Cosmetologist in New Jersey
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NJ. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, New Jersey.
Jobs (NJ)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cosmetologist in New Jersey
To become a licensed Cosmetologist-Hairstylist in New Jersey, individuals must complete 1,200 hours of instruction at a Board-approved cosmetology school and be at least 17 years of age with a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must pass the New Jersey Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Theory and Practical Exams. The application fee is $50, and the exam fees total $92. Licenses are renewed every two years, and continuing education is not required. New Jersey offers licensure by endorsement for those with equivalent training and a current license from another state, though additional requirements and exams may apply.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for New Jersey. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist New Jersey requirements
| Licensing body | New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1200-hour training program and High school diploma or GED |
| Exam | New Jersey Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Theory and Practical Exams ($92) |
| Application fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | New Jersey offers endorsement, but out-of-state licensees must pass the New Jersey Board's examination.Reciprocal states: New Jersey offers licensure by endorsement to cosmetologist-hairstylist applicants who satisfy the state's requirements and hold a current, active license in good standing from another state or country with substantially similar education and training requirements (1,200 hours). If the prior training does not meet New Jersey's standards, applicants may need to provide proof of three years of professional experience in a licensed salon or complete additional training hours. Applicants licensed in other states must also pass the New Jersey Board's examination. New Jersey does not have reciprocity with Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Utah. |
| Notes | Minimum age of 17. Must have a high school diploma or GED. Background check may be required for reciprocity applicants. A student permit can be obtained after completing half of the required training hours. |
Source: New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to New Jersey? See whether New Jersey recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Cosmetologist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleNew Jersey license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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