,568 U.S. colleges awarded 133,218 degrees and certificates in Cosmetology. Certificates are the most popular award, at 53% of graduates. College Factual ranks 1,355 schools in its 2027 Best Cosmetology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $17,621 one year after completing, rising to $26,912 after four years.
Have you ever dreamed of doing the hair and makeup for a celebrity on the red carpet? Major in Cosmetology and your dream may become a reality.
Cosmetology experts help people look and feel good about themselves. You will be equipped with the skills to tame bad hair days and accentuate natural features with makeup. Classes in areas such as hair cutting and coloring, skin care, manicuring, and salon business practices will also teach students how to follow safety and health standards and run a salon or spa while giving clients the best experience possible.
Degrees in general Cosmetology are available, but due to the vastness of the major, students decide to concentrate in a specific area. Some of the many concentrations you may choose from include: Barbering, Electrology and Electrolysis Technician, Make-Up Artist, Hair Stylist and Hair Design, Facial Treatment Specialist, Aesthetician and Skin Care Specialist, Nail Technician and Manicurist, Permanent Cosmetics and Tattooing, Salon Management, Cosmetology, and Barber/Styling.
A degree in Cosmetology covers Cosmetology And Related Personal Grooming Services.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., cosmetology is a widely-pursued major, with 133,218 degrees awarded annually. 1,568 colleges award cosmetology degrees, an average of 85 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 2,033.
By level, the 133,218 awards include 70,526 certificates, 1,605 associate degrees and 55,628 master’s degrees.
Women earned 90% of cosmetology degrees and certificates in the latest year (120,500 of 133,218). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (53,244) and Hispanic or Latino (41,313), and international students earned 626.
College Factual ranks 1,355 schools in its 2027 Best Cosmetology Schools ranking, including 60 for associate degrees. It also ranks cosmetology schools within 9 states. In all, 1,568 colleges offer cosmetology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Cosmetology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common cosmetology credential is the certificate: 70,526 of the 133,218 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to cosmetology call most for Active Listening, Speaking and Service Orientation, and for knowledge of Customer and Personal Service, English Language and Administration and Management, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Oral Comprehension and Oral Expression.
Cosmetologists work directly with people, placing a high value on strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Professionals must pay close attention to detail and be good listeners when the customer explains the service and final result they want. Cosmetologists must also be creative and up to date on the newest trends.
Many jobs in cosmetology are part time with hours both during the week and on weekends. Those who decide to be self-employed may work more weekly hours and set their own schedule. Hairdresser, stylists, and some other specialists can expect to spend a lot of time on their feet.
Most cosmetology programs are available as associate's degrees. Once students finish the degree, they must become licensed in the state they wish to practice. An internship in the field is helpful to students who wish to gain hands-on experience while working towards their degree.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a cosmetology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 70,526 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,605 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 55,628 |
Postsecondary certificate is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to cosmetology, at 41.7%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 41.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 23.7% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 8.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 8.2% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 6.3% |
| Some college courses | 6.2% |
| Master’s degree | 4.6% |
| First professional degree | 0.7% |
Source: O*NET Online.
10 occupations are related to Cosmetology, with an average median salary of $65,750; the strongest outlook belongs to Shampooers, at 10.8% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Beauty Therapist, Hair and Makeup Designer, Beauty Specialist and Beauty Advisor.
The majority of Cosmetology graduates work in a salon, spa, or barbershop. Some graduates are self-employed and work out of their home or rented space.
The occupation related to cosmetology with the most projected jobs is First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers, at 606,268.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | 606,268 | 3.4% |
| Fitness and Wellness Coordinators | 403,205 | 4.2% |
| Personal Service Managers, All Other | 320,819 | 2.9% |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | 268,468 | 1.6% |
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | 253,179 | 6.7% |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | 226,641 | -3.6% |
| Shampooers | 193,543 | 10.8% |
| Spa Managers | 184,703 | -2.2% |
Cosmetology graduates earn a median $17,621 one year after completing their program, $26,912 after four years and $22,624 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $17,621 |
| 4 years | $26,912 |
| 5 years | $22,624 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to cosmetology is Personal Service Managers, All Other, with a median salary of $176,674.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Personal Service Managers, All Other | $176,674 |
| Spa Managers | $143,396 |
| Fitness and Wellness Coordinators | $66,320 |
| Skincare Specialists | $60,954 |
| Barbers | $47,321 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $39,017 |
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | $36,599 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $31,083 |
Cosmetology includes 13 concentrations that together award 133,218 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General (56,828), Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist (38,219) and Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist (14,526). It has 4 similar majors in the Personal & Culinary Services field, which together award 29,245 degrees a year; the largest are Culinary Arts and Related Services (25,836), Funeral Service and Mortuary Science (2,646) and Casino Operations and Services (711). Browse all Personal & Culinary Services majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Culinary Arts and Related Services | 25,836 |
| Funeral Service and Mortuary Science | 2,646 |
| Casino Operations and Services | 711 |
| Culinary, Entertainment, and Personal Services, Other | 52 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
