Loading...
Loading...
Cosmetologist
Compare training hours, exam requirements, government fees, and reciprocity to get your cosmetology license in every US state. Every data point sourced and verified against official state boards.
51
States Verified
1–2,100
Training Hours Range
45
Require Practical Exam
21
Allow Apprenticeship
Not sure which license is right for you?
Take the 2-Minute Career Quiz →A licensed cosmetologist can perform hair cutting, styling, coloring, chemical treatments, skin care, and nail services. Requirements vary significantly by state.
States require anywhere from 1,000 to 2,300 hours of cosmetology school training. Some states also offer apprenticeship alternatives with higher hour requirements.
Most states require both a written theory exam and a hands-on practical exam demonstrating cosmetology skills like haircutting, coloring, and sanitation.
Every data point on this page is sourced from official state cosmetology boards and cross-referenced against multiple sources for accuracy.
Side-by-side fees, hours, exams, and timelines across all 50 states. Sort by cost, hours, or any column.
Compare All StatesFind out if your license transfers to another state and what extra steps are needed.
Check ReciprocityBrowse approved programs by state — compare costs, requirements, and timelines.
Click any column header to sort. Click a state to view full requirements.
| State | Hours | Written | Practical | Apprentice | Gov. Fees | Renewal | CE Req. | Reciprocity | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $285 | 2 years (odd-numbered years during birth month) | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $450 | 2-year biennial cycle, expiring August 31 of odd-numbered years | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | 1,600 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $240 | 2 years (expires on licensee's birthday) | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $175 | 2 years (biennial, expires on practitioner's birthday) | No | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| California(CA) | 1,000 | Yes | No | Yes | $125 | 2 years | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | 1,800 | Yes | Yes | No | $159 | 2 years | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | 1 | Yes | No | No | $165 | 2 years (biennial, by last day of birth month) | No | Endorsement/out-of-state license pathway | April 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $353 | 2 years (biennial) | No | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | No | $230 | 2 years (biennial), expiring April 15 of even-numbered years | Yes | reciprocity/endorsement | April 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | 1,200 | Yes | Yes | No | $95.25 | 2 years (biennial) | Yes | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $139 | 2 years | Yes | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | 1,800 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $292–$365 | Expires December 31 of every odd-numbered year | No | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | 1,600 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $308 | Annual | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | 1,500 | Yes | No | No | $137 | 2 years | Yes | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | No | $139 | 4 years; renewal notices sent approximately 90 days prior to expiration | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | 2,100 | Yes | Yes | No | $225–$260 | 2 years (biennial, by March 31 of odd-numbered years) | Yes | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $195 | Biennial; expiration dates set by board rules and regulations | No | Endorsement / out-of-state license holder application | April 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $100 | Annual renewal; expiration date of 7/31 confirmed | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $158 | 2 years (biennial) | No | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $214 | 1 year (annual) | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | No | $104 | 2 years | Yes | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | 1,000 | Yes | No | No | $291 | 2 years (expires on licensee's birthday) | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | 1 | Yes | Yes | No | $245–$265 | 2 years | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | 1,550 | Yes | Yes | No | $190 | 3 years | Yes | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | No | $245 | 2 years | No | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | No | $201 | 2 years (expires September 30 of odd-numbered years) | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | No | $230 | 2 years (biennial) | No | no reciprocity | April 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | 2,100 | Yes | No | No | $30+ | 2 years (biennial, expires December 31 of even-numbered years) | Yes | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | 1,800 | Yes | Yes | No | $195 | 2 years (expires on licensee's birthday) | Yes | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $247 | 2 years (biennial) | No | Endorsement/reciprocity pathway exists; OPLC application forms page lists 'Reciprocity/Individuals Licensed in Another State Information' as a distinct form | April 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | 1,200 | Yes | Yes | No | $232 | 2 years (biennial, even-numbered years) | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | 1,600 | Yes | Yes | No | $250 | Annual (expires on licensee's birthday each year) | No | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| New York(NY) | 1,000 | Yes | Yes | No | $70 | 4 years | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $138–$148 | 3 years | Yes | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | 1,800 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $170 | 1 year (annual) | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | No | $90 | 2 years (expires January 31 of odd-numbered years) | Yes | Endorsement (out-of-state license required; board certification sent directly from issuing state board) | April 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $115 | 2 years (biennial, effective November 1, 2025; previously annual) | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | 2,100 | Yes | No | No | $155 | 2 years (certification inactive date is last day of the month, two years from date of issuance) | Yes | reciprocity with exam | April 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 1,250 | Yes | Yes | No | $212 | 2 years | No | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | No | $100 | 2 years (biennial) | No | case-by-case endorsement | April 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | No | $162 | 2 years (biennial, every odd year by March 10) | Yes | endorsement | April 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | 2,100 | Yes | Yes | No | $120 | 1 year (annual) | No | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $200 | 2 years (biennial) | Yes | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | 1,000 | Yes | Yes | No | $181 | 2 years | Yes | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | 1,600 | Yes | Yes | No | $254 | 2 years | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | No | $275 | 2 years (biennial, odd-numbered years by November 30) | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | 1,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $314 | 2 years (biennial) | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | 1,600 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $329 | 2 years (biennial) | No | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | 1,800 | Yes | Yes | No | $278 | Annual (expires December 31, renewal begins in January) | Yes | reciprocity | April 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | 1,550 | Yes | Yes | No | $418–$427 | 2 years (biennial, by March 31 of odd-numbered years) | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | 2,000 | Yes | Yes | Yes | $101–$136 | 2 years (biennial) | No | endorsement | April 2026 |
LicenseMap covers multiple professions. Check out our real estate agent and notary public licensing databases.
Study guides and practice tests for the cosmetology licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
See the full comparison table above for all 51 states.
In-depth articles to help you get licensed
Moving to a new state?
See which states have reciprocity for Cosmetologist licenses and what's required to transfer.
Explore similar licensing requirements