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Hair Apprentice Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Hair Apprentice information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$16

$24

How much do hair apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for hair apprentice 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 a hair apprentice?

Hair Apprentices are entry-level professionals who work under the supervision of experienced hairstylists or barbers to learn the skills and techniques required in the hair industry. Their responsibilities often include shampooing, assisting with haircuts and coloring, maintaining a clean work environment, and interacting with clients. Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience and are a crucial step towards becoming a licensed hairstylist or barber. The length and structure of an apprenticeship can vary depending on local regulations and salon practices.

What are some typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for a hair apprentice during their first year?

As a Hair Apprentice, your first year will often involve assisting senior stylists with tasks such as shampooing clients, maintaining salon cleanliness, preparing workstations, and managing inventory. You'll also observe and gradually participate in basic services like blow-drying, color application, and styling under close supervision. This hands-on experience, combined with attending training sessions or classes, is designed to build your foundational technical skills and customer service abilities. Working closely with experienced team members provides valuable mentorship and helps you develop the confidence necessary for more advanced responsibilities as you progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hair apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hair Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of hair care techniques, willingness to learn, and often a high school diploma or enrollment in a cosmetology program. Familiarity with salon tools such as scissors, razors, and shampoos, as well as exposure to salon management systems, is typical. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a positive attitude help apprentices build client relationships and learn effectively from senior stylists. These skills and qualities are essential for developing technical competency, ensuring client satisfaction, and advancing in the hairstyling profession.

What is the difference between Hair Apprentice vs Hair Stylist?

AspectHair ApprenticeHair Stylist
CredentialsTypically in training, may have beginner licensesLicensed cosmetologist or barber
Work EnvironmentTraining salons, salons under supervisionFull-service salons, independent or employed
Job RoleAssisting, learning, practicing skillsPerforming haircuts, coloring, styling
Experience LevelEntry-level, in trainingExperienced, licensed professional

In summary, a Hair Apprentice is in training and gaining experience under supervision, while a Hair Stylist is a licensed professional who independently provides hair services to clients.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hair jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Hair jobs in Rochester, NY are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Hair Apprentice job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% 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 3 days ago

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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