- Salary statistics
- Cosmetologist
Cosmetologist
31 326 - 31 077 kr / month
Kropps- & skönhetsvård
Salary progression Cosmetologist
What does a Cosmetologist do? – Responsibilities and work environment
A Cosmetologist works with professional skincare and beauty treatments. Responsibilities include facial treatments, body care, waxing, manicure, pedicure, and advice on skincare products. Many Cosmetologists also perform minor aesthetic treatments such as eyelash and eyebrow tinting and light massage. The profession is primarily practiced at beauty salons, spa facilities, or skincare clinics, but some also run their own businesses. The work environment involves close customer contact, high hygiene standards, and often a varied pace depending on season and customer flow.
Salary development over time
The salary development for Cosmetologists has been relatively stable in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 30,698 SEK per month, followed by a slight increase to 30 948 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary has continued to rise slightly to 31 077 SEK. This represents a total increase of approximately 1.2 percent over the three-year period. The trend indicates a cautious but steady improvement in salary conditions, which may be linked to increased demand for beauty treatments and a broader range of services. The modest salary increase may also be due to competition within the industry and the fact that many Cosmetologists are self-employed with varying income.
Cosmetologist salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 31 077 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
- Hourly wage: 187 SEK
- Gender differences: Data unavailable
- Regional differences: Data unavailable
Education and qualifications
The path to becoming a Cosmetologist typically involves completing an approved vocational training at a vocational school or private educational provider. The training includes both theoretical and practical components in skincare, anatomy, and hygiene. To work professionally, certification or diploma is often required, and some employers prefer employees to be members of industry organizations. There are also opportunities for further education or specialization within specific treatments.
- Formal education: Vocational training at a skincare school, usually 1–2 years
- Certification: Diploma/certificate from an approved training program
- Practical training: Practical components and on-the-job training are often included
- Further education: Possibility to specialize in areas such as advanced skincare
- Prerequisites: Usually high school diploma, sometimes specific requirements in biology or chemistry
Many Cosmetologists choose to start their own salon after a few years in the profession, which offers great freedom but requires entrepreneurship and customer service skills. Building a loyal customer base and staying updated on new treatment trends are often crucial for success in the industry.
Common benefits and compensation
In addition to base salary, benefits such as employee discounts on products and treatments, wellness allowances, and opportunities for further training are often offered. Some workplaces also provide commission-based pay, bonuses for product sales, or compensation for inconvenient working hours. Flexible schedules and access to modern tools are also common in the industry.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession is noticeable, especially in larger cities where the supply of beauty salons is high. Continuous skills development is required to meet customer demands and stay current with new techniques and products. Many Cosmetologists find it challenging to build a stable client base, particularly when starting their own business. The industry is also affected by economic fluctuations, as customers often postpone beauty treatments during financial uncertainty. However, opportunities exist for those who focus on niche treatments or offer high service levels.
Tips for those who want to become a Cosmetologist
To succeed as a Cosmetologist, it’s important to be service-minded and have a genuine interest in people, as the profession relies on close customer contact and building trust. Precision is crucial, so always follow hygiene routines and pay attention to customer needs. Flexibility helps as working hours vary and different treatments require adaptation. Engagement and a willingness to continually learn new skills make it easier to stay updated on trends and techniques. Finally, perseverance is key, especially if the goal is to eventually start your own business or build a loyal customer base.
Key facts about Cosmetologists
- Educational level: Vocational training (1–2 years)
- Work environment: Salons, spas, skincare clinics
- Common employment: Employee or self-employed
- Demand: Limited data, about 36 job openings in 2024
- Special skills: Skincare, hygiene, customer service
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years as a Cosmetologist, there are opportunities to advance to supervisory roles, specialize in areas such as advanced skincare or makeup, or start your own salon. Further education to become a skincare therapist or in medical skincare is also common. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts, it’s difficult to give a definitive outlook, as data on the profession is limited. However, the number of job openings (36 in 2024) suggests a relatively competitive job market. Demand is influenced by economic cycles and beauty trends, but motivated and up-to-date practitioners have good prospects for continued growth.
Frequently asked questions about Cosmetologists
- What does a Cosmetologist earn?
- A Cosmetologist has an average of 31 077 SEK per month according to current salary statistics. - How does one become a Cosmetologist?
- The most common way is to complete a vocational training at a beauty school or private provider, usually 1–2 years. - What are the job responsibilities of a Cosmetologist?
- Responsibilities include facial treatments, body care, waxing, manicure, advice on skincare products. - Can I work as a self-employed individual?
- Yes, many Cosmetologists choose to start their own salon or work as freelancers. - What is the job market like?
- There is some competition within the profession, with about 36 job openings reported in 2024. - Are there regional salary differences?
- No available data on regional salary differences for Cosmetologists. - What personal qualities are important?
- Service-mindedness, meticulousness, flexibility, and engagement are especially important.
Salary distributed by age and sector
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Cosmetologist has the SSYK code 5142, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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