Career change as a hairdresser

Career change paths

• Beautician

  Also: Makeup artist, Nail designer

  With on-the-job training

  Style and image advice is already part of your job.

  What you bring:

  You work close to people every day and know about skin compatibility, care products and hygiene in the salon.

  How to get there:

  You can take courses at private schools for beauty care, nails or makeup artistry. Depending on the scope, they take a few weeks to a few months.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Lots of contact with people
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• Field sales representative for hairdressing supplies

  Also: Commercial agent for hair cosmetics

  With on-the-job training

  Knowing products, coloring techniques and salon life yourself helps you with advice and product training.

  What you bring:

  In field sales for hair cosmetics you look after hair salons.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) at the manufacturer or wholesaler, usually lasting a few weeks. A class B driving license is almost always required.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people

  €4,456gross per monthMedian salary

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• Specialist adviser for cosmetics and hair care

  Also: Salesperson in a perfumery or drugstore

  With on-the-job training

  In perfumeries, drugstores or department stores you advise on care, hair color and cosmetics and sell them, with fixed opening hours instead of an appointment book.

  What you bring:

  You recognize hair and skin types, know care and styling products, and can advise customers according to their type.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the store, usually lasting a few weeks, often with training from the brands. You can earn a qualification in retail through vocational training (Ausbildung) as salesperson (Verkäufer) or retail clerk (Kaufmann im Einzelhandel), which is often shortened with work experience.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsLots of contact with people

  €3,155gross per monthMedian salary

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• Dog groomer

  Also: Pet groomer

  With on-the-job training

  As a dog groomer you care for dogs' coats, cut breed-typical styles, and pay attention to skin, ears and claws.

  What you bring:

  You can cut, trim, wash and blow-dry, and you work calmly and precisely with scissors and clippers.

  How to get there:

  You take private courses lasting a few weeks to a few months, then get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in a dog grooming salon. There is no state-recognized qualification. You can work as an employee or become self-employed. You also have to learn how to handle dogs confidently.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Fixed daytime hoursPhysically demandingLots of contact with people

  €3,150gross per monthMedian salary

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• Medical assistant (Medizinische Fachangestellte)

  With retraining

  In the doctor's practice you need this at the reception and when assisting.

  What you bring:

  You are used to strict hygiene rules, appointment planning and direct dealings with people, even when they are nervous or impatient.

  How to get there:

  You can do retraining (Umschulung) as medical assistant (Medizinische Fachangestellte, MFA), which usually takes two years and can often be funded through an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLots of contact with people

  €3,270gross per monthMedian salary

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• Dental assistant (Zahnmedizinische Fachangestellte)

  With retraining

  In the dental practice you assist with treatment, prepare instruments and organize appointments.

  What you bring:

  You work with a steady hand close to the face, follow hygiene rules and calm uncertain customers.

  How to get there:

  You can do retraining (Umschulung) as dental assistant (Zahnmedizinische Fachangestellte, ZFA), which usually takes two years and can often be funded through an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLots of contact with people

  €2,978gross per monthMedian salary

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• Registered nurse (Pflegefachfrau/Pflegefachmann)

  With vocational training

  The nursing training adds medical knowledge and medical nursing care.

  What you bring:

  You work close to the body, pay attention to hygiene and deal empathetically with people all day.

  How to get there:

  You do vocational training (Ausbildung) as a registered nurse (Pflegefachfrau/Pflegefachmann). It takes three years full-time or up to five years part-time, and you receive a training allowance.*Regulated by law (Nursing Professions Act (PflBG)).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Often at weekendsShift workPhysically demandingLots of contact with people

  €4,421gross per monthMedian salary

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• Optician

  With vocational training

  In optics you use this for advising on glasses and fitting them, and you learn eye tests and lens processing from scratch.

  What you bring:

  You advise people on their appearance, know face shapes and style advice, and work precisely with fine motor skills.

  How to get there:

  You do vocational training (Ausbildung) as an optician (Augenoptiker), which takes three years and is often shortened if you have completed vocational training.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Fixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people
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• Masseur and medical bath attendant

  With vocational training

  In massage and physical therapy you treat patients on a doctor's prescription.

  What you bring:

  You work with your hands on people, know head massage and skin care, and are used to physical work on your feet.

  How to get there:

  You train at a state-recognized school for two years up to the state exam, then do six months of practical work before you may use the professional title.*Regulated by law (Masseurs and Physiotherapists Act (MPhG)).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically demandingLots of contact with people

  €3,435gross per monthMedian salary

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• Trainer in the hairdressing trade

  Also: Trainer at a hairdressing academy

  With further trainingPromotion

  Anyone who trains apprentices or salon teams needs exactly this skill, plus patience in explaining.

  What you bring:

  You have mastered cutting, coloring and styling techniques in practice and can show them to others.

  How to get there:

  You take the master craftsperson exam in hairdressing (Meisterprüfung im Friseurhandwerk), which also includes the trainer aptitude certificate (Ausbildereignung). Full-time it usually takes a few months, and alongside a job one to two years. It can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). The journeyman certificate (Gesellenbrief) is enough for admission, but for trainer jobs, businesses and academies usually expect several years of salon experience.*Regulated by law (Crafts Code (HwO) § 22b).

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursLittle customer contact

  €5,075gross per monthMedian salary

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Salary: median of all full-time employees in the job, gross per month excluding special payments, as of April 2025. Half earn more, half earn less. Source: Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), table 62361-0030, license dl-de/by-2-0. Assigned to the jobs by quereinsteiger.de. No guarantee of accuracy.