Cosmetologist License Requirements

Personal Care · Low Difficulty · 9-24 months

Live DataLast updated: April 13, 2026·Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics & State Licensing Boards

Verified

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics & State Licensing BoardsUpdated: 2026 dataHow we compile →

Education

1000-2100 hours training

Required Exam

State Board (Written + Practical)

Avg Initial Fee

$125

Median Salary

$37,630

Renewal Period

Every 2 year(s)

CE Hours / Cycle

8 hours

Required in All States?

Yes

State-by-State Cosmetologist License Requirements

State	Required	Fee	State Wage	Difficulty	CE Hours
Alaska	Yes	$147	$40,310	Low	8
Alabama	Yes	$113	$33,180	Low	8
Arkansas	Yes	$142	$33,340	Low	8
Arizona	Yes	$145	$37,750	Low	8
California	Yes	$152	$44,180	Low	8
Colorado	Yes	$119	$42,140	Low	8
Connecticut	Yes	$128	$42,730	Low	8
District of Columbia	Yes	$102	$46,140	Low	8
Delaware	Yes	$102	$38,950	Low	8
Florida	Yes	$136	$38,270	Low	8
Georgia	Yes	$120	$36,890	Low	8
Hawaii	Yes	$129	$45,730	Low	8
Iowa	Yes	$93	$35,750	Low	8
Idaho	Yes	$147	$36,330	Low	8
Illinois	Yes	$151	$39,140	Low	8
Indiana	Yes	$154	$34,890	Low	8
Kansas	Yes	$112	$34,510	Low	8
Kentucky	Yes	$128	$34,090	Low	8
Louisiana	Yes	$103	$34,380	Low	8
Massachusetts	Yes	$151	$42,910	Low	8
Maryland	Yes	$91	$41,720	Low	8
Maine	Yes	$132	$38,200	Low	8
Michigan	Yes	$158	$36,220	Low	8
Minnesota	Yes	$143	$38,450	Low	8
Missouri	Yes	$139	$35,750	Low	8
Mississippi	Yes	$141	$31,990	Low	8
Montana	Yes	$156	$36,620	Low	8
North Carolina	Yes	$95	$36,560	Low	8
North Dakota	Yes	$146	$36,260	Low	8
Nebraska	Yes	$148	$36,210	Low	8
New Hampshire	Yes	$101	$41,150	Low	8
New Jersey	Yes	$117	$43,980	Low	8
New Mexico	Yes	$105	$36,190	Low	8
Nevada	Yes	$102	$37,450	Low	8
New York	Yes	$145	$43,390	Low	8
Ohio	Yes	$145	$35,490	Low	8
Oklahoma	Yes	$104	$34,120	Low	8
Oregon	Yes	$98	$41,020	Low	8
Pennsylvania	Yes	$119	$38,540	Low	8
Puerto Rico	Yes	$124	$29,790	Low	8
Rhode Island	Yes	$121	$39,800	Low	8
South Carolina	Yes	$157	$35,700	Low	8
South Dakota	Yes	$106	$36,390	Low	8
Tennessee	Yes	$137	$35,060	Low	8
Texas	Yes	$137	$35,930	Low	8
Utah	Yes	$138	$36,680	Low	8
Virginia	Yes	$118	$39,370	Low	8
US Virgin Islands	Yes	$151	$35,730	Low	8
Vermont	Yes	$113	$39,330	Low	8
Washington	Yes	$113	$42,180	Low	8
Wisconsin	Yes	$143	$37,550	Low	8
West Virginia	Yes	$92	$32,600	Low	8
Wyoming	Yes	$160	$34,710	Low	8

Highest Paying States for Cosmetologist

District of Columbia$46,140 Hawaii$45,730 California$44,180 New Jersey$43,980 New York$43,390 Massachusetts$42,910

Lowest Fee States for Cosmetologist

Maryland$91 fee West Virginia$92 fee Iowa$93 fee North Carolina$95 fee Oregon$98 fee New Hampshire$101 fee

📊

LicenseWize Editorial TeamData Specialists

The LicenseWize editorial team aggregates and verifies licenses data from Bureau of Labor Statistics & State Licensing Boards. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against the official source before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.

✓ Sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics & State Licensing Boards✓ Quarterly review✓ No paid placements

Read our full methodology or contact us with corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What licenses do cosmetologists and barbers need?

Both cosmetologists and barbers must complete state-approved training programs and pass licensing exams. Cosmetology programs typically require 1,000-2,100 hours of training, while barber programs require 1,000-1,500 hours. Both professions require passing a state board exam that includes written and practical components. Licensing fees range from $25-$150 for initial applications.

How long does it take to become a licensed cosmetologist?

Cosmetology training programs typically take 9-24 months depending on the state's hour requirements and whether you attend full-time or part-time. After completing training, you must pass the state board exam. The entire process from enrollment to licensure is usually 1-2 years. Most states require 1,500-1,600 hours of training.

Do massage therapy licenses transfer between states?

Massage therapy licenses generally do not transfer automatically. However, if you hold the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination) credential, which is accepted in most states, you may qualify for streamlined licensure by endorsement. Education hour requirements vary significantly (250-1,000 hours), so moving to a state with higher requirements may require additional training.

What are continuing education requirements for personal care professionals?

CE requirements for cosmetologists and barbers are typically modest: 4-16 hours per renewal cycle (every 1-2 years). Massage therapists usually need 12-24 CE hours per cycle. Topics often include sanitation, safety, state law updates, and technique-specific training. Some states require specific hours in ethics or health and safety.

How much can you earn with a personal care license?

Earnings vary significantly by location, experience, and specialization. The national median wage for barbers is approximately $35,000-$38,000, cosmetologists earn $30,000-$35,000, and massage therapists earn $46,000-$50,000. However, experienced professionals in high-demand markets or who own their own businesses can earn significantly more, with some cosmetologists earning $60,000+.

Explore the DataPeek Network

LawyerCostPeek DivorceLawPeek EvictionLawPeek CarInsurancePeek DMVPeek FloodRiskPeek VocabWize VocabLibre DicionarioWize WortWize KalimaWize KotobaPeek NameBlooms WagePeek NetPayPeek SalaryByCity