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Apprentice Stylist Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice Stylist information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$16

$24

How much do apprentice stylist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice stylist in Rochester, NY is $16.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice stylist?

Apprentice stylists are entry-level professionals in the hair and beauty industry who work under the supervision of experienced stylists to gain practical skills and knowledge. They typically assist with tasks such as shampooing, blow-drying, and preparing clients for services, while gradually learning more advanced techniques. This role provides hands-on training and experience needed to become a fully qualified stylist. Apprenticeships often combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn and work towards certification or licensure.

What does a stylist apprentice do?

A stylist apprentice can work within a variety of industries, such as hair, fashion, and pet grooming, to gain hands-on job experience with a trained professional. As a hairstylist apprentice, for instance, you attend classes provided by your employer’s apprentice program to learn advanced topics, such as cutting and coloring techniques, and special services offered by the salon. You may learn and perform shampooing and head massage treatments and assist in hair blow drying and mixing color. Your responsibilities include preparing the salon and the stylists each day with necessary hair products and equipment. Throughout the apprentice process, you develop expertise in hair styling such as updos and braiding, makeup services if applicable, and other treatments. You may also provide clients with hair care advice, attend special events, promote products used by the salon, and perform some administrative duties like working at the front desk.

What are the tasks and responsibilities of an apprentice stylist?

As an Apprentice Stylist, you'll spend much of your week assisting senior stylists with client preparations, learning technical skills such as shampooing, blow-drying, and basic coloring techniques, and maintaining salon cleanliness. You may also be responsible for inventory management, greeting clients, and booking appointments. Regular hands-on practice, observation, and participation in training sessions are integral, allowing you to gradually take on more independent work as your skills progress. Collaboration with experienced team members is a key part of your development in this supportive, fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice stylist?

To thrive as an Apprentice Stylist, you need a basic understanding of hair cutting, coloring, and styling techniques, often gained through a cosmetology program or relevant training. Familiarity with salon tools, hair care products, and booking or scheduling systems is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn from experienced stylists help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing excellent client service, ensuring safety, and building a foundation for career growth in the beauty industry.

What is the difference between Apprentice Stylist vs Cosmetologist?

AspectApprentice StylistCosmetologist
CredentialsState-specific apprenticeship or licensing requirementsState licensing required after completing training
Work EnvironmentTraining salons, under supervisionSalon, spa, or beauty establishment
Job RoleLearning and assisting, gaining skillsPerforming haircuts, coloring, styling, and other beauty services

In summary, an Apprentice Stylist is in training and works under supervision to develop skills, while a Cosmetologist has completed licensing requirements and can independently perform a wide range of beauty services.

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For Apprentice Stylist jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Apprentice Stylist jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Apprentice Stylist job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Stylist job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,207 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Vocational Instructor 1,2,3,4 - Barbering (NY HELPS)

New York State

Rush, NY • On-site

$48K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 188 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description Teach a trade subject to residents at an Office of Children and Family Services residential facility. Prepare lesson plans, course outlines and educational progress reports. Establish and maintain a shop health and safety program.

Additional duties will be discussed in detail during the interview. Minimum Qualifications Transfer: One year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in this title or in a title eligible for 70.1 transfer. This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS) program

To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position, which are: Vocational Instructor 1/SG-12: I. four years of appropriate trade experience and a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma issued by a recognized state educational authority; Or II. associate's degree in a related trade area and two years of appropriate trade experience; Or III.

bachelor's degree in any area and one year of related trade experience. Vocational Instructor 2/SG-13: I. four years of appropriate trade experience and a minimum of 9 college credits in pedagogy core coursework earned from a New York State Education Department approved program.

These must include 3 college credits in each of the following areas: Human Development and Learning; Teaching Students with Disabilities & Special Health-Care Needs; and Curriculum and Instruction. Or II. an associate's degree in a related trade area including or supplemented by 9 college credits of pedagogy core coursework earned from a New York State Education Department approved program.

These must include 3 college credits in each of the following areas: Human Development and Learning; Teaching Students with Disabilities & Special Health-Care Needs; and Curriculum and Instruction, and two years of related trade experience; Or III. a bachelor's degree in any area including or supplemented by 9 college credits of pedagogy core coursework earned from a New York State Education Department approved program. These must include 3 college credits in each of the following areas: Human Development and Learning; Teaching Students with Disabilities & Special Health-Care Needs; and Curriculum and Instruction; and one year of related trade experience.

Vocational Instructor 3/SG-15: Initial certification as a teacher of trade subjects in the appropriate specialty as issued by the New York State Education Department. Vocational Instructor 4/SG-17: Professional certification as a teacher of trade subjects in the appropriate specialty as issued by the New York State Education Department. Additional Comments The specialty and certification needed is in Barbering 7-12 This title requires the applicant to have in-depth, comprehensive and appropriate work experience in personal service settings for barbering customers.

Experience may include, but is not limited to, cutting and styling of hair, hair coloring, and scalp and facial hair shaving. A current NYS Department of State barber license is required. Certificates, Pedagogy Core Coursework, Degrees and/or Trade and Apprenticeship: list any educational teaching certificates you may hold or any pedagogy coursework credits you may have earned.

If you have a degree, list the type of degree and major. You may also provide information on any relevant trade or apprenticeship training completed. Level of appointment is based on training and experience.

Please specify in your cover letter and/or resume how you meet the minimum qualifications (as described above) when responding to this posting. For example, you should provide specific date ranges for qualifying experience, qualifying education or certifications, or the age range of individuals served. Non-specific submissions may be disqualified from further consideration if the information you provide does not meet the minimum qualifications.

Background Investigation Requirements: 1) All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee's employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information and may be required to pay any necessary fees. 2) All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.

3) For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable. The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer.

OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply.

In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS's mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned, and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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