Cosmetologist in Oregon
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OR. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Oregon.
Jobs (OR)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cosmetologist in Oregon
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Oregon, individuals must complete a board-approved training program, which typically includes a specified number of hours for their chosen field of practice (e.g., 1110 hours for hair design), and hold a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must pass the Oregon Laws & Rules Exam and a written exam for each field of practice, with a score of 75% or higher on each section. The Oregon Health Licensing Office, Board of Cosmetology, oversees the licensing process, and while Oregon does not have a state-administered practical exam, skills are certified by the school. Reciprocity is available for out-of-state licensees who meet Oregon's requirements and pass the necessary exams.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Oregon. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Oregon requirements
| Licensing body | Oregon Health Licensing Office, Board of Cosmetology |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a board-approved program (e.g., 1110 hours for hair design) and high school diploma or GED. Oregon does not offer an umbrella cosmetology certification, but rather licenses in specific fields like hair design, esthetics, and nail technology. |
| Exam | Oregon Laws & Rules Exam and a written exam for each field of practice ($45) |
| Application fee | $30 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Oregon offers reciprocity, but applicants must pass state law and written exams for each practice field.Reciprocal states: Oregon offers reciprocity to out-of-state applicants who hold a current license in good standing and can provide proof of licensure. Applicants must pass the Oregon Laws and Rules examination and the written exam for each field of practice they wish to be licensed in. The out-of-state license must be substantially equivalent to Oregon's certification requirements. A reciprocity application fee is $100 per field of practice, and a certification fee is $65 for two years. |
| Notes | Minimum age is 17 years old. Oregon does not have a state-administered practical exam; skills are certified by the school. Applicants must pass both a written examination and a practical exam, administered on two separate testing days at a licensed testing center. The Oregon Laws and Rules examination is mandatory for all applicants. To pass, a score of 75% or higher is required on each written section. |
Source: Oregon Health Licensing Office, Board of Cosmetology
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Oregon? See whether Oregon 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_circleOregon license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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