COSMETOLOGY AS A PROFESSION IN MONTANA
Cosmetology is a hands-on, people-oriented career. Individuals who like people and have a more social personality make wonderful cosmetologists. Often, people who have considered social work or the medical field, turn to cosmetology because it is such a pleasant vehicle through which one can do a service for others. A cosmetologist is a person who cosmetically and psychologically transforms the self-images, and hence the destinies, of fellow human beings! The cosmetology industry provides entry-level opportunities for anyone 17 years and older, and offers an opportunity for men, women and minorities to move into management positions and ownership of their own business.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018, but the amount of growth will vary by specialty. For example, job growth for skin care specialists is projected to be faster, through 2018, than it will be for other occupations requiring post-secondary training or an associate degree US Department of Labor statistics for Cosmetology careers.
US Department of Labor and Statistics https://www.bls.gov/oes/2017/may/oes395012.htm
Earning
Cosmetologists, Manicurist and Estheticians wages will vary due to the variety of salon types, personal goals, and the fact that statistically, most professionals' success is based more on personality, communication skills, personal appearance and dependability than actual practical skills.
Payment Methods
Cosmetologists, Manicurist and Estheticians are paid in a variety of ways, which include but are not limited to:
Hourly or Commission: Cosmetologist are paid a commission percentage, subject to a guaranteed minimum hourly wage and, and at the end of a pay period, they are paid whichever is the greater of the two. This system is set up to comply with state and federal minimum wage laws.
Hourly plus Commission: In addition to an hourly wage, a percentage of the money made from the provision of services is given back to the cosmetologist as income. Sometimes the percentage is a set amount, and sometimes the cosmetologist must reach a certain goal before the commission is paid.
Booth Rental: All of the revenue derived from services provided is paid to the cosmetologist performing said services. In this arrangement, the cosmetologist is an independent contractor and pays a rental fee or a "chair fee" for the usage of salon facilities. Typically the cosmetologist has to provide all of their own supplies and book their own appointments.
Hourly: Strictly hourly wage; most of the time cosmetologists keep their own client tips, but sometimes, client tips are pooled and distributed evenly among all beauty professionals working in the salon (though tip pools are illegal in many states). Many corporate and small chains are trending toward this compensation structure, as it promotes a more controlled product by ensuring that employees are responsible for following company standards and policies.
Tips: Cosmetologists often make a considerable portion of their income from client tips.
Product Sales: Usually a commission is given on retail products sold, regardless of compensatory structure.
Advancement
As Cosmetologists, Manicurist and Estheticians become more experienced and gain a solid clientele base, they can expect their earnings to increase. Some manage salons/spas or decide to open their own. Others become sales representatives, platform artist, image consultants or hair and makeup artists for movies, TV or theater. Some decide to become educators for cosmetology schools, specialists in one particular area of their profession, or work in a medi spa.
Come to Creviers School Cosmetology for Cosmetology School, Manicuring School, Esthetics School, or "all-in-one" here in Kalispell, MT, where we believe beauty school should be a fun and educational experience!