Cosmetologist in New Hampshire

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

Median annual salary

$42,000

trending_up +19.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Hampshire.

engineering

1,550

Jobs (NH)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$242

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in New Hampshire

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in New Hampshire, applicants must complete either a 1500-hour training program from a Board-approved cosmetology school or 3000 hours of apprentice training over at least 18 months, along with a high school diploma or GED. They must pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written Exam, NIC Practical Exam, and the NH State Law Exam. The licensing body is the New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics. New Hampshire offers reciprocity for licensees from other states with equivalent training hours, though passing the NH State Law exam may be required.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $22,730

25th percentile $30,120

50th (median) $42,000

75th percentile $47,580

90th (experienced) $55,530

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

checklist New Hampshire requirements

Licensing body	New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program or 3000 hours of apprentice training over at least 18 months, and High school diploma or GED
Experience	3,000.0 hours
Exam	NIC National Cosmetology Written Exam, NIC Practical Exam, and NH State Law Exam ($187)
Application fee	$55
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age 16. Renewal is biennial on the last day of the licensee's birth month in even-numbered years. A criminal background check may be required for reciprocity applicants.

Source: New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics

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_circleNew Hampshire 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 I become a cosmetologist in New Hampshire? expand_more

New Hampshire requires cosmetologists to complete the required education (1500-hour training program or 3000 hours of apprentice training over at least 18 months, and High school diploma or GED), gain 3,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written Exam, NIC Practical Exam, and NH State Law Exam, and submit your application ($55 fee).

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

You cannot practice as a cosmetologist in New Hampshire without a state license from New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics. The required exam is the NIC National Cosmetology Written Exam, NIC Practical Exam, and NH State Law Exam.

How much do cosmetologists make in New Hampshire? expand_more

New Hampshire cosmetologists bring home a median salary of $42,000. — 19% higher than the $35,250 national figure. The range spans from $22,730 at the entry level to $55,530 for top earners.

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

Costs include exam fee ($187) and application fee ($55). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a cosmetologist in New Hampshire? expand_more

Expect to spend 9-12 months from start to finish in New Hampshire — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.