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No matter whether they live in urban areas or small towns throughout the country, people are taking care of their appearance and putting a lot of effort into reaching the looks and trends set by celebrities.
That is the reason why cosmetology flourishes and will grow even more in the years to come.
The way we perceive each other is not the same anymore, and we tend to judge people according to their physical appearance rather than their character.
So, people want the leave a good first impression by doing their best to look good.
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Popular Programs
Job Description
Cosmetologists in Georgia have a lot of work and they are interested in their client’s satisfaction, which makes a good cosmetologist.
They do not only have to master different hairstyles, but also have to be acquainted with the latest trends to advise the client what he/she should do with their hair or nails.
Their duties involve the usage of different tools so they need to be skillful and careful while working with scissors, razors, hair blowers, and straighteners.
Some of the cosmetologists who are licensed to give manicures and pedicures, or massages and application of chemicals, need to pay attention to clean and sanitize the work stations and equipment so as not to cause infection.
Cosmetology Programs in Georgia
There are various cosmetology schools to choose from in Georgia which are quite affordable and offer high-quality knowledge.
The schools focus on training, putting students in the salon to gain experience.
Georgia Board of Cosmetology determines the rules for cosmetologists in the state including education and exam requirements.
It offers two ways of becoming licensed.
One is to graduate from beauty school in cosmetology or hair design.
The graduation is required to be eligible to take the PSI exam and apply for a cosmetology license.
The education process for a cosmetologist lasts at least 1,500 hours for nine months, while for a hair designer it is necessary to complete 1325 hours for seven months.
The lessons in these programs are related to:
- Hair Coloring
- Hair Cutting
- Nail Care
- Makeup Application
- Business Development
- Hair Braiding
- Hair Extensions
Some of the beauty academies in Georgia which offer cosmetology programs are:
- Atlanta Beauty & Barber Academy – Atlanta.
- Georgia Institute of Cosmetology – Athens.
- Keune Academy by 124 – Atlanta.
- Paul Mitchell School – Atlanta.
- Pro Way Hair School – Stone Mountain.
- Ritz Beauty Academy LLC – Atlanta.
- Rivertown School of Beauty – Columbus.
Another way of becoming a licensed cosmetologist in Georgia is through apprenticeship.
To become an apprentice, you must meet the requirements.
You have to be 17 years old, must submit a cosmetology apprentice application and complete on-the-job training which lasts thirty-six months.
All the time you will be under the supervision of the licensed cosmetologist.
Cosmetology Exams in Georgia
PSI is in charge of the exam in Georgia. You can take either a cosmetology exam or a hair designer exam.
The Master Cosmetology Exam consists of the practical part which lasts 140 minutes and has to be completed in person, while the NIC Cosmetology Theory Exam takes 90 minutes to be completed and can be done online.
Hair Designer Exam is also made of two parts: Practical Exam takes 110 minutes and NIC Hair Design Theory Exam 90 minutes.
The tests can be done in :
- Atlanta, GA
- Macon, GA
- Tifton, GA
The total cost of the exams $109, but if you want to pay them separately, the practical exam fee costs $64 and the theory exam is $45.
To get the license, you have to pass both parts.
License Application
Once you have completed the educational and examination requirements, you may move on to submitting your cosmetology licensure application.
When you apply for the Master Cosmetologist and Hair Design license you need to submit the citizenship verification, application for initial licensure and the application fee of $30.00.
If you have finished the apprenticeship, and want to apply for the license, then you should send the apprentice application, $45 application fee and a copy of the current license from the employer.
These files should be sent to the following address:
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
Keeping Your License Current in Georgia
Once achieved, the license does not last forever.
The master cosmetologist’s license expires on March 31 of even-numbered years, and the license for hair designers expires on September 30th of even-numbered years.
The regulations for the renewal of your license are that you must complete five hours of continuing education during each two year renewal period, which is three credit hours in TCSG Health and Safety and two credit hours of any elective course.
These requirements need to be fulfilled at a Georgia Board-approved continuing education provider which you are allowed to choose.
The best-known providers of continuing education are:
- 360 Training – Austin, Texas
- Advanced Skincare Academy & Wellness Spa – Stone Mountain, Georgia
- All-Star Training – Addison, Texas
- American Safety Council – Orlando, Florida
- American Shea Butter Institute – Columbus, Georgia
- ASM Beauty World Academy – Davie, Florida
- Atlanta’s Beauty and Barber Academy – Doraville, Georgia
- Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics – Atlanta, Georgia
- Atlanta Natural Hair Care – Atlanta, Georgia
- Cheryl Denise Wynn – Atlanta, Georgia
- BL Reese Distributor – Atlanta, Georgia
- Bronner Brothers – Marietta, Georgia
Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary in Georgia
Upon becoming licensed, you can decide whether you will start your own business or look for a job in an already established salon or spa.
To gain experience and get into the details related to the functioning of the salon, it is advisable to start with working for somebody else.
Some of the top salons in Georgia where you might find work are:
- Van Michael Salon – Atlanta
- Sören Salon –Atlanta
- Salon Bella Dama –Atlanta
- L’Panache Threading and Hair Salon –Sandy Springs.
As the number of cosmetology jobs grows it is expected that the pay rate in Georgia will increase, too.
The exact amount of money earned can never be estimated as cosmetologists get additional money through tips when the clients are satisfied with their work.
The salary ranges from $ 23 512 in Valdosta to $ 25 628 in Marietta.
The highest average cosmetology salary in Georgia is in Bulloch County.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Albany,GA | $23,987 |
| Athens,GA | $25,518 |
| Atlanta,GA | $25,701 |
| Augusta,GA | $24,133 |
| Columbus,GA | $23,576 |
| Macon,GA | $24,239 |
| Marietta,GA | $25,628 |
| Roswell,GA | $25,604 |
| Savannah,GA | $24,394 |
| Valdosta,GA | $23,512 |
Regional Salary in Georgia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, GA | 40 | $29,100 | $13.99 | $43,570 | $16,720 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 140 | $35,860 | $17.24 | $61,160 | $19,900 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 5,220 | $38,660 | $18.59 | $68,810 | $20,280 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 300 | $30,690 | $14.76 | $55,310 | $17,150 |
| Brunswick, GA | 80 | $30,980 | $14.9 | $55,550 | $17,300 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 190 | $32,480 | $15.62 | $51,530 | $16,640 |
| Dalton, GA | 40 | $32,720 | $15.73 | $57,120 | $17,870 |
| Gainesville, GA | 90 | $30,690 | $14.75 | $46,790 | $19,600 |
| Hinesville, GA | 30 | $30,100 | $14.47 | $45,230 | $20,250 |
| Macon, GA | 110 | $36,970 | $17.77 | $59,940 | $19,400 |
| Savannah, GA | 250 | $34,370 | $16.53 | $60,030 | $18,960 |
| Valdosta, GA | 50 | $27,110 | $13.04 | $43,990 | $15,970 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 80 | $32,810 | $15.78 | $58,450 | $17,040 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Cosmetologist
Cosmetology by State