CertOutlook

Cosmetologist in Alaska

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AK. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$44,700
trending_up +26.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alaska.

engineering
240

Jobs (AK)

monitoring Strong
+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$360

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies depending on program length (typically 10-14 months for school, longer for apprenticeship)

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Alaska

To become a licensed hairdresser in Alaska, applicants must complete either 1,650 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school or 2,000 hours through an apprenticeship program, along with possessing a high school diploma or GED. They must then pass both the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Examinations. Alaska does not offer a combined 'cosmetology' license, instead issuing separate licenses for specific beauty professions. The state offers licensure by waiver of examination for out-of-state licensees who meet Alaska's equivalent training and examination standards.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $24,400
25th percentile $29,450
50th (median) $44,700
75th percentile $54,410
90th (experienced) $78,060

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alaska. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alaska requirements

Licensing bodyAlaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
State license Required
Education1650 hours of training in a board-approved school or 2000 hours through an apprenticeship program. High school diploma or GED is also required.
ExamNIC Written and Practical Examinations (specific to Hairdresser license) ($210)
Application fee$150
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesAlaska does not offer a combined 'cosmetology' license; instead, it issues separate licenses for hairdressers, estheticians, barbers, and manicurists. Minimum age of 17 years old. A background check is required. Work experience may count towards training hours (500 hours credit for each year worked in the field).

Source: Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+5.6%
Faster than average
Annual openings
75,800
Nationwide per year
Total employment
575,200
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.68/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleAlaska license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a cosmetologist career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a cosmetologist in Alaska? expand_more
The path to cosmetologist licensure in Alaska: complete the required education (1650 hours of training in a board-approved school or 2000 hours through an apprenticeship program. High school diploma or GED is also required.), pass the NIC Written and Practical Examinations (specific to Hairdresser license), and submit your application ($150 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a cosmetologist in Alaska? expand_more
A state license is required in Alaska. Alaska Board of Barbers and Hairdressers handles cosmetologist licensing — the NIC Written and Practical Examinations (specific to Hairdresser license) is part of the process.
What do cosmetologists earn in Alaska? expand_more
Alaska cosmetologists bring home a median salary of $44,700. That's 27% above the national median of $35,250. The range spans from $24,400 at the entry level to $78,060 for top earners.
What's the total cost to get cosmetologist certified in Alaska? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($210) and application fee ($150) and required training.
What's the timeline to become a cosmetologist in Alaska? expand_more
Most candidates in Alaska complete the process in Varies depending on program length (typically 10-14 months for school, longer for apprenticeship), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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