·        4 out of 5 salon owners looking for new employees reported difficulty in finding qualified personnel

·        According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for massage therapists will increase by 18% - 26% through 2016.

·        Jobs as hair stylist and cosmetologist were ranked by Money Magazine as "America's 50 Hottest Jobs".

·        Cosmetology (as a specific) is among the fastest growing fields from now through 2010 with an expected growth of 69%.

·        The salon industry in Pennsylvania is a job-seekers market today, with over 56% of the salon owners reporting at least one or two job openings available immediately.

·        The average income for a salon professional in Pennsylvania and in America today is $30,000 to $50,000 per year.

·        Great Clips (chain of salons) reports there are currently 6 job openings for every cosmetology graduate.

·        Hairstylists, cosmetologist, estheticians, manicurists and pedicurists are listed in the top 20 of the fastest-growing occupations and occupations with the most openings in Pennsylvania through 2012.

·       ABC News reports that health care positions including massage therapy are one of the highest growth sectors.

·       Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals reports that the median income for massage therapists seeing 15 clients per week is $32,5000.00 while veteran massage therapists in private practice may net $40,000.00 to $60,000.00 or more.

·       Hairdressers reported making 42% of their Gross Income from tips…this supplemented a base salary that averaged $13.95/hour. This means, that on average, hairdressers in the survey made around $24.00/hour or $48,000.00/year. 

·       Estheticians reported an average base of $15/hour with an additional 22% in tips or an average of approximately $19.00/hour or $39,000.00/year.