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Alabama esthetician license — 1,000 training hours, exam info, fees ($$255), and how to apply. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Esthetician
3 sources cited · Last verified 2026-03-21 · Every number on this page links to its official source
1,000
Training Hours
No
Has Master?
Yes
Written Exam
Yes
Practical Exam
$255
Total Fees
0 hrs
CE Hours
Training Program
VerifiedRequired Training Hours
1,000 hours
Program Accreditation
Board-approved esthetician school or program approved by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
Apprenticeship Alternative
Topics Covered
Required Hours
1,000 hours
VerifiedAdditional Requirements
Required Hours
Not specified
VerifiedExam Information
VerifiedWritten Exam
RequiredPractical Exam
RequiredExam Provider
NIC
Passing Score
70%
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Services
Restricted Services
Chemical Peels
Microdermabrasion
Laser Treatments
Advanced Services Supervision
Laser and advanced procedures require physician supervision or are restricted to medical professionals
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
License Fee Initial license fee | $50 |
Exam Fee Exam fee paid to NIC for written and practical exams | $205 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal fee | $100 |
Total Initial Fees Estimated total: $50 license + $205 exam | $255 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
0
CE Hours Required
$100
Renewal Fee
No CE Requirement
Biennial renewal fee
Regulatory Board
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Licenses
Transfer Type
Endorsement
Hours Comparison Required for Transfer
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Most states require estheticians to meet the destination state's training hour requirements when transferring a license. If your original state required fewer hours, additional training may be needed.
Alabama requires 1,000 training hours for estheticians, which is among the highest in the nation. An apprenticeship alternative of 2,000 hours is also available. The passing score of 70% is lower than many states that require 75%.
Alabama requires 1,000 training hours -- among the highest in the nation
Apprenticeship pathway available requiring 2,000 hours
Passing score is 70% on both written and practical exams
No continuing education required for renewal
Renewal during birth month in odd-numbered years
There is no interstate compact for estheticians.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alabama.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#49 of 51
Salary
#46 of 51
Cost
#10 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Skincare Specialists (SOC 39-5094)
Entry Level
$28,550
25th percentile
Median
$35,710
-14% vs. national avg ($41,560)Experienced
$47,300
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
730 employed in this state
Note: BLS OEWS data reflects only base wages reported by employers. Esthetician income often includes tips and product sales commissions not captured in these figures.
Source: BLS OEWS – Skincare Specialists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+12.3%
High DemandNew Jobs
+8,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
9,400
per year (avg.)
72,500 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Cosmetology Career Ladder+6% salary growth potential
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Esthetician
$35,710
Esthetics program (600-750 hours)
Nail tech program (300-600 hours)
$27,980
You are here
Esthetician
Esthetics program (600-750 hours)
$35,710
Cosmetology program (1,000-1,600 hours)
$29,660
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 40–68 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the esthetician licensing exam.
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Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Accessed 2026-03-09
Accessed 2026-03-09
Accessed 2026-03-09
Alabama requires 1,000 hours of training to become a licensed esthetician. Both written and practical exams are required. All licensing is managed through the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Cosmetology.