Fashion and Beauty Careers

Fashion and beauty careers involve jobs in attire making, make-up artistry, accessories making, lifestyle, fashion modeling, and body care.

The beauty and fashion industry include professionals that serve as special advisers to clients. They suggest, recommend and demonstrate beauty products.

However, their roles extend beyond core fashion design responsibilities. For example, fashion and beauty professionals work in business management fields and fashion education.

Why Choose Fashion and Beauty?

Related field

Some reasons to choose a career in fashion and beauty include the following:

• According to a BLS report of 2021, Fashion designers earn an annual mean wage of $77,450, above the national mean wage of $58,260.
• The employment rate for hairstylists, barbers, and cosmetologists is projected to increase by 11% from 2021-2031.
• Fashion and beauty careers give room for self-employment.
• The fashion and beauty industry has good employment prospects.
• Many career options are in the fashion and beauty industry.

How to Start your Fashion and Beauty Journey

Start with an apprenticeship. Practical hands-on training is a prerequisite in the fashion industry. People who move from this stage to getting a certificate possess a certain level of passion for the industry.

Next, obtain certification and a degree. Formal training would get you higher-paying jobs. An associate degree in fashion and beauty, for instance, can secure entry-level roles.

Highly skilled and experienced fashion and beauty professionals tend to get managerial positions and manage fashion shows.

Educational Requirements

Associate Degree

Associate degrees in the fashion and beauty industry prepare you for jobs as a beauty technician. For example, you can work as a junior stylist or technical designer.

This program lasts two years and provides training on clothing design and production fundamentals. It prepares you for an entry-level position in the fashion industry.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree provides in-depth training in the beauty and fashion industry and room for specialization. It takes a minimum of three years to complete.

A BSc here ranges from courses in fashion, cosmetology, beauty and cinema make-up artistry, cosmetic technology, beauty marketing, product development, etc.

Master’s Degree

The duration of a Master’s program is between one-two years in the beauty industry. An MSc exposes you to more employment opportunities and managerial roles.

You define your area of specialization at this stage of your career. Then, you can venture into the beauty business and run your establishment.

Doctorate in Fashion and Beauty

A PhD in fashion and beauty is an advanced study that enables you to study at a research level. You can complete your PhD in two-five years.

At this level, you build on your area of specialization scientifically. A PhD in cosmetology, for example, exposes you to the ancient and present secrets of beauty and beauty products.

Employment Prospects

The BLS report cited above projects that the fashion industry would experience only a 3% growth between 2021-2013.

About 2,300 jobs would, however, open each year over the decade due to workers changing careers or leaving the labor force.

Fashion and Beauty Career Forecast

A career in the fashion and beauty industry offers job security as you upgrade your skills and gain experience. In addition, the opportunity for self-employment also becomes guaranteed at a particular stage.

Careers in this sector are a lot and still relevant as beauty issues require a human feel. The second report cited above projects about 93,800 job openings yearly between 2021-2031 for barbers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists.

Lucrative Fashion and Beauty Career Paths

Fashion Designer

A fashion designer creates patterns for clothes, accessories, and footwear.

Average Salary

Fashion designers earn an average annual salary of $54,265. The lower 10% earn about $37,000, while the upper 10% can earn up to $78,000 annually.

Roles and Responsibilities

Some duties of a fashion designer include the following:

• Creating different types of clothing, accessories, and footwear designs
• Staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends.
• Pitching and marketing new fashion designs to prospective clients.

Industries Employing Fashion Designers

Fashion designers can work in the following industries:

• Clothing/apparel industries.
• wholesale or manufacturing establishments,
• Theater and design firms.

Fashion Blogger

A fashion blogger writes and publishes fashion and beauty articles, industry trends, photos, and videos.

Average Salary

The average annual salary for a fashion blogger is $37,988. The basic salary range starts as low as $15,500 and as high as $92,500. The top 90% of earners make about $62,500 annually. Salary varies depending on skill level, location, and years of experience.

Roles and Responsibilities

Some duties of a fashion blogger include the following:

• Create fashion and style-related content for fashion brands.
• Ensure the quality of the brand’s website content.
• Research the latest fashion trends that would keep the audience engaged.

Industries Employing Fashion Bloggers

The following industries can employ fashion bloggers:

• The fashion and entertainment industry
• Fashion magazines, journals, advertorials
• Fashion blogs

Cosmetologist

Beauty industry

A cosmetologist uses cosmetic treatments to improve a person’s appearance.

Average Salary

A cosmetologist earns an average annual salary of $46,126, with additional payments of $7,703. Extra pay comes from bonuses or tips. The most likely salary range is between $40,000 and $72,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

The duties of a cosmetologist include the following:

• A cosmetologist carries out skincare and beauty enhancement procedures.
• Recommend beauty and cosmetic products to clients
• Provide beauty tips and education.
• Market beauty products and cosmetics.

Industries Employing Cosmetologists

Industries that can employ cosmetologists are

• Beauty and skincare companies
• Theater and entertainment.

Fashion Models

Modeling is one of the most revered fashion careers. Fashion models wear or display a variety of clothes and other products to prospective buyers.

Average Salary

On average, fashion models earn about $167,104 annually. The salary range for the bottom 10% is around $53,000, while the upper 10% earn about $525,000. The difference in salary is affected by the model's location, level of skill, and experience.

Roles and Responsibilities

The duties of a fashion model include the following:

• Showcasing, promoting, and advertising products to prospective customers.
• Participating in photoshoot sessions and commercials.
• Attending trade shows and conventions.

Industries Employing Fashion Models

Fashion models can work in the following industries:

• Fashion and modeling houses or boutiques.
• Advertising and entertainment companies.
• Theater.

Tattoo Artist

A tattoo artist applies professional permanent tattoo designs on client request.

Average Salary

A tattoo artist earns an average annual salary of $51,867. The likely salary range is between $24,000 for the lower 10% and $108,000 for the upper 10%. The difference depends on location and level of skill.

Roles and Responsibilities

The duties of a tattoo artist include the following:

• Create permanent art images on the client’s skin with sterilized needles
• Ensure equipment is safe enough to prevent harm to clients.
• Sketch new tattoo designs.
• Schedule and book tattoo appointments.

Industries Employing Tattoo Artists

Some industries employing tattoo artists are:

• Private tattoo studios
• Theater and film
• Fashion houses.

Fashion Merchandiser

Sell products

A Fashion merchandiser buys products, promotes, and markets them to increase brand and market share. They are also in charge of distribution.

Average Salary

A fashion merchandiser earns an average annual salary of $45,937. The basic salary is between $121,500 for top earners and $17,000 for the lower 25 percentile. The range varies depending on location, experience, and level of skill.

Roles and Responsibilities

The duties of a fashion merchandiser include the following:

• Purchase fashion apparels
• Predict fashion trends and work closely with designers
• Plan store layouts
• Negotiate with suppliers and manufacturers.

Industries Employing Merchandisers

Industries that can employ a fashion merchandiser include the following:

• Fashion and advertising industries
• Clothing brands
• Fashion boutiques.
• Freelance fashion agents.

Fashion Retail Buyer

Sell products

A fashion retail buyer is responsible for selecting clothes and accessories for sale.

Average Salary

Fashion retail buyers earn an average of $61,949 annually. They also make an estimated additional pay of $26,794 annually. The most likely salary range is between $67,000 and $121,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

Duties of a Fashion retail buyer include:

• Negotiating sales contracts with suppliers.
• Managing and attending trade fairs and other promotional activities.
• Predicting possible market trends.

Industries Employing Fashion Retail Buyers

A fashion retail buyer can work in the following industries:

• Fashion houses or institutions
• Boutiques
• Department stores of wholesale distribution companies.

Hair Stylist

Hair stylists are in charge of caring for, fashioning, and beautifying hair. It’s one of the most popular careers in this field and most owners are small businesses that work directly with clients and own a salon.

Average Salary

Hair stylists earn an average of $40,612 annually. The most likely salary range is between $43,000 and $75,000. They earn an estimated additional pay of $15,628 in bonuses, tips, or commissions.

Roles and Responsibilities

The duties of hair stylists include the following:

• Styling and fashioning hair
• Consulting and advising clients on the best hair products and treatments.
• Staying updated with the latest hairstyles.

Industries Employing hair stylists.

• Hair salons or workshops
• Own saloon
• Theater and entertainment companies
• Personal, professional clientele industries.

Makeup Artist

Fashion beauty

Work directly

Makeup artists use make-up products to enhance the beauty of a client.

Average Salary

A Makeup artist earns an average annual salary of $22,363. The most likely salary range is between $19,678 and $25,789. Salary differences are affected by certifications, level of skills, and experience.

Roles and Responsibilities

The duties of makeup artists include the following:

• Apply different make-up products to suit client preferences.
• Have sound knowledge of color palettes and designs.
• Know when to apply simple and complex make-up procedures.

Industries Employing Make-up Artists

Make-up artists can work in the following industries:

• Television and movie industry
• Fashion and beauty industry
• Retail industry.

Fashion Illustrator

A fashion illustrator draws or sketches fashion ideas on paper or digitally.

Average Salary

The average annual salary for a fashion illustrator is $52,125. The salary range is between $105,000 and $17,000. The compensation varies based on skill level, years of experience, and job location.

Roles and Responsibilities

Duties of a fashion illustrator include:

• Create fashion sketches to highlight accessories, clothes, and footwear.
• Use software to detail designs and create sewing patterns.

Industries Employing Fashion Illustrators

Industries that can employ a fashion illustrator include:

• Fashion and beauty companies.
• Fashion workshops.
• Independent consultants.

Textile Designer

A textile designer beautifies a fabric’s appearance.

Average Salary

A textile designer earns an annual average salary of $52,245. The basic salary range is between $36,000 and $75,000, depending on location.

Roles and Responsibilities

The duties of a textile designer include the following:

• Making sample designs for customers
• Researching products and bringing print designs to life.
• Consulting with clients and technical staff.

Industries Employing Textile Designers

Industries that can employ textile designers include the following:

• Clothing and textile industry.
• Textile mills.

Garment Production Manager

Garment production managers are in charge of garment production in the clothing industry.

Average Salary

A garment production manager earns an average annual salary of $58,837. The salary range is between $52,000 and $81,000. The estimated additional pay is $5,855 annually.

Roles and Responsibilities

A garment manager is responsible for the following:

• Supervises cloth and textile creation
• Work with a team to ensure you meet the brand’s target.
• Plans and coordinates manufacturing process.

Industries Employing Garment Production Managers

Garment production managers can work in the:

• Textile manufacturing facilities

Barber

A Barber cuts, dresses, styles, and shaves hair.

Average Salary

A barber earns an average annual salary of $48,574. The salary range is between $13,000 and $90,000 annually. It varies depending on the location and skill.

Roles and Responsibilities

The duties of a barber include the following:

• Enhance the appeal and the health of the client’s hair
• Fit and groom hairpieces.
• Hair styling.

Industries Employing Barbers

Some industries employing barbers are:

• Own Saloon.
• Fashion and beauty houses.
• Private salons and clientele.

Fashion Public Relations

Fashion beauty

A fashion public relations personnel is in charge of connecting the brand with the public. They promote and sell not just the functional but emotional benefits of the brand.

Average Salary

Fashion public relations earn an average annual salary of $50,448. They make an estimated additional pay of $19,093. This category’s most likely salary range is between $54,000 and $91,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

Duties of a fashion public relations personnel include the following:

• Build and maintain relationships between clients, press, and customers.
• They are in charge of reputation building for the fashion beauty brand.

Industries Employing Fashion Public Relations personnel

A fashion public relations personnel can work in the following industries:

• Fashion and beauty institutions.
• Textile manufacturing industry
• Design and advertising
• Managing or organizing fashion events.

Quality Assurance Manager

A quality assurance manager manages a quality control team to ensure that products meet the specified standard.

Average Salary

The average annual salary of a quality assurance manager is about $89,693. Commission, bonuses, and tips amount to an estimated additional pay of $24,928. The most likely salary range is between $90,000 and $148,000.

Roles and Responsibilities

A quality assurance manager is responsible for the following:

• Ensure products meet set specifications.
• Test and sample new products.
• Train staff on quality control processes.
• Develop quality policies and standards.

Industries Employing Quality Assurance Managers

A quality assurance manager can work in any of the following industries:

• Fashion and beauty
• Retail and manufacturing industries.

Fashion Photographer

Fashion photographers take photographs of the latest fashion styles, accessories, and items.

Average Salary

A fashion photographer earns an average annual salary of about $41,497. The basic salary range is between $18,000 to $73,00. Salary varies depending on location, level of skill, and experience.

Roles and Responsibilities

The duties of a fashion photographer include the following:

• Carry out photo shoots for the brand.
• Work closely with designers to determine a brand’s image through photos.
• Create art with photos for publication.

Industries Employing Fashion Photographers

Industries that can employ fashion photographers are:

• Fashion and retail industry.

How to Boost your Fashion and Beauty Career

Fashion beauty

Two industries

You can boost your fashion and beauty career by getting certified. Certificates in fundamental fashion niches and a degree would give you a leg up. A license is also very essential.

A Bachelor's degree gives you access to entry-level roles in the fashion beauty industry. An associate degree equips you with basic technical training.

Seize apprenticeship or internship opportunities in the two industries to build skill and experience levels. It would also connect you to the right people in the industry. Fashion and beauty specialists with internship experience are likely to get more pay.

Pros and Cons of Fashion and Beauty Careers

company

art

Below are some pros and cons to consider if you want to choose a career in fashion and beauty.

Pros

• Entrepreneurship opportunities
• It provides a certain level of job security.
• The jobs are very flexible and allow opportunities.
• There are varieties of niches to specialize in the industry.
• You get to meet and interact with a lot of people.
• Fashion beauty is art you create yourself.

Cons

• The jobs can be physically demanding.
• Clients can sometimes trigger a great deal of stress.
• You need to take training and workshops constantly to keep up with the latest trends.
• Income and tips may vary.

Skills You’ll Develop While Studying Fashion and Beauty

Studying for a career in fashion and beauty would enhance some of the following skills:

Critical Thinking and Analysis

The ability to come up with creative new designs and styles requires some critical level of thinking and analysis. Critical thinking is something beauty and fashion specialists pick up while studying. It would help you stay relevant in the industry.

Software Skills

One way or another, Fashion and beauty specialists require software for work. A career in the fashion industry helps to sharpen your use of various design software. It Improves your use of marketing and sales software as well.

Management Skills

In this industry, anybody with the right skills, approved licenses, and certifications can be in management positions. Either as head of their fashion establishments, head of a department, or simply working with private clientele. So you can learn and develop this skill.

Interpersonal Skills

An essential skill fashion and beauty specialists pick up in the course of their careers. Interacting daily with clients and prospective clients is a significant part of working in the industry.

Studying for a fashion and beauty career helps young specialists build and maintain good relationships with people.

Attention to Detail

These careers as well as other popular careers require a certain level of attention. fashion industry. The smallest or simplest design requires a certain level of attention. Experienced fashion and beauty specialists have grown to acquire this skill over time.

How to Prepare for a Fashion and Beauty Career

Before you venture into the fashion industry, there are specific requirements you need to have in place.

1. Learn a skill or take up an Internship in fashion and beauty

An internship or apprenticeship would better prepare you for what lies ahead in the industry. It provides you with hands-on experience and helps you get accustomed to the work environments and requirements of the industry. Also, you gain a certain level of expertise.

2. Complete a Bachelor’s degree in fashion and beauty

A bachelor’s degree would give you a certain level of advantage over your peers in the industry. Pick an area of specialization and study to perfect it. It would land you better-paying roles and management opportunities.

3. Earn a postgraduate degree in fashion and beauty

A postgraduate degree would place you among the top specialists in the industry. It helps you to specialize further and get recommendations for management roles. A master’s or Ph.D. in fashion and beauty equally gives you in-depth training in physical appearance enhancement.

4. Keep up with fashion trends.

The industry is constantly evolving, so you need to grow with it. It will help you to stay updated with the latest fashion news, styles, designs, etc. Fashion updates will help you know what’s in demand and what isn’t. According to this article, following beauty brands or influencers on social media is an easy way to keep up.

5. Market yourself Properly on Social Media

Social media helps you connect with people you may never meet while giving your brand visibility. Your social media pages are like a digital resume in this time and age. You get to show off your designs, market them, network with professionals and meet new clients.

Fashion and Beauty Resources to Help Your Career

Some professional fashion and beauty certifications to help you build your career are:

• National Esthetician Certification (ESC): The National Coalition of Estheticians Association (NCEA) awards this certificate. It is mainly for skin care and facial specialists. You can obtain the certificate after four weeks of intensive training online.
• The BarberSAFE: professional barber: awarded by the American Barber Association (ABA).
• Professional Make-up certificate: from the Art Institute of Make-up.
• Board certification in therapeutic massage and bodywork: National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
• The Paris College of Art Certificate in fashion design.

How to Switch to a Fashion and Beauty Career

First, it’s wise to get hands-on practical training. You can start as an apprentice or take up an internship. Also, sharpen your people skills. Interact and connect more. Build a network of professionals and, if possible, potential clients.

Next, get a license or certificate. Most states would only allow you to practice with a license, which is essential. You can decide to specialize in a particular niche. Finally, enroll for an associate or Bachelor’s degree in any course of your interest in the industry to better your art. Select marketing materials that would increase sales and boost your popularity.

It is essential to find courses or skills relevant to your location and capitalize on them. Build a portfolio for yourself as you progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fashion and Beauty?

Fashion and beauty involve enhancing and styling your overall physical appearance with suitable clothing and accessories to complement it.

Your fashion is your signature look, and your fashion and beauty choices can shape your day positively or negatively.

What certification do I need for a Fashion and Beauty career?

The National Esthetician Certification, the BarberSAFE certificate, the Professional make-up certificate, or the Paris College of Art certificate in Fashion Designing are examples of certificates you may need to practice.

Can I get a Fashion and Beauty degree online?

Yes. There are a variety of online courses that focus on fashion and beauty. Ensure the source of the certificate comes from accredited institutions and recognized by regulatory boards in the fashion and beauty industry.

What fields can Fashion and Beauty professionals work in?

Fashion and beauty professionals can work in different fields, from fashion designing to hair styling and cosmetology. To fashion merchandising, advertising, retail buying, and quality control.

Is there a high demand for Fashion and Beauty majors?

Yes, there is a high demand for fashion and beauty careers. The Bureau of Labor statistics posits that this space will be responsible for about 2300 job openings over the next decade. Moreover, fashion items drive the sales in other industries making them pivotal in many economies.

According to the BLS, America will witness a 11% increase in the employment rate for barbers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists.

Final Thoughts

A career in fashion and beauty can be fascinating and challenging. Pick a niche that interests and motivates you. The industry is fast-paced—thanks to fast fashion—so remember to stay informed and keep improving your art.