Manicurist Description OES Code: 680080 Clean, shape, and polish customers' fingernails and toenails. CA Wages/hour median range New, no experience: minimum minimum – $10.50 New, experienced: $6.00 minimum – $17.50 3 yrs+ experience: $8.00 minimum – $25.00 Earnings from tips are included in the wage ranges. About two-fifths of all Cosmetologists work part time. Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Most beauty salons are open six days per week, and some are open seven. Many are open at least one evening per week. Cosmetologists usually work five days per week and must be prepared to work weekends and some evenings to 9:00 p.m. The occupation offers excellent opportunities for part time work. Salaried Cosmetologists usually get paid vacation and medical and dental benefits. For those not covered by employer-paid benefits, some unions and other organizations offer health benefits for an additional fee. Employment Trends: Manicurists Employment 1996 1,970 Projected Employment 2006 3,150 Growth Rate 1996-2006 59.9% Openings due to Separations 680 Cosmetologists Employment 1993 27,960 Projected Employment 2005 31,010 Growth Rate 1993-2005 11% Openings due to Separations 8,410 Employment Trends by California County While job growth for manicurists is much faster than average, job growth in the cosmetologists occupation is slower than average, and competition for jobs is very keen. Factors that contribute to a demand for cosmetology services include a growing population with higher incomes, more styling services for men, the increasing number of working women, and a general expansion of the beauty salon industry. Many also operate their own businesses. Advancement Advancement is usually in the form of higher earnings, that result as a Cosmetologist gains experience and builds up a steady clientele or becomes a skilled specialist in one or more phases of the work, such as hair styling, straightening, or coloring. Managerial positions may be available in large beauty shops. More commonly, operators advance by opening their own shops. Occasionally Cosmetologists become teachers in beauty colleges, sales representatives for cosmetics firms, beauty editors for newspapers or magazines, or examiners for State cosmetology boards. To a large degree, advancement is based not only on ability, but on the Cosmetologist's willingness to continue training to keep up with changing hair styles and beauty techniques. Getting the Job & Other Information Jobs are most frequently obtained by applying directly to salons or by answering newspaper advertisements. Schools usually assist their graduates in finding jobs, and many salons list their openings with the Employment Development Department. Some beauty supply houses maintain bulletin boards with job listings. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. Note: Information for this occupation is limited. Unless indicated otherwise, the data presented here is for the related occupation "Cosmetologists - OES: 680050" from the California Occupational Guide. © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training To become a licensed Cosmetologist, a person must pass an examination given by the California Board of Cosmetology. Both a written examination and a practical demonstration of the candidate's ability are required. To qualify for the examination, a candidate must have at least a 10th grade education, 1600 hours of approved cosmetology instruction, and be at least 17 years of age. Training and/or experience gained outside the State may be substituted for most of the 1600 hours requirement. Another, less common, method of qualifying for the State Board examination is working as an apprentice for two years in a beauty salon under the supervision of a licensed Cosmetologist. Three hundred and fifty hours of classroom instruction are also required. Besides the legal requirements, certain personal qualifications are essential to succeed in this occupation. Cosmetologists must be able to listen and be willing to follow their patrons' instructions. A pleasant, friendly manner and a clean, neat appearance are essential. Cosmetologists must have good communication skills to suggest, advise, and explain beauty treatments to their customers. A person must be at least 16 years old to enroll in an approved cosmetology course at a private beauty school. Tuition ranges from $2,500 to $8,000 for the complete course of 1600 hours of instruction, which normally takes 10 to 12 months to complete. Attendance on a part time schedule for a longer period can usually be arranged, with some schools offering evening programs. At community colleges, additional courses may be taken so that the student can earn an AA degree. Many community colleges offer cosmetology courses and some school districts offer adult education courses in cosmetology. Various grants and loans covering tuition may be available through the California Department of Education. Skills & Other Requirements (see footnote) Cosmetologists, also known as beauticians, beauty operators, manicurists, or hair- stylists, provide hair styling services for their customers to help them look attractive. Most of their time is spent styling hair according to their customers' directions and to their customers' hair type and facial features. Knowledge of the latest hair styles and cutting techniques is essential. They shampoo, cut, set, and comb hair. They may also color or straighten hair and give it a permanent wave. Cosmetologists use tools such as combs, scissors, razors, and clippers to cut hair. They set hair using rollers and clips, setting lotions and gels. Styling hair calls for the use of dryers, combs, brushes, and blow- dryers. They may also use hot combs and curling irons to press and curl hair. Cosmetologists may apply rinses or conditioners after shampooing to treat dry or damaged hair. Cosmetologists may also provide face, neck, arm, and hand massages and scalp treatments. Additional duties include scheduling appointments, using the cash register, cleaning the work area and equipment, and keeping records of hair color formulas and permanent waves used by regular patrons. Self-employed Cosmetologists have a managerial role in addition to their work as operators. Cosmetologists can also specialize in giving facials and applying cosmetics, in manicuring nails, or in styling wigs and hair pieces. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Cosmetologists #58 Related Occupation: Barbers #78 Training: California State Training Inventory