Cosmetologist in Hawaii
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for HI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Hawaii.
Jobs (HI)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cosmetologist in Hawaii
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Hawaii, applicants must complete 1800 hours of training at a board-approved beauty school or 3600 apprenticeship hours, and hold a high school diploma or GED. They must then pass both the Prometric Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams with a score of at least 75% on each portion. The application fee is $20, and licenses are renewed every two years, with no continuing education required. Hawaii does offer reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet equivalent requirements and pass the Hawaii written exam.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Hawaii. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Hawaii requirements
| Licensing body | Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1800 hours of training at a board-approved beauty school or 3600 apprenticeship hours, and a high school diploma or GED. |
| Exam | Prometric Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (passing score of 75% on each portion) ($90) |
| Application fee | $20 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Hawaii offers reciprocity, but applicants must still pass the Hawaii written examination.Reciprocal states: Hawaii offers reciprocity for out-of-state cosmetologists with a valid license and at least one year of experience, provided their state's requirements are substantially equivalent. Applicants must still pass the Hawaii written examination. Those from states with lower training requirements may need to complete additional hours. |
| Notes | Minimum age of 16 years old. Hawaii uses the term 'Beauty Operator' for cosmetologist. A temporary permit is available to work under supervision while waiting to take the licensing exam, valid for one year. A criminal background check is required. |
Source: Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Hawaii? See whether Hawaii recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Cosmetologist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleHawaii license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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