Cosmetologist in Nevada

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

Median annual salary

$29,690

trending_down -15.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Nevada.

engineering

1,830

Jobs (NV)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$125

Licensing fees

schedule

10-13 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Nevada

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Nevada, applicants must complete 1600 hours of training from a Board-approved cosmetology school or 3600 hours as an apprentice, and have at least a 10th-grade education. They must be at least 18 years old and pass the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology's written, practical, and Nevada Law exams. Licenses are renewed every two years on the licensee's birthday, requiring 4 hours of continuing education focused on health, safety, sanitation, and Nevada-specific laws. Reciprocity is available for those with an active, in-good-standing license from another state that meets Nevada's training hour requirements, provided they pass the Nevada State Law Exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $23,770

25th percentile $27,400

50th (median) $29,690

75th percentile $40,540

90th (experienced) $59,070

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

checklist Nevada requirements

Licensing body	Nevada State Board of Cosmetology
State license	Required
Education	1600 hours of training from a Board-approved cosmetology school or 3600 hours as an apprentice, and 10th grade education or equivalent.
Exam	Nevada State Board of Cosmetology Written, Practical, and Nevada Law Exams ($110)
Application fee	$15
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	4.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. The 4 CE hours must be on health, safety, sanitation practices, and Nevada-specific laws and regulations. Licenses expire on the licensee's birthday. Applicants must be of good moral character and a U.S. citizen or lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

Source: Nevada State 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_circleNevada 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 are the steps to becoming a cosmetologist in Nevada? expand_more

In Nevada, becoming a cosmetologist requires you to complete the required education (1600 hours of training from a Board-approved cosmetology school or 3600 hours as an apprentice, and 10th grade education or equivalent.), pass the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology Written, Practical, and Nevada Law Exams, and submit your application ($15 fee).

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

Yes, Nevada requires a state license to practice as a cosmetologist. The licensing body is Nevada State Board of Cosmetology. You must pass the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology Written, Practical, and Nevada Law Exams.

What do cosmetologists earn in Nevada? expand_more

The median cosmetologist salary in Nevada is $29,690 per year. This trails the $35,250 national median by 16%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $23,770, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $59,070.

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

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($110) and application fee ($15) plus your education and training.

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

Most candidates in Nevada complete the process in 10-13 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

How many CE hours do cosmetologists need in Nevada? expand_more

To keep your license active, Nevada mandates 4.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.