Cosmetology Career Information

  • Hair Stylist Q&A – Read an interview with a real-life hair stylist, Lorraine, who works both in Jamaica and Florida.
  • Running your own Salon – Learn tips and techniques for running a successful nail, hair or skin care salon.
  • Cosmetology Overview – Read an overview of the career opportunities available in the cosmetology field.

Here is a list of cosmetology schools in Florida that offer a variety of programs in such topics as nail care, skin care, hair styling and salon management.


An Introduction to Cosmetology Careers

Cosmetology is the study of cosmetic appearance and application. The most common cosmetology career choice is to become a hairdresser or hair stylist, however, studying for a diploma or other course at one of the highly regarded cosmetologist schools in Florida also opens doors to a career as a manicurist, pedicurist or skin care specialist to name a few.

In addition to the hands-on training offered at cosmetologist schools, they will often include the topics of customer care and customer relations because these are incredibly important parts of the profession. Other courses may offer training on how to own and operate your own business.

Employment and Earnings Statistics

800,000 cosmetologists are employed throughout the US. Hairdressers, barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists make up nearly 700,000 with the remaining 100,000 being shared between manicurists, pedicurists, skin specialists and shampooers. Approximately half are employed in salons, hairdressers, stores and care facilities. The remaining half are self-employed. The self-employed include those that rent space from a salon; this is an increasingly popular strategy.

Hairdressers and hairstylists earn, on average, $20,000 per year although those with the best reputation and the highest paying clients can earn as much as $40,000 or more.

Skin care specialists earn an average of $25,000. Manicurists and pedicurists, on the other hand, tend to earn around $18,000.

The actual salary you will earn is highly dependent on the area where you work, whether you are employed or self-employed and the reputation and client base you have built.

The Future Outlook for Cosmetologists

Rising income and a growing population mean that the demand for cosmetologists will continue to be high. However, competition for jobs in the best paying salons and competition for the highest paying customers will also be high. The best opportunities will be available for those that take the time and effort to complete certification and qualification through cosmetology schools.

The demand for manicurists and pedicurists in particular will grow quickly. More salons and spas are opening their doors and more malls and department stores are offering these services. The demand for hairdressers and stylists will grow reasonably as the population continues to demand high quality hairstyles.

The Best Course of Education

There is no substitute for education. Gaining a certificate in your specialist field will help you to win the job you want or gain the clients that pay well. The more qualifications, or the more highly regarded qualifications you have, the greater the money you can demand. However, in a lot of cases, it is a combination of qualifications and experience that will gain you the best customers. Licensing is essential in a majority of states. In some states this may include a physical examination as well as graduation from a cosmetology program.

The type of program you should enroll in will depend, in part, on whether you intend on working for yourself or for an existing salon or store. There are a small number of Associate’s Degrees available in Florida that concentrate not only on the cosmetology side of your career but also the business aspects of establishing and running your own salon. This might be a smart option if you do wish to own your own establishment.

Cosmetologist Program Details

The exact details of a cosmetology program will depend on the program you enroll in. A general cosmetology course will last, on average, two years. However, a course which focuses on a specific area such as face or nails can take substantially less time to complete. Apprenticeships are also available, that last between 12 months and three years but competition for these is very high.

Have we forgotten a Florida cosmetology school?

If you know of a Florida cosmetology school that we don’t have listed here, please let us know by contacting us.