So you think you want to go into the beauty business but you can’t decide which aspect of it you want to focus on. One of the most important variables to consider is how much money you will be able to earn after completing your training. Both the amount of time you need to spend in training and the salary you can expect after graduating can vary considerably.
The following information will give you an idea of your potential earnings for beauty occupations in the state of Oklahoma, but commissions and tips are not included in the data shown here. Your actual take home earnings are likely to be much higher when considering things like gratuity and commission on product sales and services.
Cosmetology Salaries
You must complete 1,500 hours of beauty school training and pass both a written and practical exam administered by the State Board of Cosmetology in order to be licensed as a cosmetologist in Oklahoma. Cosmetologists are trained in hairdressing, hairstyling, skin care, manicures/pedicures and basic makeup application.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates annual salaries and hourly wages for cosmetologists in Oklahoma as of 2013 were as follows:
Keep in mind that cosmetologists, as well as all of the other beauty occupations discussed here, are generally tipped between 10 and 20 percent of the cost of the service. Good skills and a pleasing personality translate into more take-home pay.
Nail Technician Salaries
Nail technicians provide manicures and pedicures, including trimming, polishing and repairing nails as well as applying artificial nails and rubbing moisturizer on the lower limbs. You must complete a minimum of 600 hours of beauty school training in order to take the board nail technician license exam. As a nail technician, you might work in a salon, spa or barber shop or as a freelancer providing nail service in client homes. Senior communities are especially welcoming to in-home manicures and pedicures.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates for nail technician salaries in Oklahoma for 2013 were as follows:
Esthetician Salaries
Estheticians, also called skin care specialists, enhance the appearance of one’s skin by providing treatments to the face and body, including facials, masks, scrubs and massages. You’ll have to complete 600 hours of beauty school training and pass the board exam in order to receive your Oklahoma esthetician license.
The following table lists US Bureau of Labor Statistics figures for esthetician salaries in the Sooner State as of 2013.
Makeup Artist Salaries
You can work as a makeup artist in Oklahoma without a license but you will have to complete a makeup program at a beauty school or community college to qualify for employment. Salons, spas, resorts, bridal boutiques and cosmetics shops/counters employ makeup artists. Theatrical and production makeup artists must have more advanced schooling and they have the potential for the highest earnings; however, there are very few job opportunities in Oklahoma for professional theatrical make-up artists.
According to an aggregate of advertised job opportunities, makeup artists are earning the following annual salaries in various Oklahoma cities.
- Oklahoma City – $30,000
- Tulsa – $34,000
- Norman – $30,000
- Edmond – $28,000
- Broken Arrow – $34,000
- Lawton – $25,000
Makeup artists not only earn tips, but if you work in a cosmetics store or at a department store cosmetics counter, you are likely to receive commissions for products sold in addition to a base salary.
Barber Salaries
Barbers primarily (but not exclusively) serve male clients. They cut, trim, shampoo and style hair as well as beards and mustaches. They also give facial shaves. Earning a license requires 1,500 hours of beauty school training and a passing score on the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology barber’s exam. Some barbers work in beauty salons but most work in barbershops.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, barber salaries in Oklahoma are as follows.