by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 1,353 U.S. colleges awarded 56,828 degrees and certificates in General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist. Certificates are the most popular award, at 90% of graduates. College Factual ranks 1,126 schools in its 2027 Best General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist 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.
Studying General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist covers Cosmetology/cosmetologist, General. A Program That Generally Prepares Individuals To Cut, Trim, And Style Scalp, Facial, And Body Hair; Apply Cosmetic Preparations; Perform Manicures And Pedicures; Massage The Head And Extremities; And Prepare For Practice As Licensed Cosmetologists In Specialized Or Full-Service Salons. Includes Instruction In Hair Cutting And Styling, Manicuring, Pedicuring, Facial Treatments, Shampooing, Chemical Applications, Esthetics, Shop Management, Sanitation And Safety, Customer Service, And Applicable Professional And Labor Laws And Regulations.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., general cosmetology/cosmetologist is a widely-pursued major, with 56,828 degrees awarded annually. 1,353 colleges award general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees, an average of 42 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 863.
By level, the 56,828 awards include 51,020 certificates, 1,147 associate degrees and 4,600 master’s degrees.
Women earned 96% of general cosmetology/cosmetologist degrees and certificates in the latest year (54,800 of 56,828). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (26,682) and Hispanic or Latino (14,871), and international students earned 213.
College Factual ranks 1,126 schools in its 2027 Best General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist Schools ranking, including 48 for associate degrees. It also ranks general cosmetology/cosmetologist schools within 8 states. In all, 1,353 colleges offer general cosmetology/cosmetologist programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common general cosmetology/cosmetologist credential is the certificate: 51,020 of the 56,828 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to general cosmetology/cosmetologist call most for Speaking, Active Listening and Service Orientation, and for knowledge of Customer and Personal Service, English Language and Sales and Marketing, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Near Vision, Oral Comprehension and Arm-Hand Steadiness.
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How long a general cosmetology/cosmetologist degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 51,020 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,147 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 4,600 |
Postsecondary certificate is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to general cosmetology/cosmetologist, at 44.7%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 44.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 32.0% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 15.0% |
| Some college courses | 2.9% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 2.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 1.2% |
| First professional degree | 1.2% |
| Master’s degree | 0.5% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
5 occupations are related to General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, with an average median salary of $38,540; 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 occupation related to general cosmetology/cosmetologist with the most projected jobs is Manicurists and Pedicurists, at 268,468.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| Skincare Specialists | 23,098 | 0.5% |
General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist 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 general cosmetology/cosmetologist is Skincare Specialists, with a median salary of $60,954.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Skincare Specialists | $60,954 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $39,017 |
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance | $36,599 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $29,229 |
| Shampooers | $26,903 |
General Cosmetology/Cosmetologist has 12 similar majors in the Personal & Culinary Services field, which together award 76,390 degrees a year; the largest are Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist (38,219), Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist (14,526) and Barbering/Barber (12,249). Browse all Personal & Culinary Services majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist | 38,219 |
| Nail Technician/Specialist and Manicurist | 14,526 |
| Barbering/Barber | 12,249 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Arts, Other | 2,592 |
| Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist | 2,499 |
| Master Aesthetician/Esthetician | 2,242 |
| Hair Styling/Stylist and Hair Design | 1,479 |
| Cosmetology, Barber/Styling, and Nail Instructor | 1,259 |
| Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager | 546 |
| Make-Up Artist/Specialist | 374 |
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