What Careers Can You Have With a Cosmetology License? (Offline and Remote)
When I first started looking into the beauty industry, I noticed a common myth: people think that getting a cosmetology license means you are stuck behind a salon chair for the rest of your life. While I love the energy of a busy salon, the reality is much bigger. Your license is actually a versatile key that opens doors to dozens of different cosmetology occupations, ranging from medical settings to high-tech remote roles.
If you have been asking yourself what can you do with a cosmetology license besides hair, you are in the right place. I want to share some of the best cosmetology careers that offer stability, creativity, and even the chance to work from your couch.
Can You Really Work From Home? (Remote and WFH Options)
One of the most frequent questions I get is: can you work from home with a cosmetology license? It sounds like a dream, right? While you obviously cannot cut a client’s hair through a Zoom call, there are several cosmetology jobs remote that allow for a flexible lifestyle.
Online Color Consulting
This is one of the most legitimate cosmetology jobs work from home that I have found. Companies like eSalon often hire licensed pros to act as “Online Colorists.” You use your professional knowledge to help customers choose the right formulas and troubleshoot their results from your home office.
Brand Support and Virtual Education
If you are good at explaining the “how” and “why” behind products, you might thrive in remote jobs with cosmetology license requirements in the corporate world. Many hair care and color brands need licensed experts for:
- Digital customer support for pro-grade products
- Creating educational webinars for other stylists
- Consulting on product development
Content Creation and Digital Coaching
You do not need to be a “mega-influencer” to find online jobs with cosmetology license benefits. Many pros create paid digital workshops or specialized training resources for other stylists. Your license gives you the professional credibility that “DIY” creators simply do not have.
Traditional and Creative Offline Career Paths
Of course, most cosmetology career opportunities are still hands-on. If you enjoy interacting with people in person, the variety of jobs in the cosmetology field is incredible.
High-End Salon and Specialized Studio Work
The most common professions in cosmetology involve cutting, coloring, and styling. However, you can increase your earning potential by focusing on a niche like extensions, bridal styling, or texture-focused services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the market remains active with a median pay of $16.95/hour (as of May 2024) and roughly 84,200 annual openings on average over the next decade..
The World of Editorial and Screen Work
For those who love a fast-paced environment, careers under cosmetology include working on film sets, fashion shoots, or theater productions. In fact, for certain broadcast roles, organizations like IATSE Local 706 often require a valid license.
Specialized Care: Wigs and Medical Support
I find this to be one of the most rewarding jobs in the cosmetology industry. Some pros specialize in customizing wigs for patients experiencing medical hair loss. Organizations like the American Cancer Society and the National Alopecia Areata Foundation provide resources on how these services are often handled as medical necessities, which adds a deep layer of purpose to your work.
Corporate And “Stable” Beauty Roles
If you are looking for cosmetology jobs with benefits or a more structured schedule, you should look into the corporate side of the industry.
- Brand Educators: You travel to different salons or trade shows to teach other pros how to use specific product lines.
- Sales Representatives: Use your technical knowledge to help salon owners stock the best products for their business.
- Salon Management: Many corporate jobs with cosmetology license requirements focus on the business side – managing staff, inventory, and growth.
Essential: Know Your Scope of Practice
Before you jump into a specific path, you must understand what does a cosmetology license allow you to do in your specific area. Every state has different rules. For example, Texas provides very detailed guides on what is allowed under different license categories.
If you are curious about setting up a home-based business, be careful. States like California have very strict home salon regulations regarding plumbing and separate entrances. My best advice is to always check with your local state board before investing in a specific niche.
How USA Beauty & Barber Academy Prepares You For These Moves
When you are looking for job opportunities for licensed cosmetologist positions, the quality of your training is your biggest asset. At USA Beauty & Barber Academy, we focus on giving you a foundation that works for both the creative and the business side of beauty.
A Program Designed For Real Success
Located in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, our school is led by experts with over 80 years of combined experience. If you are aiming for a Master Cosmetologist license, you will complete the 1,500 hours required by the state of Georgia. This comprehensive training ensures you are not just “passing a test” but actually ready for a high-paying licensed cosmetologist job.
Versatility In Training
We do not just focus on one skill. Our programs cover a wide range of needs:
- Master Cosmetologist: A full-spectrum look at hair, skin, and nails.
- Esthetician and Nail Technician: Specialized paths for those who want to focus on skincare or detail-oriented nail work.
- Instructor Training: For those who want to move into the education roles I mentioned earlier.
Hands-On Experience With Pro Brands
I believe you should learn with the tools you will actually use in a high-end salon. That is why our student services are performed using professional lines like CHI. Getting your hands on quality products early on helps you understand the “why” behind the results – which is essential if you ever want to pursue cosmetology remote jobs work from home or brand education.
Take The Next Step
If you have been wondering what careers can you have with a cosmetology license, the best way to find out is to see the environment for yourself. You can schedule a tour at our campus in Peachtree Corners to meet the instructors and see our clinic floor in action.