Looking to the Future – Jobs with a Positive Outlook

Cosmetology Career Outlook Guide
Looking to the Future –
Jobs with a Positive Outlook
Investing in your education should be money well spent, but some students today are missing the mark when it comes
to choosing a field of study that best suits their needs after they graduate. The first key is always to choose something
that interests you, but once you’ve found the right program, your next thought should be, “How strong is the career that
I’m choosing?”
By downloading this guide, you’ve already taken the first step by choosing cosmetology as your field of interest. Now,
Dorsey Schools will provide you with some key information on a career in cosmetology, so you’ll know exactly what you
should expect upon graduating, from becoming licensed to beginning your new career.
Dorsey School of Beauty Diploma Programs
At Dorsey Schools, you’ll have the option of choosing from three different programs to best suit your interests within
the beauty field:
• Cosmetology
• Manicuring
• Cosmetology Instructor
Please note: Dorsey School of Beauty program availability varies by campus location.
Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be ready to take the licensing exam for the State of Michigan. Upon
successfully passing the exam, you may become licensed in your chosen field!
Career Outlook
Depending on which program you choose, the career outlook will vary for the related positions, but cosmetology, as a
field, is a good career field to be entering based on projected growth in coming years.
Specifically:
• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth for barbers, hairdressers,
and cosmetologists is expected to grow by 10% from 2014 to 2024.a In addition, the State of Michigan
DTMB, Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives is projecting that employment of
hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists to grow 8.6% from 2012 to 2022.d
• According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of manicurists and
pedicurists is projected to grow 10% from 2014 to 2024.b In addition, the State of Michigan DTMB,
Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives is projecting that employment of manicurists
and pedicurists to grow 12.2% from 2012 to 2022.d
• According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of career and
technical education teachers (positions that can be filled by cosmetology instructors) is projected to grow
4% from 2014 to 2024.c In addition, the State of Michigan DTMB, Bureau of Labor Market Information
and Strategic Initiatives is projecting that employment of career and technical education instructors
(positions that can be filled by cosmetology instructors) to grow 10.2% from 2012 to 2022.d
US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Data
Cosmetology
Manicuring
Cosmetology Instructor
Projected Job Growth
2014 - 2024
+10% a
10% b
+4% c
Median Pay Per Year
2015
$23,710 a
$20,820 b
$52,800 c
State of Michigan DTMB, Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives
Cosmetology
Manicuring
Cosmetology Instructor
Projected Job Growth
2012-2022
+8.6% d
+12.2% d
+10.2% d
Average Pay Per Year
2014
$26,010 e
$27,060 e
$48,370 e
Type of Work to Expect
Depending on the program you choose, the areas of employment will vary, but our goal at Dorsey Schools is to make
you feel as prepared as possible once you complete your training. What follows is not an exhaustive list, but it should
give you a general understanding of the types of duties you would be expected to carry out in an entry-level position,
once licensed. Duties may include (but are not necessarily limited to):
Cosmetologyf
• Maintain cleanliness of work stations and sanitize tools such as scissors and combs.
• Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces (based on customers’ instructions, hair type and facial features) using
clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
• Assess patrons’ hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest
hairstyles.
• Schedule client appointments.
• Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
• Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
• Shampoo, rinse, condition and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.
• Operate office equipment and cash registers to receive payments from patrons.
• Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics to customers.
• Apply water, setting, straightening or waving solutions to hair and use curlers, rollers, hot combs or curling
irons to press and curl hair for clients.
• Comb, brush, and spray hair or wigs to set style.
• Shape eyebrows and remove facial hair, using depilatory cream, tweezers, electrolysis or wax.
• Administer therapeutic medication and advise patrons to seek medical treatment for chronic or contagious
scalp conditions.
• Massage and treat scalp for hygienic and remedial purposes, using hands, fingers, or vibrating equipment.
• Shave, trim and shape beards and moustaches.
• Recommend and explain the use of cosmetics, lotions, and creams to soften and lubricate skin and enhance
and restore natural appearance.
• Give facial treatments to patrons, using special compounds such as lotions and creams.
• Clean, shape, and polish fingernails and toenails, using files and nail polish.
• Apply artificial fingernails.
Manicuringg
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of tools and work environment.
• Regularly use office equipment, schedule client appointments, and accept payments.
• Remove previously applied nail polish, using liquid remover and swabs.
• Clean customers’ nails in soapy water, using swabs, files, and orange sticks.
• Shape and smooth ends of nails, using scissors, files, or emery boards.
• Apply undercoat and clear or colored polish onto nails with brush.
• Advise and educate clients on nail care and use of products and colors.
• Assess the condition of clients’ hands, removing dead skin from the hands and massaging them.
• Soften nail cuticles with water and oil, push back cuticles (using cuticle knife) and trim, using
scissors or nippers.
• Brush powder and solvent onto nails and paper forms to maintain nail appearance and to extend nails,
then remove forms, and shape and smooth nail edges, using rotary abrasive wheel.
• Maintain supply inventories and records of client services.
• Treat nails to repair or improve strength and resilience by wrapping, or provide treatment to nail biters.
• Promote and sell nail care products to customers.
• Attach paper forms to tips of customers’ fingers to support and shape artificial nails.
• Polish nails, using powdered polish and buffer.
Cosmetology Instructorh
• Supervise and monitor students’ use of tools and equipment.
• Observe and evaluate students’ work to determine progress, provide feedback, and make suggestions
for improvement.
• Determine training needs of students or workers.
• Administer tests to measure progress and to evaluate training effectiveness.
• Prepare reports and maintain records such as student grades, attendance rolls, and training activity details.
• Conduct on-the-job training classes or training sessions to teach and demonstrate principles, techniques, procedures,
or methods of designated subjects.
• Integrate academic and vocational curricula so that students can obtain a variety of skills.
• Develop curricula and plan course content and methods of instruction.
• Develop teaching aids such as instructional software, multimedia visual aids, or study materials.
• Participate in conferences, seminars, and training sessions to keep abreast of developments in the field, and integrate
relevant information into training programs.
• Present lectures and conduct discussions to increase students’ knowledge and competence using visual
aids, such as graphs, charts, videotapes, and slides.
• Supervise independent or group projects, field placements, laboratory work, or other training.
• Select and assemble books, materials, supplies, and equipment for training, courses, or projects.
• Prepare outlines of instructional programs and training schedules and establish course goals.
• Provide individualized instruction and tutorial or remedial instruction.
• Advise students on course selection, career decisions, and other academic and vocational concerns.
• Acquire, maintain, and repair laboratory equipment and tools.
Appeal of the Cosmetology Profession
So you already know that you have a passion for cosmetology and beauty, but there are a lot of benefits to a career in this
field that you might not have known. For instance, did you know that a career in the cosmetology field could turn in to a
career abroad? Many major resorts have salon services on-site for the convenience of their vacationers. Here are some
other areas where you could find yourself working after becoming a licensed cosmetologist/manicurist: salons, hotels,
resorts, and spas.
Another appealing factor is the set of skills you’ll begin to develop as a cosmetologist/manicurist, which can help you in
your everyday life. Skills used and honed every day in this profession may include: creativity, customer service/people
skills, physical stamina and cleanliness.
All these skills can make for a great cosmetologist/manicurist, but they can also help improve your life outside of work
as well.
We hope you found this information to be a useful tool to guide you through the options and benefits of a career in
cosmetology. We wish you the best of luck in choosing the perfect career path for a bright and successful future. If you
have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact Dorsey Schools at 1-888-422-1188.
For your convenience, we have provided you with links to various sites below with useful information that have been referenced in this Career Outlook
Guide.
a
Cosmetology Salary and Job Growth:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmetologists, on the
Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairdressers-and-cosmetologists.htm (visited April 21, 2016).
b
Manicuring Salary and Job Growth:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Manicurists and Pedicurists,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/manicurists-and-pedicurists.htm (visited April 21, 2016).
c
Cosmetology Instructor Salary and Job Growth:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Career and Technical Education
Teachers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/career-and-technical-education-teachers.htm (visited April 21,
2016).
d
Michigan DTMB, Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, Long-Term Occupational Employment Projections (2012-2022) Michigan
Statewide, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (SOC Code: 39-5012), Manicurists and Pedicurists (SOC Code: 39-5092),and Vocational
Education Teachers, Postsecondary (SOC Code: 25-1194),
http://milmi.org/admin/uploadedPublications/2350_LongTerm_OccupationalProj_2022_MI.xls (visited February 15, 2016).
e
Michigan DTMB, Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, 2014 Michigan Occupational Employment & Wages (OES),
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (SOC Code: 39-5012), Manicurists and Pedicurists (SOC Code: 39-5092),and Vocational Education
Teachers, Postsecondary (SOC Code: 25-1194), http://milmi.org/admin/uploadedPublications/2347_Michigan_and_U.S._OES_2014.xls (visited
February 15, 2016).
f
From O*Net Online: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-5012.00
g
From O*Net Online: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-5092.00
h
From O*Net Online: http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/25-1194.00
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the programs, and other important information, please
visit our website at www.dorsey.edu/disclosures.php.