Teaching Cosmetology: Is It Right For You?

If you have been working in salons for a few years and are looking to advance your career further, becoming a cosmetology instructor may be the next step for you. As an instructor, you can pass along your experience and knowledge to the next generation of students while making money and practicing your craft. Being an instructor of cosmetology is rewarding both emotionally and financially.

Beauty Instructor’s Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cosmetology instructors are paid on par with other instructors that require comparable vocational or technical training. Most earn in the range of $45,000 to $55,000 per year, but individual salaries vary from a low of $27,590 to a high of $113,450 annually. Many instructors choose to work only part time and continue to operate their own salons. This means their earning potential can go up significantly.

Just as the cost of cosmetology services varies widely by geographic location, the salaries of the instructors who teach the courses can as well. Websites such as O*Net offer comparisons by state, as well as averages and information on the pay range in a state. This can help prospective instructors get a better idea of how much they may be able to earn teaching in their state.

Jobs for Beauty Instructors

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in cosmetology is at around 16% over the next ten years. This is equal to the average expected growth in most fields. As the career field grows and more people need to be trained, the demand for well-qualified instructors will also grow.

There are several options for cosmetology instructors when they are looking for a job. Community colleges that offer technical degrees often have cosmetology programs, as do many private vocational schools. Stand-alone beauty schools are entirely staffed by cosmetology instructors, and some vocational high schools offer cosmetology coursework as well.

Some institutions may prefer their instructors hold a bachelors degree, but the minimum requirement for most is an associate’s degree and several years experience in the field. They also typically require some level of continuing education and all necessary state board licensing and certification.

Skills and Duties

Beauty school instructors work both in classrooms and “on the floor,” in a student salon. They are responsible for teaching both theory and specific techniques, and for supervising the hands-on experience of students during training in hair, nails, skin treatments and cosmetics application. They also receive specialized training in grading students’ work, tracking hours necessary for certification and other related skills.

Being an instructor at a school of cosmetology can be a rewarding addendum to a successful career as a practicing cosmetologist. If you are interested in becoming a cosmetology instructor, Evergreen Beauty College can help you further your career. Contact us today for more information on our instructor programs.