Career comparison
Cosmetologist vs. Tailor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Tailors earn more at the median ($41,640 vs. $35,790), while cosmetologists usually get to work faster (9–18 months of training). Cosmetologists cut, color and style hair and help clients look and feel their best. Tailors alter, repair and make clothing that fits perfectly.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Cosmetologist | Tailor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $35,790 ($17.21/hr) | $41,640 ($20.02/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $27,040 – $71,190 | $29,920 – $63,670 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +7.7% (much faster than average) | -8.8% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 73,400 | 3,700 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | No formal educational credential |
| Training time | 9–18 months | 6 months–2 years |
| Key credential | State cosmetology license | Sewing and tailoring courses |
| Work setting | Cosmetologists work in salons, spas, barbershops and resorts, standing for long periods and working with chemicals.. | Tailors work in shops, studios and stores, seated at sewing machines and standing for fittings.. |
What each job does
Cosmetologist
- Consult with clients on styles and services
- Cut, color and style hair
- Perform chemical services such as perms and relaxers
- Recommend and sell hair care products
- Sanitize tools and stations
Tailor
- Measure and fit clients
- Alter garments for fit
- Hem pants, skirts and sleeves
- Replace zippers and buttons
- Repair damaged clothing
How they’re similar
Both careers involve creative work, working with people, hands-on work, and indoor work. Both are part of the beauty, fitness & personal care field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose cosmetologist if…
- I love hair and fashion
- I enjoy talking with people
- I’m creative
Choose tailor if…
- I love sewing
- I’m detail-oriented
- I like helping customers look good
Still torn? Take the Cosmetologist fit quiz and the Tailor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, cosmetologist or tailor?
Tailors earn more at the median: $41,640 versus $35,790 for cosmetologists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Cosmetologists typically train faster (9–18 months) than tailors (6 months–2 years).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects cosmetologists to grow +7.7% from 2025–35, compared with -8.8% for tailors.