Cosmetologist in Oregon

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

Median annual salary

$35,760

trending_up +1.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Oregon.

engineering

1,900

Jobs (OR)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$75

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

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

10th percentile (entry) $29,760

25th percentile $33,610

50th (median) $35,760

75th percentile $55,960

90th (experienced) $75,670

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
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

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_circleOregon license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a cosmetologist in Oregon? expand_more

The path to cosmetologist licensure in Oregon: complete the 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.), pass the Oregon Laws & Rules Exam and a written exam for each field of practice, and submit your application ($30 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a cosmetologist in Oregon? expand_more

Yes, Oregon requires a state license to practice as a cosmetologist. The licensing body is Oregon Health Licensing Office, Board of Cosmetology. You must pass the Oregon Laws & Rules Exam and a written exam for each field of practice.

What is the average cosmetologist salary in Oregon? expand_more

In Oregon, the median pay for cosmetologists comes to $35,760/year. — within a few percent of the $35,250 national figure. Wages range from $29,760 (10th percentile) up to $75,670 (90th percentile).

What are the fees to become a cosmetologist in Oregon? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($45) and application fee ($30). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How quickly can I become a cosmetologist in Oregon? expand_more

In Oregon, becoming a cosmetologist generally takes 9-12 months, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.