Cosmetologist in Texas

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

Median annual salary

$28,370

trending_down -19.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Texas.

engineering

22,470

Jobs (TX)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$105

Licensing fees

schedule

7-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Texas

To become a licensed Cosmetologist Operator in Texas, applicants must complete 1500 hours of instruction at a TDLR-approved cosmetology school, or an equivalent combination of beauty school and high school courses, or 300 hours of training if holding a Class A barber certificate. Candidates must be at least 17 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED. After completing the education, individuals must pass both a written and practical examination administered by PSI, and then submit an application with a $50 fee to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Texas offers licensure by "substantial equivalence" for out-of-state licensees, evaluating qualifications on a case-by-case basis.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $22,460

25th percentile $23,910

50th (median) $28,370

75th percentile $35,780

90th (experienced) $62,470

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

checklist Texas requirements

Licensing body	Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program at a TDLR-approved cosmetology school, OR 1000 beauty school hours + 500 hours of related high school courses, OR 300 hours of training + an active Class A barber certificate. High school diploma or GED is also required.
Exam	Texas Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI) ($55)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	4.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 17. A criminal history background check is conducted. Licensees with 15 or more years of experience only need 2 hours of CE (1 hour sanitation, 1 hour human trafficking prevention) for renewals on or after September 1, 2025.

Source: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)

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_circleTexas 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

What's required to work as a cosmetologist in Texas? expand_more

The path to cosmetologist licensure in Texas: complete the required education (1500-hour training program at a TDLR-approved cosmetology school, OR 1000 beauty school hours + 500 hours of related high school courses, OR 300 hours of training + an active Class A barber certificate. High school diploma or GED is also required.), pass the Texas Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI), and submit your application ($50 fee).

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

Yes, Texas requires a state license to practice as a cosmetologist. The licensing body is Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). You must pass the Texas Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI).

How much do cosmetologists make in Texas? expand_more

Texas cosmetologists bring home a median salary of $28,370. That's 20% below the national median of $35,250. Wages range from $22,460 (10th percentile) up to $62,470 (90th percentile).

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

Between exam fee ($55) and application fee ($50), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

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

Expect to spend 7-12 months from start to finish in Texas — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

How many CE hours do cosmetologists need in Texas? expand_more

License renewal in Texas requires completing 4.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.