Cosmetologist in Maryland

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

Median annual salary

$36,440

trending_up +3.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maryland.

engineering

5,900

Jobs (MD)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$119

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Maryland

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Maryland, individuals must meet specific requirements set by the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists. This includes completing 1500 hours of training at a state-approved cosmetology school or a 24-month registered apprenticeship, and having at least a 9th-grade education or GED. Applicants must also pass the Maryland State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, administered by PSI Services, and submit an application with the required fee. Maryland offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in other states with comparable requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,200

25th percentile $31,210

50th (median) $36,440

75th percentile $48,840

90th (experienced) $61,610

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

checklist Maryland requirements

Licensing body	Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
State license	Required
Education	Completion of 1500 hours of training in a cosmetology school or 24 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon, and 9th grade education or G.E.D. Must be at least 17 years of age.
Exam	Maryland State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI Services) ($94)
Application fee	$25
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	6.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and have completed 9th grade or a G.E.D. Continuing education requirements of 6 hours per cycle are effective January 1, 2026. As of January 1, 2026, all applicants for an original license and all licensees renewing a license must complete a one-hour domestic violence awareness training course. This is an additional hour a licensee needs to complete for license renewal.

Source: Maryland Board of Cosmetologists

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_circleMaryland 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

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

In Maryland, becoming a cosmetologist requires you to complete the required education (Completion of 1500 hours of training in a cosmetology school or 24 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed beauty salon, and 9th grade education or G.E.D. Must be at least 17 years of age.), pass the Maryland State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI Services), and submit your application ($25 fee).

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

Maryland mandates state licensure for cosmetologists. Maryland Board of Cosmetologists oversees the process, which includes passing the Maryland State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI Services).

How much do cosmetologists make in Maryland? expand_more

In Maryland, the median pay for cosmetologists comes to $36,440/year. This is close to the national median of $35,250. New cosmetologists start around $31,200; seasoned professionals can reach $61,610.

How much does it cost to become a cosmetologist in Maryland? expand_more

Between exam fee ($94) and application fee ($25), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

What's the timeline to become a cosmetologist in Maryland? expand_more

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

How many CE hours do cosmetologists need in Maryland? expand_more

Maryland requires 6.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your cosmetologist license.