Cosmetologist in Louisiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Louisiana.
Jobs (LA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cosmetologist in Louisiana
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Louisiana, individuals must complete 1500 hours of training at a Louisiana Board-approved cosmetology school and have at least a 10th-grade education. Applicants must pass both a written and practical examination administered by the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology, achieving a score of 75% or higher on each. The total cost for the exams is $50, with an additional application fee. Licenses must be renewed annually on the licensee's birthday, and continuing education is not required for cosmetologists, though it is for instructors. Louisiana offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet the state's requirements and pass any necessary Louisiana examinations.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Louisiana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Louisiana requirements
| Licensing body | Louisiana Board of Cosmetology |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1500 hours of training at a Louisiana Board-approved cosmetology school and completion of 10th grade or equivalent. |
| Exam | NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($50) |
| Application fee | $25 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Reciprocity | Louisiana has reciprocity, but a practical exam or jurisprudence exam may be required for some applicants.Reciprocal states: Louisiana has reciprocity agreements with most state boards for equivalent licenses. Applicants must submit a reciprocity application, pay fees, and provide proof of their license. If a practical exam was not taken to obtain the original license, it will be required for Louisiana licensure. Reciprocity is not available if the original license was earned via an apprenticeship. Applicants from other states may need to pass a Louisiana written jurisprudence exam. |
| Notes | Minimum age of 16. Renewal is annual on the licensee's birthday. Cosmetologists do not have continuing education requirements for renewal, but instructors do. The written exam can be taken after 1000 hours of training, but the practical exam requires completion of the full program. A passing score of 75% is required on both exams. Reciprocity is available for those with an active license from another state or territory, provided they pass any required Louisiana state examinations, including a jurisprudence exam if not previously taken. |
Source: Louisiana Board of Cosmetology
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Louisiana? See whether Louisiana 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_circleLouisiana license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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