Cosmetologist in Louisiana

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

Median annual salary

$23,470

trending_down -33.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Louisiana.

engineering

2,390

Jobs (LA)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$75

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

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

10th percentile (entry) $17,830

25th percentile $21,190

50th (median) $23,470

75th percentile $29,590

90th (experienced) $46,720

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
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

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_circleLouisiana 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?

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a cosmetologist in Louisiana? expand_more

Louisiana requires cosmetologists to complete the required education (1500 hours of training at a Louisiana Board-approved cosmetology school and completion of 10th grade or equivalent.), pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($25 fee).

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

You cannot practice as a cosmetologist in Louisiana without a state license from Louisiana Board of Cosmetology. The required exam is the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams.

What do cosmetologists earn in Louisiana? expand_more

In Louisiana, the median pay for cosmetologists comes to $23,470/year. That's 33% below the national median of $35,250. The range spans from $17,830 at the entry level to $46,720 for top earners.

What are the fees to become a cosmetologist in Louisiana? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($50) and application fee ($25) plus your education and training.

How quickly can I become a cosmetologist in Louisiana? expand_more

Most candidates in Louisiana complete the process in 9-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.