Beauty & Personal Care
How to become a Cosmetologist
From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.
- Time to get there
- 9–15 months
- Typical pay
- $30k–$52k
- Starting from
- No experience
Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.
See cosmetologist jobs open nowThe route
Enrol in a licensed cosmetology school
States require between 1,000 and 2,100 hours. Check yours before you enrol.
Course that covers thisMilady Cosmetology Exam Questions Practice TestUdemy · around $19.99Complete your hours
Cutting, colour, chemical services and sanitation, on mannequins then clients.
Pass the state board exam
Written plus a practical you perform in front of an examiner.
State cosmetology licence
Build a chair
Assist first, then take your own clients. Your book is your income.
- Browse jobs now
Destination
Cosmetologist
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