Cosmetologist in Arkansas

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

Median annual salary

$26,450

trending_down -25.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Arkansas.

engineering

1,610

Jobs (AR)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$175

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Arkansas

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Arkansas, individuals must complete 1500 hours of training at an approved school and have at least two years of high school education or its equivalent. They must then pass both a written and practical examination administered by the Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section. There are no continuing education requirements for cosmetologists in Arkansas, and licenses are renewed biennially on the licensee's birthday. Reciprocity is available for those licensed in other states, provided they meet specific criteria and pass an Arkansas law exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $22,880

25th percentile $23,360

50th (median) $26,450

75th percentile $30,280

90th (experienced) $35,120

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

checklist Arkansas requirements

Licensing body	Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section
State license	Required
Education	1500 hours of training at an approved school and at least 2 years of high school or equivalent education
Exam	Arkansas State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($125)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age of 16 years old. License renewal is biennial, on the licensee's birthday. No continuing education is currently required for cosmetologists. Reciprocity is available for qualified individuals from other states, requiring an Arkansas law exam and a reciprocity fee.

Source: Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section

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_circleArkansas 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

How do I become a cosmetologist in Arkansas? expand_more

Arkansas requires cosmetologists to complete the required education (1500 hours of training at an approved school and at least 2 years of high school or equivalent education), pass the Arkansas State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a cosmetologist in Arkansas? expand_more

Arkansas mandates state licensure for cosmetologists. Arkansas Department of Health, Cosmetology Section oversees the process, which includes passing the Arkansas State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams.

What do cosmetologists earn in Arkansas? expand_more

cosmetologists in Arkansas earn a median of $26,450 annually. — 25% under the $35,250 national average. Wages range from $22,880 (10th percentile) up to $35,120 (90th percentile).

What's the total cost to get cosmetologist certified in Arkansas? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($125) and application fee ($50) plus your education and training.

How long does it take to become a cosmetologist in Arkansas? expand_more

Expect to spend 9-12 months from start to finish in Arkansas — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.