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Cosmetology Instructor job description template

If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.

Free job description below
Median pay
$38,761per year, about $19 an hour
Range$21,500 to $50,000 a year
Hourly$11 to $24 an hour
EducationCosmetology Instructors generally obtain an Associate’s or a Bachelor’s degree in cosmetology.
Also calledCosmetologist, Beautician, Esthetician
DepartmentEducation and Training
The role

What is a Cosmetology Instructor?

Cosmetology Instructors are experienced and knowledgeable cosmetologists who work as educators in beauty colleges and technical and cosmetology schools.

They teach students about the beauty industry, covering topics such as hairstyling, makeup application, skin and body care, nail care, and other skin subjects.

Cosmetology Instructors possess a broad knowledge of the beauty industry in general, current trends, techniques, products, treatments, etc.

Their goal is to make sure students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in order to work in the beauty industry.

What to screen for

The top Cosmetology Instructor skills.

Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.

SkillWhy it matters
CommunicationAmazing communication skills are fundamental for Cosmetology Instructors. They use communication to interact with students and ensure they are learning the right skills and understanding the topics and materials. Cosmetology Instructors also use communication to provide important information and answer students’ questions.
TeachingSince Cosmetology Instructors are responsible for educating students about various topics related to the beauty industry, they are required to have effective teaching skills. Great teaching skills include the ability to transfer knowledge about products, the history of cosmetology, treatments, and practical skills.
CreativityCreativity can help Cosmetology Instructors excel in their job. Cosmetology Instructors should implement their creative sense into their classes and lectures and in that way make them more engaging, interesting, and relatable. Creativity also allows them to demonstrate various looks and designs that may serve as an inspiration to students.
OrganizationIt is crucial for Cosmetology Instructors to be well-organized. Organized Cosmetology Instructors keep track of their lesson plans, student grades, and attendance. This skill can also help them plan classes in advance, and prepare class materials and additional items necessary for the smooth execution of the class.
Patience and UnderstandingPrimarily, Cosmetology Instructors should tend to their students’ needs and follow their progress. Not all students will learn at the same speed and in the same way, so Cosmetology Instructors must devote their attention to struggling students, understand their concerns, and be patient during their learning process.
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Cosmetology InstructorEducation and Training · Free to use and edit

We are searching for a skilled and knowledgeable individual to join us as a Cosmetology Instructor. While working in this position, you will be responsible for teaching students beauty and cosmetology treatments, skills, procedures, products, and safety precautions. You will also create and adapt lesson plans and curricula, evaluate students based on their grades and performance, and provide support and mentorship.

As a Cosmetology Instructor, you should be able to provide both theoretical and practical cosmetology sessions. You will be required to stay up-to-date with the latest beauty and cosmetology trends and practices and provide relevant experience in terms of practical skills and knowledge.

Ultimately, if you want to succeed as a Cosmetology Instructor, you should have outstanding communication, teaching, and organizational skills. In the end, creativity, patience, and understanding will make you a top candidate for this position.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Prepare and plan the course curriculum and lesson plans
  • Demonstrate and teach students a variety of cosmetology and beauty techniques, skills, and procedures, such as applying makeup, doing hairstyles, and other services
  • Teach students about different beauty and cosmetology products and the use of equipment and tools
  • Ensure the safe usage of chemicals and equipment during practical sessions
  • Provide information regarding the history of cosmetology, current trends, and job outlook
  • Develop and prepare written and practical assessment tests
  • Evaluate students’ progress and performance through written and practical exams
  • Provide feedback to students and identify areas of improvement
  • Oversee students’ performance during practical lessons and ensure the safe learning environment
  • Provide class materials, items, and other elements used in class
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest cosmetology and beauty trends and practices

Requirements

  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in cosmetology
  • National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) certification
  • Additional certification or license to practice cosmetology
  • Previous working experience as a Cosmetologist and Cosmetology Instructor
  • Sound knowledge of different cosmetology techniques, procedures, and treatments
  • An aptitude for teaching and mentoring
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills
  • Creativity
  • Organization
  • Patience and understanding
Add your pay range, benefits, and location before you post. Postings with a stated range get significantly more finished applications than the ones that leave it out.

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Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.

Education

Degree first, then the certification.

Cosmetology Instructors generally obtain an Associate’s or a Bachelor’s degree in cosmetology.

Moreover, they typically have to acquire a valid certification from the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).

Any additional cosmetology license or certification may be mandatory depending on the employer’s requirements.

Cosmetology Instructors must have previous working experience as Cosmetologists and Cosmetology Instructors.

NIC

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology Certification

Validates the instructor's qualifications to teach cosmetology.

National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology
Treat these as a signal, not a requirement. Plenty of strong candidates come up through experience without one.
After the applications land

Sample interview questions for a Cosmetology Instructor.

Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.

Personal
  • What cosmetology skills of yours would you point out?
  • What are your favorite beauty brands and products?
  • Do you have any other interests besides cosmetology?
Human Resources
  • How long have you been in the field of beauty?
  • Why did you choose our company for your next employment?
  • Is there any particular reason behind leaving your previous job?
Management
  • What methods do you use to keep your classes engaging and creative?
  • How do you motivate and support struggling students?
  • How often do you update your knowledge of current cosmetology and beauty trends?
Technical Skills and Knowledge
  • What sources do you use when preparing course curricula and lesson plans?
  • Could you briefly describe your process of teaching a specific area of cosmetology, such as nail care?
  • What safety precautions have to be taken when handling chemicals and specialized equipment during practical sessions?
Pay

How much to pay when hiring.

Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.

10th percentile$21,500
25th percentile$32,000
Median$38,761
75th percentile$49,000
90th percentile$50,000

Hourly equivalents run from $11 at the 10th percentile to $24 at the 90th.

Related job titles

Candidates may apply under a different name.

Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.

Same work, different title

Three titles, one description.

Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.

Cosmetologist

$43,287 median

Beautician

Beauticians are highly skilled individuals responsible for improving the physical appearance of customers.

$29,938 median

Esthetician

An Esthetician is a licensed skincare professional who specializes in providing beauty treatments that improve the health and appearance of the skin.

$45,374 median
Questions

Frequently asked questions.

Where do Cosmetology Instructors work?

Cosmetology Instructors usually work in public and private beauty schools, colleges, beauty salons, and spas.

What is a Cosmetology Instructor?

Cosmetology Instructors are knowledgeable professionals who educate students on beauty and cosmetology products, techniques, procedures, and treatments.

They teach students a variety of makeup applications, hairstyles, and skin, nail, and body care.

How much do Cosmetology Instructors earn annually?

Cosmetology Instructors earn between $21,500 and $50,000 annually.

What skills do Cosmetology Instructors have?

Cosmetology Instructors must possess effective communication, teaching, organizational, and management skills.

They also have to be highly creative, patient, and understanding.

More in finance

Other job description templates.

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Cosmetologist

$43,287 median

Esthetician

An Esthetician is a licensed skincare professional who specializes in providing beauty treatments that improve the health and appearance of the skin.

$45,374 median

Beauty Advisor

$28,328 median

Beautician

Beauticians are highly skilled individuals responsible for improving the physical appearance of customers.

$29,938 median

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