Cosmetologist in Mississippi

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

Median annual salary

$28,360

trending_down -19.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Mississippi.

engineering

910

Jobs (MS)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$175

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Mississippi

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Mississippi, you must complete 1500 hours of training at an accredited school over a minimum of nine months and hold a high school diploma or GED. You must be at least 17 years old. After completing your education, you need to pass both the written and practical NIC National Cosmetology Exams with a score of at least 70% on each. The application process involves submitting an application to the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, paying a $25 application fee, and a $50 licensing fee after passing the exams. Mississippi offers reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states with similar educational requirements, provided they pass a Mississippi state law exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $17,220

25th percentile $22,000

50th (median) $28,360

75th percentile $50,690

90th (experienced) $62,990

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

checklist Mississippi requirements

Licensing body	Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
State license	Required
Education	1500 hours of training at an accredited school (minimum 9 months) and High school diploma or GED or proof of enrollment in a community college
Exam	NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($150)
Application fee	$25
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age of 17 years old. No continuing education is required for a standard cosmetologist license renewal; however, 16 hours are required to upgrade to a Master Cosmetologist license, and 8 hours are required for subsequent Master Cosmetologist license renewals. The exam passing score is 70% for both written and practical portions.

Source: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering

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_circleMississippi 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

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

To become a cosmetologist in Mississippi, you need to complete the required education (1500 hours of training at an accredited school (minimum 9 months) and High school diploma or GED or proof of enrollment in a community college), 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 Mississippi? expand_more

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

What is the average cosmetologist salary in Mississippi? expand_more

Mississippi cosmetologists bring home a median salary of $28,360. This trails the $35,250 national median by 20%. New cosmetologists start around $17,220; seasoned professionals can reach $62,990.

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

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($150) and application fee ($25) plus your education and training.

How long does it take to become a cosmetologist in Mississippi? expand_more

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