Phagans' School of Hair Design

Phagans' Portland:
1542 NE Weidler Ave
Portland, Oregon 97232
503-239-0838 phone
503-239-0844 fax

Phagans' Milwaukie:
16550 SE McLoughlin Blvd
Milwaukie, Oregon 97267
503-652-2668 phone
503-652-2786 fax

Here are some facts for you to think about while making decisions about your future.

Employment Opportunities:
The occupational outlook for Cosmetology Careers is very promising. The Salon/Spa industry continues to grow and employ large numbers of professionals. In a national survey conducted for the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, salon ownersreported they had enough business to warrant hiring 484,660 additionalprofessional employees. New employees, however, were difficult to find. During 2006, 54% of salon owners reported they had job openings, but areunable to find properly trained employees and survey results indicate there is an average of 6.3 job openings for each new applicant. An indicator of this trend is the local news paper. One finding remains constant, the demand for well-trained professionals in the field outstrips the supply. Future hiring plans are robust and the industry is projected to continue growing.

Career Choices In The Cosmetology Industry Salon:

Independent or Chain
Hair Stylist, Hair Colorist, Receptionist, Chemical Technician, Nail Technician, Make-up Artist, Esthetician, Salon Owner, Salon Manager, and Guest Artist

Beauty School
Instructor, Educational Director, Substitute Instructor, Guidance Counselor, and School Owner

Industry
State Licensing Agent, State Salon or School Inspector, Platform Artist, Manufacturer Representative, Product/Equipment Distributor, and Product Researcher & Developer

Compensation
The types and levels of compensation for cosmetologists are numerous. Jobs as a hairstylist and cosmetologist were ranked by Money Magazine as among "America's 50 hottest jobs", with median annual earnings of $36,800 on the west coast, according to NACCAS.

In a major store chain, such as J.C. Penny or Meier & Frank, you can expect a store discount, health plan, and guaranteed hourly salary based on minimum wage, plus an additional commission percentage of the work performed. These companies welcome inquiries from possible employees, for more detailed information, don't hesitate to call the salons listed in the yellow pages.

Salon chains, such as Perfect Look and Supercuts also guarantee base hourly wages with salaries that are computed on productivity. Current employees are earning from $7.00 per hour up to $14.00 an hour at Perfect Look. In the Portland area, stylists at the Great Clips Salons earn an average of more than $10 per hour plus numerous benefits.

Many cosmetologists lease or rent a station in a salon. These people are independent business operators with no benefits or guarantees. Leasees are in charge of purchasing their own supplies and filing their own employment taxes. This type of employment is usually better suited to the more refined business person with experience.
Independent salon owners also are in business for themselves.These people own their own salons and may sometimes lease stations to other stylists. Salon owners may hire other cosmetologists on a commission which can vary from 35% to 55% of the operator's gross income.

Many cosmetologists choose to be employed on a part time basis. The flexibility of work schedules in the industry is very convenient for part time workers.