by 
The cosmetology field is developing so quickly that many young people decide to get involved in it.
Not only it offers great chances of employment, but with a little post-secondary education you can become the owner of the business, become self-employed and start gaining clients.
Being self-employed offers you flexible working hours and more free time during the week, which is another advantage of this job.
Article Table of Contents
Job Description
A cosmetologist is a person who deals with people’s hair, nails, and skin.
Popular Programs
They can usually be found in a beauty salon, but they can also work in barbershops, spas, hotel spas, resort spas, and nursing and residential care homes.
Besides working on beauty treatments, they need to get involved in placing orders, verifying receipt and obtaining revenue by recording or collecting charges.
Their main duty is to listen to the desires of the client and give them recommendations related to the styles that match their facial features or that would be appropriate for their age.
They need to maintain safe and healthy conditions and accomplish their job so that the client would be satisfied and not only come back, but advice others to go there and try their services.
Cosmetology Programs in Arizona
If you want to become a cosmetologist in Arizona, you will need to meet the basic age and educational requirements.
You will need to be at least 16 years of age and have a high school diploma or a GED.
Tuition and fees can range from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the courses, the school’s location, hours of education required and the facilities and equipment available
When choosing a program, pay attention that it is a Board-approved cosmetology program that offers at least 1,6000 hours of training.
The time needed to finish this training is between 12 and 18 months, while for those who want to get a cosmetology associate degree, it takes about 2 years to complete.
An associate degree is beneficial for those who are eager to reach an additional study and a bachelor’s degree in a program.
To become an aesthetician you will need 600 hours of training while a nail technician needs to pass 500 hours.
Another way of getting the appropriate training is through apprenticeship programs.
By being involved in the working of a salon, you can get valuable experience in less than 2 years.
The most prominent schools that offer cosmetology education in Arizona are:
- Avalon School of Cosmetology – Phoenix
- Carsten Institute of Cosmetology – Tempe
- Kor Beauty Academy – Phoenix
- Paul Mitchell School – Phoenix
- Penrose Academy – Scottsdale
- The Studio Academy of Beauty – Phoenix.
What you will learn related to beauty treatments in these programs is:
- How to wash, cut and style hair.
- Chemicals used in coloring
- Facial massages
- Chemicals that should be used when you give a client a facial chemical peel.
- Waxing of the different areas of the body
- Microdermabrasion and how to administer it.
License
Every state has slightly different regulations and requirements related to the cosmetologist license.
First, you will need to apply for licensure, to be allowed to take the Arizona cosmetology examinations.
The proof that you have completed at least two years of high school, an Application for Examination, a passport-size photo, a certificate from graduation from an approved cosmetology program, a document that verifies that you are a U.S. resident and a $40 initial license fee are obligatory when applying for the license.
Cosmetology Exams in Arizona
When all the documentation is sent to the Board, they determine whether or not you are eligible for taking the examination.
The rule of pass your licensing exam is present in all 50 states, but the individual state determines the guidelines for licensure.
When it comes to Arizona, you may register online with Professional Credentials Services (PCS) to take the Arizona theory and practical examinations which cost $177.
The Board notifies PCS that you qualify to take the examinations and you should take it on the date when it is scheduled.
If you cannot take it then, you will be required to pay a rescheduling fee.
You will need to get 75 points to pass the examination.
If you happen to fail either examination, you will get the information on how to reapply online. If you pass it, PCS will automatically notify the Board office and your license will be issued.
Keeping Your License Current in Arizona
Arizona law requires that your license must be renewed annually on your birthday.
You can do it through the completion of a renewal application and the renewal fee of $30.
It is not required that you continue your education, but beauty professionals can continue to advance in the field by participating in seminars, training, and educational programs to remain up-to-date on the latest trends.
Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary in Arizona
Growing demand for cosmetologists makes this vocation more attractive to young generations.
They are also more involved in beauty treatments from a very early age and becoming a cosmetologist is their dream job.
For those who want to pursue careers in Arizona the good thing to know is that the Department of Employment and Labor Statistics predicts that the number of job openings for cosmetologists will rise in the years to come, thus affecting their salary as well.
Some cosmetologists work full-time positions while others may work occasionally or part-time.
That is why the annual salary varies, as well as due to the location of the salon and the amount of daily work.
Cosmetologists in Arizona earn an average salary of $20,000 per year and it differs from various cities.
While cosmetologists in Prescott earns only $ 23 877 annually, their colleagues in Lake Havasu City get $ 26 748.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Avondale,AZ | $25,788 |
| Chandler,AZ | $25,365 |
| Flagstaff,AZ | $24,138 |
| Glendale,AZ | $25,858 |
| Goodyear,AZ | $25,701 |
| Lake Havasu City,AZ | $26,748 |
| Mesa,AZ | $25,365 |
| Peoria,AZ | $25,805 |
| Phoenix,AZ | $25,858 |
| Prescott,AZ | $23,877 |
| Scottsdale,AZ | $25,365 |
| Sierra Vista,AZ | $23,937 |
| Sun City,AZ | $25,753 |
| Surprise,AZ | $25,451 |
| Tempe,AZ | $25,365 |
| Tucson,AZ | $24,197 |
| Yuma,AZ | $26,749 |
Regional Salary in Arizona
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flagstaff, AZ | 100 | $41,070 | $19.75 | $58,320 | $29,610 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 100 | $35,620 | $17.13 | $48,260 | $28,810 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 5,550 | $41,010 | $19.72 | $62,440 | $29,520 |
| Prescott, AZ | 130 | $35,440 | $17.04 | $52,030 | $28,810 |
| Tucson, AZ | 970 | $40,190 | $19.32 | $63,630 | $28,810 |
| Yuma, AZ | 70 | $34,850 | $16.75 | $43,360 | $28,810 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Summary
All in all, when you decide to enter the cosmetology field, you first need to begin your search for the perfect cosmetology school, ask yourself whether that occupation is the right one for you and does the possible salary meets your needs before making your final decision.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Cosmetologist
Cosmetology by State