Cosmetologist in New Jersey

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

Median annual salary

$44,110

trending_up +25.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New Jersey.

engineering

15,140

Jobs (NJ)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$142

Licensing fees

schedule

13-24 months

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

10th percentile (entry) $31,470

25th percentile $33,880

50th (median) $44,110

75th percentile $59,900

90th (experienced) $101,300

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
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

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 Jersey 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?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a cosmetologist in New Jersey? expand_more

In New Jersey, becoming a cosmetologist requires you to complete the required education (1200-hour training program and High school diploma or GED), pass the New Jersey Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Theory and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Does New Jersey require cosmetologist licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in New Jersey. New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling handles cosmetologist licensing — the New Jersey Cosmetologist-Hairstylist Theory and Practical Exams is part of the process.

What is the average cosmetologist salary in New Jersey? expand_more

In New Jersey, the median pay for cosmetologists comes to $44,110/year. — 25% higher than the $35,250 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $31,470, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $101,300.

How expensive is cosmetologist licensing in New Jersey? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($92) and application fee ($50) and required training.

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

Most candidates in New Jersey complete the process in 13-24 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.