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What Does a Cosmetologist Do?
Cosmetologists perform the following tasks:
- Provide skin care treatments.
- Color, style, and cut hair.
- Use makeup to enhance the client’s appearance.
- Provide nail care services such as manicures and pedicures.
- Develop new beauty treatment processes.
Let us now move onto the steps involved in becoming a licensed cosmetologist in New York.
The Procedure of Becoming a Cosmetologist in New York
The procedure of becoming a cosmetologist is not as easy as it sounds – it requires a lot of patience, dedication, and hard work. The route to cosmetology involves the following stages:
- Enroll in a Board-approved Cosmetology Program
There are several schools in New York that are not only offering Board-approved cosmetology programs but are also going beyond the State Board requirements. These programs can be completed in about nine months and cover a range of modules related to Hair Styling, Chemical Restructuring, Hair Analysis, Hair and Scalp Diseases, Nail Care and FDA Laws etc.
- Apply for a Cosmetology License
Candidates have to apply to the NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing of Services to get their cosmetology license. You will be required to provide evidence that you have successfully completed your schooling. The Affirmation of New York State Approved Schooling section of your application must be filled by your school director. Upon successful submission of the application, an email containing confirmation of receipt will be sent to you by the Division of Licensing Services.
- Pass the License Exam
After meeting the education requirements, you will be expected to clear both the New York State practical and written exams. The practical portion will test your hair care, makeup and skin care skills. After getting the license, you can apply to an apprenticeship program at a salon of your choice.
Requirements to Become a Cosmetologist in New York
In order to obtain the license, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be at least 17 years of age.
- You must have completed an approved 1,000-hour course of study.
- After your licensure application is accepted, you will be required to clear the licensing exam.
Once you have passed the professional exams, you will be given your license. Please note that this license will not allow you to operate a business – you will need to send a separate application to obtain a business license.
How Much Does a Cosmetologist Make In New York?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists earned an annual mean salary of $30,920 in May 2018 in New York. This figure is higher than the national average of $30,190.
Salary Trend of Cosmetologists in New York (Last 3 Years)
The salary figures of Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists, for the past three years are mentioned below:
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Mean Salary (New York) | $31,000 | $32,740 | $30,920 |
| Annual Mean Salary (US) | $29,590 | $30,490 | $30,190 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
The salary data indicates that the annual mean salary of Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists rose between 2016 and 2017 but decreased in 2018. However, the annual mean wage in New York for this particular category was higher than the national mean wage in each of the above mentioned three years.