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A cosmetologist is a person interested in beauty products and their application who is ready to share their knowledge with others and help them look more attractive.
In case you want to try your luck with cosmetology, the good thing to know is that the number of job openings for cosmetologists will rise in the years to come, thus affecting their salary as well.
The cosmetologist profession is expected to grow even more as people are more eager to achieve standards of beauty set by film stars or models.
Article Table of Contents
Job Description
When you decide to enter the cosmetology field, you first need to get acquainted with all the requirements, tasks and obligations that this vocation entails and, once informed about all this, ask yourself whether that occupation is the right one for you.
Popular Programs
Then, you need to find the perfect cosmetology school.
Some personal attributes that characterize a good cosmetologist are listening and analyzing skills, great client relationships, organization, creativity and professionalism as this vocation is dynamic.
Some cosmetologists work full-time while others may work occasionally or part-time, but all of them want to achieve the same goal, and that is the client’s satisfaction.
Eagerness to do experiments with hairstyles and color, natural talent, passion, and drive are necessary for this job.
A cosmetologist is an expert in the care of hair and makeup, skincare and beauty products who provides his customer with services that require a certain amount of knowledge and training.
That is why education is considered crucial and it compulsory by the laws of all US states.
Cosmetology Programs in Oregon
The cosmetology certification requirements in Oregon include the Oregon Education Requirements for Hair Design and Oregon Education Requirements for Natural Hair Care.
A hair designer can perform chemical treatments to color, dye, and relax hair, create permanent waves and temporarily braids.
This category requires 250 hours of training covering career development and safety/infection control and 1,450 hours of ODE-approved hairstylist training through the curriculum which offers courses related to:
- Application of chemicals to hair
- Geometric hair crafting
- Business management
- Hairstylist training
- Tools and techniques of hair design
To become a certified natural hair care provider you do not need to pass any additional formal education, but you need to be well acquainted with the Board of Cosmetology’s brochure on natural hair care certifications.
Later, you will need to print out the included Certificate of Completion and use it in the application process.
Unlike a hair designer, a natural hair care specialist performs:
- Braiding and cornrowing
- Lacing and locking
- Extensions
- Sewing and weaving
- Twisting and wrapping
All the above-mentioned education can be achieved at famous cosmetology schools in Oregon:
- Beau Monde College of Hair Design – Portland
- Bella Institute School of Cosmetology – Portland
- College of Hair Design Careers – Salem
- Imani Institute of Cosmetology – Ashland.
Cosmetology Exams in Oregon
The graduation from a cosmetology school is followed by a written examination administered by the Oregon Health Licensing Agency.
If you are applying for multiple fields you will need to take multiple exams, but all of them require you to fill out an Exam Application.
The tests can be done Monday through Friday at Oregon Health Licensing Agency
700 Summer Street NE, Suite 320, Salem, OR 97301.
Hair Design Exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and it lasts 90 minutes to complete. You can study for it from Milady’s Standard Cosmetology, 2008 edition and Salon Fundamentals, Cosmetology 2009 edition.
The examination includes:
- 29 questions on chemicals
- 21 questions on equipment and tools
- 19 questions on definitions
- 17 general questions
- 8 questions on diseases and disorders
- 6 questions on standards of practice
Natural Hair Care Exam lasts 60 minutes and has 41 multiple-choice questions.
The questions are related to:
- Chapter 290 of 2013 Oregon Laws
- Milady Standard Natural Hair Care and Braiding, 2014 edition
- Oregon Laws and Rules Examination
Oregon Laws and Rules Examination is also obligatory and the questions are based on:
- Oregon Administrative Rules, Chapter 817
- Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 690
- Oregon Health Licensing Agency, Chapter 331, Division 10
A hair design or barber license requires you to pass a practical examination and your cosmetology school will administer the exam.
Out-of-state applicants who already possess a license do not have to pass a practical examination but must pass the written exams.
License
The education is finished with the issuing of the license.
You will need to apply for it and provide certain documentation to the Board.
Barbering and Hair Design Application should include:
- Official transcripts from your cosmetology training program in Oregon
- Proof that you have passed the appropriate examinations
- Completed application
Natural Hair Care Application consists of:
- Certificate of completion from the Oregon Board of Cosmetology’s training brochure
- Proof of passing the Natural Hair Care Exam
- Application for a Natural Hair Certification
Out-of-State Candidates will also have to provide an affidavit of licensure from that state Board of Cosmetology where they are licensed.
Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary and Job Prospects in Oregon
Cosmetologists who are working in Oregon have solid employment options and decent salaries.
The high number of annual job openings leads to a greater demand for licensed cosmetologists.
That situation will increase their wages which vary according to the geographic location of employment.
The average annual salary ranges from $ 25 186 in Bend to $ 27 275 in Beaverton.
Information about job opportunities in Oregon you can be found via organizations like:
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Albany,OR | $25,445 |
| Beaverton,OR | $27,275 |
| Bend,OR | $25,186 |
| Clackamas,OR | $27,240 |
| Corvallis,OR | $25,438 |
| Eugene,OR | $25,613 |
| Gresham,OR | $27,240 |
| Hillsboro,OR | $27,188 |
| Lake Oswego,OR | $27,275 |
| Medford,OR | $24,190 |
| Oregon City,OR | $27,171 |
| Portland,OR | $27,275 |
| Salem,OR | $25,863 |
| Springfield,OR | $25,281 |
Regional Salary in Oregon
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bend-Redmond, OR | 100 | $35,120 | $16.89 | $51,970 | $27,050 |
| Eugene, OR | 230 | $38,300 | $18.42 | $55,090 | $26,820 |
| Grants Pass, OR | 30 | $33,390 | $16.05 | $46,930 | $26,860 |
| Medford, OR | 130 | $35,480 | $17.06 | $50,440 | $26,520 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 1,970 | $39,220 | $18.86 | $55,910 | $28,550 |
| Salem, OR | 170 | $37,950 | $18.25 | $52,380 | $27,290 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Summary
A cosmetologist is a person who applies various beauty treatments to clients and if you are interested in working with hair, skin, and nails then you should consider taking a certified cosmetology training program in Oregon.
Gaining the knowledge and getting acquainted with the latest trends will make you more successful, more self-determined and more attractive to possible employers as you would be a great fit for a beauty salon hiring new employees.
All in all, you can always become self-employed if you open your premises, and that way you will increase your salary and will be able to determine your working hours to suit your lifestyle.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Cosmetologist
Cosmetology by State