Cosmetologist in Maine

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

Median annual salary

$48,480

trending_up +37.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maine.

engineering

820

Jobs (ME)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$288

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Maine

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Maine, you must apply through the Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing. Key steps include completing a 1500-hour training program at a licensed school or a 2500-hour apprenticeship, passing both the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams with a score of at least 75%, and submitting a completed application with a $40 fee. Maine offers reciprocity for out-of-state professionals whose qualifications are substantially equivalent, potentially waiving examination requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,730

25th percentile $36,270

50th (median) $48,480

75th percentile $61,420

90th (experienced) $74,160

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

checklist Maine requirements

Licensing body	Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program and 10th grade education
Exam	NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($248)
Application fee	$40
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Notes	Minimum age is 17 years old. Apprenticeship of 2500 hours over at least 18 months is an alternative to the 1500 school hours. A 10th-grade education or equivalent is required. Passing score of 75% on both NIC written and practical exams is required. Maine does not require continuing education for licensed cosmetologists, only for instructors.

Source: Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing

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_circleMaine license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a cosmetologist in Maine? expand_more

The path to cosmetologist licensure in Maine: complete the required education (1500-hour training program and 10th grade education), pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($40 fee).

Is a cosmetologist license required in Maine? expand_more

Yes, Maine requires a state license to practice as a cosmetologist. The licensing body is Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation - Barbering and Cosmetology Licensing. You must pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams.

What is the average cosmetologist salary in Maine? expand_more

The median cosmetologist salary in Maine is $48,480 per year. That's 38% above the national median of $35,250. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $30,730, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $74,160.

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

Between exam fee ($248) and application fee ($40), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How many months or years does cosmetologist certification take in Maine? expand_more

In Maine, becoming a cosmetologist generally takes 9-12 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.