Beautician Salaries in Oregon

If you are thinking about becoming a beautician in Oregon you’ll want to know what area to focus on and what kind of salary to expect. Before you can begin earning money, you’ll have to spend some to attend a beauty school. The investment will pay off because your potential income increases as you become more highly skilled.

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The following information will shed light on what to expect for different salon industry jobs throughout Oregon. Keep in mind that you will earn additional tips of 10 to 20 percent of the cost of the service.

Cosmetologist Salary

A cosmetologist is an overall beautician who has been trained in cutting and styling hair, giving manicures and pedicures, barbering, applying makeup and treating skin. You can become a licensed cosmetologist in Oregon by completing 2,300 hours of beauty school training and passing the State Board of Cosmetology’s written and practical exams.

According to the 2013 Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS), cosmetologists earn the following annual salary and hourly wage in Oregon.

Annual Salary
Mean
$29670
50th Percentile (Median)
$25550
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$46120

As a cosmetologist, your salary will vary depending upon where in the state you work. The following are annual cosmetologist salaries in different cities or metropolitan areas

Oregon Area
Entry Level
Experienced
Portland Metro Area
$19200
$46690
Eugene-Springfield
$18940
$38740
Bend
$18870
$36890
Corvallis
$19250
$48220
Medford
$18900
$37510
Salem
$20440
$37010

You can become a licensed hairstylist by completing 1,450 hours of beauty school training and passing the board exam. The BLS lists hairstylist salaries the same as those for cosmetologist above. The difference is that you will be not be qualified to fill nail technician, esthetician or makeup artist jobs.

Nail Technician Salary

As a nail technician you will be licensed to perform manicures and pedicures after completing 350 hours of beauty school training and passing the nail technician board exam.

According to the BLS there are approximately 810 nail technicians employed in Oregon (2013) who are earning the following annual salaries and hourly wages.

Annual Salary
Mean
$23380
50th Percentile (Median)
$20510
75th Percentile
$27370
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$30820

Esthetician Salary

If you choose to become an esthetician, you will focus on improving the appearance of a client’s skin by providing such services as facials, masks, scrubs and massages. You can acquire an Oregon esthetician license by attending 250 hours of beauty school training and passing the State Board of Cosmetology esthetician exam. The BLS estimates that there are approximately 510 estheticians employed in Oregon.

In 2013, the BLS reported national annual salaries and hourly wages for skin care specialists as:

Annual Salary
Mean
$32200
50th Percentile Salary (Median)
$28940
90th Percentile Salary (Top)
$56930

Barber Salary

Barbers shampoo, cut, style and color, primarily men’s hair. They also trim, color and maintain other facial hair and give custom shaves. They work mostly in barber shops but also in some salons. The BLS estimates that there are 510 barbers employed in Oregon where you must complete 1,100 hours of beauty school training and pass the board exam to receive your barber’s license.

According to the BLS, barbers in the U.S. make the following annual salary and hourly wage.

Annual Salary
Mean
$27710
50th Percentile (Median)
$25010
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$44190

Makeup Artist Salary

You don’t need a license to become a makeup artist in Oregon; however, you must complete a makeup program at an accredited beauty school or community college. Theatrical makeup artists need more advanced training. Although they have a much higher earning potential (top artists make six-figure incomes), there are not many professional makeup artist jobs in Oregon. Personal care makeup artists work at salons, spas, high-end hotels, bridal boutiques, cosmetics stores and even mortuaries. You can also elect to build up a clientele and work as a freelance makeup artist.

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An aggregate of ads for makeup artists in various Oregon cities reveals the following average annual salaries:

  • Astoria – $36,000
  • Portland – $35,000
  • Eugene – $35,000
  • Gresham – $35,000
  • Salem – $34,000
  • Bend – $34,000

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