Career Opportunities

The field of Cosmetology is one of creativity, innovation and endless possibilities. As a cosmetologist, you will be exposed to a world of artistic creations, in-depth beauty techniques and the necessary skills needed for your future. You will learn how to execute many services, from a simple shampoo and hair cut to the dramatic alterations of permanent waving, hi-lighting, and hair-coloring. Cosmetologists are also capable of providing manicures, pedicures, scalp and facial treatments and even offering makeup application for women.

Persons who are interested in the Cosmetology field should enjoy the opportunity to interact with the general public. As a cosmetologist, you must be willing to abide by the instructors rules, departmental policies, state mandated policies, and Del Mar College school policies; always maintain a clean and safe work environment; and be open to new experiences.

Students study the basic services: haircutting and styling techniques, skincare, chemical treatments, and hair and scalp treatments. Under supervision of licensed instructors, students practice on customers on client days (women, children, men), as well as salon management and client recordkeeping. Students attend lectures on the use and care of instruments, sanitation and hygiene, and recognition of certain skin, scalp, hair, and nail disorders and diseases. Instruction is also given in selling retail and general business practices.

Upon graduating with 1,000 clock hours and 40 semester hours from Del Mar College's certificate program, students will take the state licensing examination with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations. The examination consists of a written and practical test of cosmetology skills. Upon passing state exams students will then earn an operators license that requires continuing education to renew the license and stay abreast to changes in the industry.

Cosmetologists who choose to become salon owners will have managerial duties that include hiring, supervising, recordkeeping and inventory. The cosmetology certificate program at Del Mar College has an advisory committee that assists college officials in the implementation of the program curriculum and job entry level needs in the industry so that the instructors can keep students abreast to what must be implemented in their training for job entry level experience.

The cosmetology program also offers an apprenticeship partnership with salon owners in the area for training purposes.

2020 Texas Bureau of Labor of Statistics for Licensed Cosmetologist employment jobs:

• Hairdresser: Annual mean wage $26,400, hourly mean wage $12.69
• Manicure/Pedicure: Annual mean wage $29,740, hourly mean wage $12.69
• Skincare Specialist: Annual mean wage $42,580, hourly mean wage $33.44
• Makeup Artist: Annual mean wage $69,550, hourly mean wage $33.44