Cosmetology Instructor Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a cosmetology instructor. Feel free to use our cosmetology instructor job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a cosmetology instructor.
Who is a Cosmetology Instructor?
A cosmetology instructor teaches aspiring cosmetologists the ins and outs of hair and nail care. They provide cosmetology students with the educational and creative insight necessary to succeed in the beauty industry. A cosmetology instructor is someone who holds a license as a cosmetologist and also possesses the professional ability to teach others how to become cosmetologists. They assist others in acquiring the skills necessary to perform manicures, pedicures, and a variety of hairstyles.
A cosmetology instructor’s first task is to create lesson plans. Developing lesson plans is a technical as well as educational aspect of the job. To keep their classes exciting for students, cosmetology instructors must create and develop innovative lesson plans that strike the ideal balance of teaching and exploration.
Additionally, cosmetology instructors serve as counselors. When counseling their students, they recommend personal and educational development opportunities. They are also available to assist their students in determining their future career paths.
The most critical function of a cosmetology instructor is to deliver lectures. They must understand how to communicate effectively with their students and how to teach effectively. Typically, the instructor will use a variety of visual aids throughout the lecture. The use of doll heads to demonstrate proper hairstyling techniques is quite common. Additionally, actual students are used to demonstrating proper makeup application.
Additionally, cosmetology instructors are required to ensure that safe practices are followed and that the physical and psychological well-being of their students and potential clients is protected. This necessitates continuous monitoring of cosmetology students. The most challenging aspect of being a cosmetology instructor is ensuring that students use proper techniques when providing services to patrons.
Each country has its own set of criteria for granting a license to practice cosmetology. The instructor is responsible for ensuring that a student is capable of passing any examination required to obtain a cosmetology license. Each certified cosmetologist owes a debt of gratitude to an exceptional instructor.
Cosmetology instructors are critical to the fashion industry’s success because they provide the expertise necessary to help those in the industry look their best. Cosmetology instructors must have a passion for fashion and a desire to share their knowledge with others. Essentially, they assist others in following the path they took to become successful cosmetologists.
Cosmetology instructors work in a variety of settings, including private institutions, salons, and colleges. Apart from general classroom settings, cosmetology instructors can also pursue careers in salon management due to their familiarity with managing a large number of stylists.
Cosmetology Instructor Job Description
Below are the cosmetology instructor job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a cosmetology instructor job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a cosmetology instructor include the following:
- Conducting written and practical application examinations
- Creating a common curriculum for all courses offered at a school or institution
- Assuring students’ safety during their training
- Examining and grading students’ work and exams
- Conducting classes and guiding students through required coursework in preparation for board exams
- Assisting students
- Modeling best practices in hair, skin, and nail care techniques and applications
- Collaborating with representatives from the industry and other relevant professionals to assist students in networking and learning
- Budgeting for and submitting annual program budgets
- Preparing instructional materials such as syllabi, examinations, and study guides
- Requesting classroom materials and supplies within the program’s budget
- Maintaining current knowledge and techniques specific to the industry, as well as teaching best practices and methodologies
- Participating in school, organizational, and administrative events and meetings
- Teaching anatomy and physiology concepts pertinent to cosmetology
- Providing step-by-step instruction in hair, makeup, nail, and skincare services
- Acquiring knowledge of and adapting to the course curriculum.
- Establishing lesson plans.
- Placing inventory orders for each course.
- Instructing students in the beauty trade’s skills.
- Establishing written and practical examinations.
- Mentoring and emotional support for students.
- Examining and supervising final practical tests.
- Providing feedback to the college or technical school regarding the course.
Additional critical tasks include the following:
- Lesson Outlines
The laws and regulations governing cosmetology instruction vary by state. A licensed instructor must be familiar with local and state laws, as well as the state’s curriculum guidelines. One of an instructor’s primary responsibilities is to develop lesson plans and demonstrations that adhere to state requirements. The instructor is responsible for covering the required subject areas, which typically include science, aesthetics and hairdressing, and hygiene and sanitation. If the instructor is teaching student-instructors, he or she must create additional lesson plans that cover topics such as lesson development, lecturing, and examination grading. An instructor must ensure that students receive an appropriate balance of practical and theoretical instruction and spend the necessary amount of time on each subject area.
- Teaching
A cosmetology instructor’s job is very hands-on. Instructors must take an active role in their student’s educational experience. In Texas, for example, student instructors may teach other students, but the licensed cosmetology instructor must always provide direct supervision. State law restricts class sizes to ensure that a licensed instructor can assess each student individually. Their development and performance must be closely monitored. It is the instructor’s responsibility to identify and address areas where students are having difficulty. If an instructor teaches both cosmetologists and student-instructors, the instructor is equally responsible for both groups’ proper training.
- Record-Keeping
Cosmetology Instructors are responsible for maintaining student files, which include grades and attendance records. Students must earn a specified number of credit hours to obtain a cosmetology or instructor’s license. While some cosmetology schools employ time clocks similar to those found on the job, an instructor must still ensure that credit hours are recorded accurately and that students are not improperly credited for smoke breaks or lunch periods. Additionally, an instructor may be responsible for notifying licensing authorities of students’ records or Certificates of Training.
- Compliance
If a cosmetology instructor operates their facility, they must maintain compliance by ensuring the building meets the required specifications, is equipped with the necessary equipment, and remains licensed. When an instructor teaches at a cosmetology school, he or she must keep an eye on student areas and report any problems, such as malfunctioning equipment. Additionally, an instructor is responsible for maintaining all personal licenses, which frequently require compliance with a state’s continuing education requirements.
Qualifications
Education
Applicants to state-approved cosmetology licensing programs must typically be at least 16 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Cosmetology licensing programs typically last one or two years and include coursework at a state-accredited cosmetology school. Graduation from a cosmetology school frequently includes examinations for obtaining a state cosmetology license.
Training
Cosmetology instructors must complete between 1,000 and 2,200 hours of practical training, depending on the state in which they wish to be licensed before they are eligible to graduate from their program and sit for the state cosmetology examination. This hands-on training includes time spent washing, cutting, styling, and coloring clients’ hair in a school-supervised salon, as well as time spent performing manicures, pedicures, makeup applications, and facial cleansing services.
Certifications
Cosmetology instructors must possess and maintain a state-issued cosmetology credential to practice in their field. The process varies by state, but typically entails one or two years of vocational cosmetology education and a series of examinations to verify a cosmetologist’s expertise in their field. Maintaining a state credit requires renewal every several years and, depending on the state, may require continuing education credits to remain valid.
Essential Skills
Cosmetology instructors must possess both industry-specific skills and teaching characteristics. Additional critical abilities of cosmetology instructors include the following:
- Computer literacy
- Communication in both oral and written form
- Organizational skills
- Public speaking skills
- Time management skills.
How to Become a Cosmetology Instructor
The requirements for becoming a cosmetology instructor vary by state and specialty, though many of the fundamental steps apply to the majority of instructors. The following are the steps to becoming a cosmetology instructor:
- Graduate from an accredited cosmetology school
To begin your career as a cosmetology instructor, you must first earn your cosmetology license. Numerous vocational schools and community colleges offer cosmetology training in the form of certificates or associate degrees. The majority of cosmetology programs last between eight months and two years. These programs incorporate hands-on training that adheres to industry standards and techniques and assists you in completing the required number of classroom hours to qualify for your state’s licensing exam. Consider enrolling in an accredited program to ensure that you will be able to meet the requirements of your state’s cosmetology board.
- Obtain a license in cosmetology
To practice cosmetology, an applicant must apply and be granted a license. Different states may have unique requirements for various sectors of the health and beauty industry. For instance, those interested in working in the skincare industry may need to apply for an esthetician license. Along with meeting the education requirement, some states require you to pass an exam. The test may consist of a written section and a practical examination to determine whether you have mastered the required skills. Before applying for your license, do some research on the specific test scores, testing fees, and general licensure requirements in your state.
- Pursue a career as a licensed cosmetologist
Numerous cosmetology instructors must demonstrate proficiency in the field before taking on the instructor role. Before beginning instructor training, prospective instructors should have two to five years of experience in hairdressing or hairstyling, nail design, or skin consultation. This experience can be obtained through employment in a salon, spa, freelance position, or through another cosmetology institution.
- Complete a training program
To earn your instructor license in some states, you may be required to complete a cosmetology instructor training program. In some states, pertinent experience may suffice. Even if your state does not require you to attend a training program, you should consider enrolling in one to enhance your industry and teaching skills. Many beauty schools, as well as some colleges and universities, offer formal cosmetology instructor training programs that last up to a year. These programs cover a variety of subjects, including the following:
- Exam administration and grading
- Management and leadership in the classroom
- Curriculum development and course design
- Planning lessons
- Record-keeping
- Observation and practice of abilities
- State statutes and rules
- Motivating students
- Aids, tools, and technology for teaching
- Theory and techniques of instruction
- Pass a state-mandated licensing examination
Certain states may also require licensure as a cosmetology instructor. The process is similar to that of obtaining a basic cosmetology license. You must pass a written and practical examination, pay a fee, and adhere to any additional state requirements.
- Apply for a position
Search for open cosmetology instructor positions in your area or in an area where you wish to relocate and work. You can work in a beauty or vocational school, a community college, or for a private company. You could also open your school or work as a freelancer, conducting workshops or presenting at trade shows. Consider networking with individuals in the cosmetology industry and conducting research to determine which opportunities are right for you.
- Ensure that your licenses are renewed
Renew your licenses on time to continue teaching cosmetology. The majority of basic and instructional licenses are valid for one to three years from the date of issuance, though the exact duration varies by state. State cosmetology boards typically require cosmetology instructors to complete annual continuing education to maintain both their basic and instructional licenses. As with expiration dates, state-specific requirements for continuing education and renewal fees apply.
Where to Work as a Cosmetology Instructor
The majority of cosmetology instructors work in beauty colleges, technical schools, and schools of cosmetology. Their job is to impart the knowledge and skills necessary for professional hairstylists, make-up artists, manicurists, and other beauty industry professionals.
Cosmetology Instructor Salary Scale
Earning potential as a cosmetology instructor may be influenced by your location, services offered, and employer. Self-employment, in particular, may enable you to work longer hours if you choose your hours and set your rates for your services. In the United States, cosmetology instructors earn an average of $42,588 per year. Employee discounts, health and savings accounts, paid time off, and paid sick time are all common benefits for cosmetology instructors.