Manicurists
Description OES Code: 680080
Clean, shape, and polish customers' fingernails and toenails.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage minimum
25th Percentile minimum
50th Percentile $6.84
75th Percentile $8.04

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Earnings from tips are included in the wage ranges.

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 and related workers 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. About two-fifths of workers in the field of cosmetology work part time.

Employment Trend, California
Employment 1998 5,000
Projected Employment 2008 6,400
Percent Change 1998-2008 28%
Separations 1998-2008 1,500

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 60
Projected Employment 2006 70
Percent Change 1999-2006 16.7%
Separations 1999-2006 10

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Cosmetologists generally work in attractively decorated, well-lighted, clean, air-conditioned salons. In most salons, operators have their own separate areas. The work of the Cosmetologist requires a great deal of standing, stooping, and reaching throughout the workday. Normal or corrected vision and good eye-hand coordination are also required. Exposure to chemicals may cause allergic skin and lung reactions in some individuals.

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 a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

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, 1,600 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 1,600 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.

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
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.

References
California Occupational Guide: #58

Related Occupation: Barbers

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)