To substantiate the need for qualified cosmetologists in the U.S., the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) commissioned a 1996 national job demand study of the cosmetology industry, and compared the figures with a previous study done in 1991. Here are the results:

  • Salon owners reported over half a million job openings filled during the period from October 1, 1995 to September 30, 1996. This represents an average of 1.8 openings per salon.
  • During 1996, 58% of the salon owners reported that they had job openings. A startling 72% of those who tried to fill those positions said they were not always able to find qualified applicants. These are exactly the same percentages as in 1991.
  • In 1996, 490,000 employees left jobs in salons. Only 18% of the former employees went to work in an unrelated industry. Ten percent opened their own salon and another 20% went to work in booth rental salons.
  • Almost one quarter of the salon worldforce is comprised of workers with less than one year of relevant experience. This is a dramatic increase compared to 1991, when only 9% of the workforce was inexperienced.
  • About one-third of the salons surveyed reported that they were booth rental salons. This is a significant increase compared to 1991 which found only 25% of the salons to be booth rental establishments.

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