2014 Occupational Outlook For Barbers, Hairdressers And Cosmetologists

2014 Occupational Outlook For Barbers, Hairdresser And Cosmetologists

If you're seriously considering entering the world of professional hair care, you should research the 2014 Occupational Outlook For Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmetologists.

Before plunking your money down for hair school, which can be expensive, it's always wise to figure out how easily it will be to get a job after you graduate.

It's also important to get a general idea of the type of income you will be able to make as a professional hair care professional.

US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook

Luckily the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition provides an estimate of the future job market for barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists.

In the past HairBoutique.com has looked at the projections for the hair and personal service markets.

Projected Employment Growth Rate 2012- 2022 For Barbers, Hairdressers And Cosmetologists

Overall employment of barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth rates of course will vary by specialty.

Employment of barbers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The need for barbers will stem primarily from an increasing population, which will lead to greater demand for basic hair-care services.

The employment of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Demand for hair coloring, hair straightening, and other advanced hair treatments has risen in recent years, a trend that is expected to continue over the coming decade.

Overall Job Opportunities

Overall job opportunities in the professional hair world are expected to be good for the future.

A large number of job openings will stem from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the occupation for other reasons.

Note: Table of 2014 Occupational Outlook For Barbers, Hairdressers & Cosmetologists. All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.  The source for the table is The  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.

Job Competition

However, workers should expect strong competition for jobs and clients at higher paying salons, of which there are relatively few.

Applicants must compete with a large pool of experienced hairdressers and cosmetologists.

Estimated Wages For Barbers, Hairdressers And Cosmetologists

The median hourly wage for barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists was $10.95 in May of 2012.

The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.11, and the top10 percent earned more than $20.39.

Medium Hourly Wages As Of May 2012

The median hourly wages for occupational specialties for barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists in May 2012 were as follows:

$12.06 for Barbers

$10.91 for Hairdressers & related

Many barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists work part time.  However, some self-employed workers or salon owner have very long hours.

Work schedules often include evenings and weekends―the times when beauty salons and barbershops are busiest.

Those who are self-employed usually determine their own schedules.

Summary Of 2014 Occupational Outlook For Barbers, Hairdressers And Cosmetologists

Employment of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all other types of occupations.

Although the medium hourly wages for barbers, hairdressers and cosmetologists range from $10.91 for hairdressers to $12.06 for barbers, the hourly rate depends upon a variety of factors including level of overall experience, number of years in the professional, regional location, type of hair styling specialties, availability of tipping as well as amount of hours worked.