BeautySchools.com wants to help you become a cosmetologist in the Sunshine State! We can’t think of a sunnier career that making others look and feel their best – on the outside and inside.
Cosmetologists perform a number of job functions, depending on the path they take. Whether you want to work with hair, nails, or skin, earning your cosmetology education can be the foundation for your success.
We help students from all over the nation find and compare programs and find the information they need to make the best decision. Now, you have the same opportunity to learn what options are available in your area. Good luck on your journey to a more beautiful career! Be sure to contact several schools to be sure you weigh your options carefully.
You must attend a school that is approved by your state to provide training in the discipline you want to practice. Check with the school and the state board to be sure that your program of study will prepare you for any applicable state licensure.
Working as a cosmetologist…
As a cosmetologist, you will likely perform essential personal services such as washing and styling hair, applying makeup, massage therapy, and providing skin and nail treatments. Cosmetologists may learn and perform a range of beauty services, such as hair and makeup for special events, film and television, or photography sessions. Some open their own salons, in their homes or in retail spaces. It’s truly a flexible career that you can mold to fit your ambitions, personality and creative style. You may want to specialize in one or two kinds of personal services, or rent a chair at an upscale salon.
However, to increase your chances for success, you should find the right program to train, and become certified and licensed to work with clients. Use the link below to find and request information from a school if you are not yet licensed.
According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida is one of the top five states for employment of cosmetologists!
If you are fortunate to live in the state of Florida, consider the benefits of a cosmetology career can provide to someone in your situation. Think of all the ways you could take advantage of your new skills in your community. When speaking with schools in your area, be sure to ask which employers they have relationships with, and if they have post-graduation help in finding positions for graduates. This can also tell you a lot about a school’s reputation in the area, and the quality of education you may receive. That’s why we always recommend contacting 2-3 schools just to get a good idea of which program will best meet your goals.
Learn the requirements for working as a professional in Florida, then contact our featured schools to get started!
Cosmetologist Licensing in Florida
The Florida State Board of Cosmetology has license requirements for cosmetologists. There is a cosmetology license requirement of 1200 hours of instruction, exam, and license fee. In addition, there are special license registrations required for manicurists, those who apply facials, hair braiding, and other services. Licensure is by exam and endorsement, and annual license fees range from $30 to $55. License requirements may be met in 12 to 18 months in many programs. A two-year degree such as an Associate in Applied Science in cosmetology takes a little longer but provides students with more in-depth cosmetology training.
Cosmetologist Pay and Job Outlook in Florida
The average median salary in Florida as of May 2012 was $25,750, with the highest concentrations of cosmetologist jobs in Jacksonville, Orlando, Fort Meyers and Sarasota. The job outlook for cosmetologists is expected to grow 14 percent between 2010 and 2020, with good job prospects. Many cosmetologists work part time, with some evening and weekend hours, but some cosmetologists do have daytime hours during the week as well.
Some more entrepreneurial cosmetologists may be self-employed or advance to salon management or ownership, which can take more of the business side of a career into consideration. Similar occupations include estheticians, manicurists and pedicurists, and skincare specialists.
A career as a cosmetologist can mean a fast-track career path with a technical or vocational training program or an in-depth immersion in cosmetology with a degree program. Those considering careers in cosmetology should be creative, customer service oriented, have good listening skills, and be able to work well with clients and salon staff. Training in cosmetology prepares students for a wide range of career paths, as diverse as manicurist, hair stylist, makeup artist and skin care specialist. If interested in learning more about those programs, be sure to check out our programs page for more information, where we profile each program that is under the cosmetology umbrella.
