Cosmetologist in Oklahoma

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

Median annual salary

$30,680

trending_down -13.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Oklahoma.

engineering

1,830

Jobs (OK)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$85

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Oklahoma

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Oklahoma, individuals must meet the requirements set by the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. This typically involves completing a 1500-hour training program at a Board-approved cosmetology school or 3000 hours of apprenticeship training. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass both a written and practical examination. The exam fee is $50.00. Oklahoma offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet equivalent requirements and pass the state's law, rules, and regulations test.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $20,420

25th percentile $22,790

50th (median) $30,680

75th percentile $44,890

90th (experienced) $49,990

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

checklist Oklahoma requirements

Licensing body	Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program and 8th grade education
Exam	NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($50)
Application fee	$35
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have completed at least the 8th grade. As of July 1, 2025, the apprenticeship training hours will be reduced to 2,250 hours. A felony conviction does not necessarily disqualify an applicant, but documentation must be submitted.

Source: Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering

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_circleOklahoma 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 Oklahoma? expand_more

Oklahoma requires cosmetologists to complete the required education (1500-hour training program and 8th grade education), pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($35 fee).

Is a cosmetologist license required in Oklahoma? expand_more

Oklahoma mandates state licensure for cosmetologists. Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering oversees the process, which includes passing the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams.

How much does a cosmetologist make in Oklahoma? expand_more

The median cosmetologist salary in Oklahoma is $30,680 per year. — 13% under the $35,250 national average. The range spans from $20,420 at the entry level to $49,990 for top earners.

How much does it cost to become a cosmetologist in Oklahoma? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($50) and application fee ($35) and required training.

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

Most candidates in Oklahoma complete the process in 9-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.