Cosmetology has its set of career paths starting from hairstyling to skincare, and one can make a considerable amount of income from it. While most choose the field because of their love for doing beauty treatments and taking care of people’s personal well-being, knowing which jobs in this field are the highest paying cosmetology jobs may point you in a particular career direction. Now, we will outline five of the best-paying cosmetology jobs you should look into and why they are such a lucrative and in-demand profession.
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1. Performance Makeup Artist
Performance makeup artists are professionals who know how to apply makeup for theater, film, television, and special effects. This is among the highest paying cosmetology jobs and most sought-after professions in the entertainment industry since highly professional makeup artists are needed for everything—from natural makeup to really complex special effects.
- Main Responsibilities: Performance makeup artists will apply makeup to actors and performers, controlling their appearance to best fit the character they portray. In many cases, they are also in charge of maintaining the makeup during a performance and executing quick changes when required.
- National Average Salary: As of April 18, 2024, the average compensation for performance makeup artists nationwide is approximately $75,000 per year, but leading performers clear much more, depending on experience and reputation.
- Why It Pays Well: Entertainment industry pays top dollar for artists who can provide an interesting, eye-catching, and realistic look. That would make this one of the highest-paid cosmetology jobs available.
What is the highest paying job in cosmetology?
Other than performance makeup artistry, most high-paying cosmetology jobs usually get a top prize, especially when working on film and television.
If makeup and creativity are a person’s passion, then being a performance makeup artist can be very financially satisfying and creatively fulfilling, too.
2. Skincare Specialist (Esthetician)
Skincare professionals, otherwise known as estheticians, work to improve the appearance and health of a customer’s skin. This can range from basic facials and exfoliation to more advanced treatments such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
- Responsibilities: Estheticians typically analyze customers’ needs about skincare, advise on the proper treatment, and perform various skincare services on the clients; they may also advise their clients concerning skincare routines and appropriate products.
- National Average Salary: Skincare specialists’ average salary is around $47,435 per year, although the extremely well-paid ones in luxury spas and dermatology clinics bring in much more.
- Why It Pays Well: The rise in skincare services and, importantly, clients needing anti-aging and corrective treatments have made this one of the highest-paid cosmetology jobs.
What is the highest-paying esthetician job?
Estheticians in high-end spas, medical esthetics, and dermatology clinics usually make the highest salaries within the field.
If you love skincare and ensure that your clients get the best skin, being a skincare specialist will prove lucrative. Visit for essential Esthetics Instructor interview questions to enhance your preparation.
3. Celebrity and High-Profile Hair Stylist
The most paid in the beauty industry involves hair stylists who work with celebrities or high-end clients. These professionals are among the highest paying cosmetology jobs, as they create and maintain the hairstyles of some of the most photographed, visible people around the world.
- Primary Duties: Celebrity hair stylists cut, style, and color hair for their high-profile clients. They may also travel with their clients to events and be on call for last-minute touch-ups or changes in style.
- National Average Salary: Though the average annual salary for a hairstylist is about $31,000 nationally, celebrity stylists can make well into six figures if they achieve a reputation worth noting.
- Why It Pays Well: The exclusivity and high demands of this clientele, added to the possibility of very high tips and brand endorsement, make this one of the best-paid jobs within cosmetology.
What cosmetology job pays the most?
Amongst the most well-paid jobs in the field of cosmetology, or even outweighing many others, is hairstyling to celebrities and high-class clientele.
This career has great rewards for those who are competent with hair care and can work in a fast-paced environment that is in high demand.
4. Medical Esthetician
Medical estheticians work in support of dermatologists and plastic surgeons, offering progressive skincare treatments that require specialized training. This position marries the beautician profession with medical science, including personal satisfaction and extra money.
- Primary Responsibilities: Conduct laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and other similar activities under the delegation of a medical professional. Participate in the care of patients before and after cosmetic surgery.
- National Average Salary: The national average salary earned by medical estheticians annually is around $55,000. However, this figure tends to increase as the years go by and certificational levels are raised.
- Why It Pays Well: Since this combines medical expertise with treatment for beauty, it becomes a highly technical and sought-after job, hence better paid.
Which is the best course in cosmetology to have high-paying jobs?
Course on medical esthetics covers advanced training in skincare techniques and procedures and is among the best options if one is looking for high remunerative jobs in cosmetology.
Being a medical esthetician is one of the most rewarding careers in which beauty lovers who are interested in medical sciences can combine both disciplines.
5. Image Consultant
An image consultant is paid to advise clients on their general appearance, such things as clothes, hairstyles, makeup, and other aspects of body language. This is a good position for those who have eyes for detail and a very good understanding of fashion and personal branding.
- Primary Responsibilities: Image consultants work with individuals to develop one’s personal or professional image. This includes wardrobe, grooming, and etiquette coaching that helps people make a great impression in their respective field of endeavor.
- National Average Salary: The average salary for an image consultant is about $60,000 a year; however, those dealing with high-profile cases or corporate executives make considerably more money.
- Why It Pays Well: The high pay range in this profession is due to the demand for personal branding and professional image consulting, especially by business leaders and people in the public eye.
What part of cosmetology is the most challenging as an image consultant?
The most challenging part of working as an image consultant in the field of cosmetology would be to stay abreast of the trends and package advice individually for the needs and taste of each client.
For those in love with fashion, style, and personal branding, becoming an image consultant is a very lucrative profession that helps the consultant make considerable changes in their clients’ lives and gives them a very good income in return.
How to Make the Most Money Possible in Cosmetology
While these highest-paying cosmetology careers bring in great income, here are some suggestions on how you might maximize your earnings even further in the field of cosmetology:
- Specialize in a Niche: Focusing on a specific area, such as medical esthetics or celebrity hairstyling, sets you apart from the competition and allows for higher rates.
- Pursue Advanced Certifications: Similarly, advanced certifications or degrees in specialized areas of cosmetology also enhance one’s skill set and make them more attractive to employers or high-end clients.
- Develop a Loyal Client Base: As word-of-mouth and referrals are crucial in the field of cosmetology, building a loyal client base could mean more frequent jobs and higher earnings in the long term.
- Monetize Social Media: Content creation on social media might permit you to exhibit your skills and develop your client network, generating revenue from brand deals.
Does Cosmetology Pay Well?
Well, cosmetology can pay pretty well, especially if one specializes in high demand areas, builds a good reputation, and continually works to improve the quality and skill of one’s services.
One will find that focusing on these strategies is quite instrumental in helping a cosmetologist work out the best options available for achieving success.
Prepare for a Cosmetology Job Interview
If you are targeting a highly paid cosmetology job, then preparation for the job interview is paramount. Visit this site for key Cosmetology Instructor interview questions to boost your preparation. Following are some of the questions you are likely to come across and how you should answer them:
- “What experience do you have in this area of cosmetology?”
Emphasize your specialized training, certification, or experience you have in that area of cosmetology where the job falls. - “How do you keep current with the latest trends and techniques?”
Tell them how regularly you go to workshops, courses, or read what leaders in the industry say in order for you to know what’s new or changing within the realm of cosmetology. - “Why do you want to work in this field?”
From here, proceed to speak with desire about cosmetology and how your skills and experience make you the perfect candidate for the position.
These types of questions can allow the employers to assess your qualification for the high-paying cosmetology jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the highest paying cosmetology job?
A: Among the highest-paying jobs in cosmetology are performance makeup artistry and celebrity hairstyling, as these are jobs that have the potential to pay very well into six figures.
Q2: Where is cosmetologist demand the highest?
A: The highest demand for cosmetologists will arise through cities that have a high demand in the entertainment, fashion, or luxury spa industry.
Q3: How much does a cosmetologist make in the United States?
A: Depending on the cosmetologist’s specialty, location, and client base, cosmetologists can make anywhere from $25,000 to over $100,000 yearly within the United States.
Q4: What is the highest degree of cosmetology?
A: The highest degree in cosmetology usually is an Associate Degree in Cosmetology; however, specialized certifications and advanced training in areas like medical esthetics also prove highly valued.
Q5: Which course is best in cosmetology for getting a highly paid job?
A: Courses such as medical esthetics, performance makeup, and advanced hairstyling courses are among those considered best for high-paying jobs in cosmetology.
Conclusion
Most cosmetology careers can be very lucrative, although the highest-paying jobs may include everything from performance makeup artists in the entertainment industry to medical estheticians who are specialized in advanced skincare treatments. Specialized training can help you pursue these highest-paying jobs, along with a large clientele list and information regarding the latest trends within the industry. Be it in cosmetology school or ready to take your career to the next level, researching the following opportunities is a great way to discover a bright, high-paying future in beauty.
