Cosmetology License: Cost, Hours & Requirements by State (2026)
A cosmetology license allows you to legally cut hair, color, style, and perform other beauty services in your state. Education requirements vary widely — from 1,000 hours in some states to 2,100 hours in Oregon — making the state you choose a major factor in your total investment.
What Is a Cosmetology License?
A cosmetology license covers a broad range of beauty services including haircutting, coloring, chemical treatments (perms, relaxers), skincare, and nail services. It’s the most comprehensive beauty license, compared to more specialized licenses like esthetician (skin only) or barber (hair only).
How Many Hours Do You Need?
The single biggest factor in getting a cosmetology license is the required education hours. The national average is approximately 1,500 hours, but individual states range dramatically:
Lowest hour requirements:
- New York: 1,000 hours
- Massachusetts: 1,000 hours
- Vermont: 1,000 hours
Highest hour requirements:
- Oregon: 2,100 hours
- South Dakota: 2,100 hours
- Kansas: 1,500 hours (plus apprenticeship option at 3,000+ hours)
At 30 to 40 hours per week in cosmetology school, 1,000 hours takes about 6 to 8 months, while 2,100 hours takes 14 to 16 months.
See the full state-by-state comparison at our cosmetology license overview.
Cost Breakdown
Cosmetology is one of the more expensive licenses to obtain because of the extensive education required:
| Expense | Range |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology school tuition | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Books & supplies (kits) | $500 – $2,000 |
| State exam fee | $50 – $150 |
| Application fee | $25 – $150 |
| Background check | $20 – $50 |
| Total | $5,600 – $17,350 |
Tuition is the largest cost and varies enormously by school and location. Community college programs tend to be the most affordable ($5,000 to $8,000), while private beauty schools can charge $15,000 or more.
Financial aid (FAFSA) is available for accredited cosmetology programs.
The Cosmetology Exam
Most states require both a written exam and a practical (hands-on) exam:
Written Exam
- Topics: Sanitation, chemistry, hair structure, skin diseases, safety regulations
- Format: Multiple choice (typically 100 to 150 questions)
- Administrator: PSI or Pearson VUE (varies by state)
Practical Exam
- Tasks: Haircut, chemical treatment, roller set, facial, manicure (varies by state)
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Note: You must bring your own mannequin and kit
Some states (like New York) have eliminated the practical exam and rely solely on a written test.
Step-by-Step Process
- Choose a state — Research requirements at LicenseCompass to compare
- Enroll in cosmetology school — Accredited program meeting your state’s hour requirement
- Complete education hours — Classroom instruction plus supervised practical training
- Apply for the exam — Register with your state board or testing company
- Pass both exams — Written and practical (if required)
- Submit license application — With exam scores, school transcript, and fees
- Receive your license — Processing takes 2 to 6 weeks
Salon Booth Rental vs. Employment
After getting licensed, cosmetologists typically choose between:
- Employee at a salon: Guaranteed hourly wage + tips, employer provides supplies, limited flexibility
- Booth rental: Rent a station ($200 to $600/month), keep all earnings, set your own schedule, responsible for own supplies and taxes
Most new cosmetologists start as employees and transition to booth rental as they build a client base.
Continuing Education & Renewal
Most states require license renewal every 1 to 2 years, with continuing education requirements ranging from 0 to 16 hours per renewal period:
- States with no CE: Several states require only fee payment
- States with CE: Typically 4 to 16 hours focused on sanitation, new techniques, or business practices
Renewal fees are typically $25 to $75.
Reciprocity Between States
If you’re already licensed in one state and want to practice in another, most states offer licensure by endorsement. Requirements typically include:
- Proof of current, active license
- Meeting the new state’s education hour minimum
- Sometimes passing the new state’s exam
- Application fee
States with lower hour requirements (like New York at 1,000 hours) generally accept licenses from higher-hour states. Moving from a low-hour to a high-hour state may require additional training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license? From enrollment to license, expect 8 to 18 months depending on your state’s education hours. States requiring 1,000 hours can be completed in about 8 months full-time; 2,100-hour states take about 16 months.
Can I get a cosmetology license online? The education cannot be completed entirely online — it requires hands-on supervised training hours in an approved school or salon. However, some of the theory coursework may be available online. The written exam in some states can also be taken online.
How much do cosmetologists make? The median annual salary is approximately $35,080 nationally. Top earners in high-demand areas or with specialty skills can earn $50,000 or more, especially with booth rental income.
What’s the difference between cosmetology and esthetician licenses? A cosmetology license covers hair, skin, and nails — the full scope. An esthetician license covers only skincare (facials, waxing, makeup). Esthetician programs require fewer hours (typically 600 to 750) and cost less.
Is cosmetology school worth it? With average starting salaries around $28,000 to $35,000, cosmetology offers a quick entry into an earning career. The key is keeping education costs reasonable — community college programs offer the best return on investment.
Data sourced from CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor). Requirements change regularly — verify with your state cosmetology board before enrolling.