Cosmetologist in New York

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

Median annual salary

$33,960

trending_down -3.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New York.

engineering

20,300

Jobs (NY)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$70

Licensing fees

schedule

7-10 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in New York

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in New York, individuals must complete a 1000-hour approved cosmetology training program and pass both the New York State written and practical exams. The licensing body is the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Applicants must be at least 17 years old, complete a health certification, and take a 1-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness course. New York offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,200

25th percentile $33,050

50th (median) $33,960

75th percentile $51,830

90th (experienced) $72,760

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

checklist New York requirements

Licensing body	New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
State license	Required
Education	1000-hour training program
Exam	New York State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($30)
Application fee	$40
Renewal	Every 4.0 years
Notes	Minimum age of 17. No high school diploma or GED is strictly required by the state for licensure, though most schools require it for enrollment. Requires a health certification within 30 days of application and a 1-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness course.

Source: New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services

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 York 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 New York? expand_more

To become a cosmetologist in New York, you need to complete the required education (1000-hour training program), pass the New York State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($40 fee).

Does New York require cosmetologist licensure? expand_more

You cannot practice as a cosmetologist in New York without a state license from New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. The required exam is the New York State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams.

How much does a cosmetologist make in New York? expand_more

cosmetologists in New York earn a median of $33,960 annually. That's roughly in line with the $35,250 national median. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $31,200, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $72,760.

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

Between exam fee ($30) and application fee ($40), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

Expect to spend 7-10 months from start to finish in New York — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.