Cosmetologist in Pennsylvania
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for PA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Pennsylvania.
Jobs (PA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cosmetologist in Pennsylvania
To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Pennsylvania, you must meet the requirements set by the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology. This typically involves completing a 1250-hour training program at a licensed cosmetology school or a 2000-hour apprenticeship. After fulfilling the education prerequisite, applicants must pass the Pennsylvania Cosmetology Licensure Examination, which includes both a theory and practical component. Additionally, a criminal history records check is required, and applicants must be at least 16 years old with a 10th-grade education or its equivalent, though exceptions apply for those over 35 or veterans. Reciprocity is available for licensees from most other states, provided they have a current license and at least two years of work experience.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Pennsylvania. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Pennsylvania requirements
| Licensing body | Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1250-hour training program and 10th grade education |
| Exam | Pennsylvania Cosmetology Licensure Examination (theory and practical) ($186) |
| Application fee | $26 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age is 16 years old. A 10th-grade education or equivalent is required, though this is waived for applicants 35 years or older or veterans. Apprenticeship of 2000 hours is an alternative to the 1250 school hours. Applicants must also provide a recent Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) from every state they have lived, worked, or completed professional training/studies for the past five years, dated within 180 days of application submission. Hours earned in a licensed school cannot be combined with apprenticeship hours. Apprenticeship permits are issued for a 21-month period. |
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_circlePennsylvania license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk