Cosmetologist in Texas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TX. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Texas.
Jobs (TX)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
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
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 |
| Reciprocity | Texas offers licensure by substantial equivalence, evaluating out-of-state licenses on a case-by-case basis.Reciprocal states: Texas offers licensure by "substantial equivalence" for out-of-state licensees who meet specific criteria, including holding a valid out-of-state license and fulfilling age, education, and experience prerequisites. Texas does not have reciprocity agreements with specific states for cosmetology licenses, but evaluates qualifications on a case-by-case basis. |
| 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)
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Texas? See whether Texas 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_circleTexas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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