CertOutlook

Cosmetologist in Kentucky

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

Median annual salary
$32,170
trending_down -8.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kentucky.

engineering
2,030

Jobs (KY)

monitoring Strong
+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$110

Licensing fees

schedule
Approximately 9-12 months for education, plus a mandatory 6-month apprenticeship.

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Kentucky

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Kentucky, individuals must complete 1500 hours of training at a Kentucky Board of Cosmetology-approved school and hold a high school diploma or GED. After completing the education, applicants must pass both a written and practical examination. A mandatory 6-month apprenticeship in a licensed salon is also required before full licensure is granted. Kentucky does not offer automatic reciprocity; out-of-state applicants must have their credentials evaluated by the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $21,140
25th percentile $23,230
50th (median) $32,170
75th percentile $59,280
90th (experienced) $96,670

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

checklist Kentucky requirements

Licensing bodyKentucky Board of Cosmetology
State license Required
Education1500 hours of training at a Kentucky Board of Cosmetology-approved school and a high school diploma or GED.
ExamNIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI) ($85)
Application fee$25
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
NotesMinimum age of 16. A mandatory 6-month apprenticeship (minimum 20 hours/week) in a licensed salon is required after passing exams and before full licensure. Kentucky does not have automatic reciprocity; out-of-state applicants must have their previous licensing board send official certification of licensure and hours directly to the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology for evaluation. If licensed for at least two years in another state, applicants may be able to take the exams without additional training in Kentucky.

Source: Kentucky Board of Cosmetology

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_circleKentucky 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.
arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a cosmetologist in Kentucky? expand_more
The path to cosmetologist licensure in Kentucky: complete the required education (1500 hours of training at a Kentucky Board of Cosmetology-approved school and a high school diploma or GED.), pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI), and submit your application ($25 fee).
Does Kentucky require cosmetologist licensure? expand_more
You cannot practice as a cosmetologist in Kentucky without a state license from Kentucky Board of Cosmetology. The required exam is the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI).
What is the average cosmetologist salary in Kentucky? expand_more
cosmetologists in Kentucky earn a median of $32,170 annually. — 9% under the $35,250 national average. Wages range from $21,140 (10th percentile) up to $96,670 (90th percentile).
How expensive is cosmetologist licensing in Kentucky? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($85) and application fee ($25) and required training.
How long does it take to become a cosmetologist in Kentucky? expand_more
The typical timeline in Kentucky is Approximately 9-12 months for education, plus a mandatory 6-month apprenticeship.. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

Explore more

Cosmetologist overview
Requirements & salary in all 50 states
arrow_forward
All careers in Kentucky
Compare certifications in KY
arrow_forward
CDL Truck Driver in Kentucky
Requirements & salary comparison
arrow_forward
Electrician in Kentucky
Requirements & salary comparison
arrow_forward
HVAC Technician in Kentucky
Requirements & salary comparison
arrow_forward