Cosmetologist in Vermont

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

Median annual salary
$49,640
trending_up +40.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Vermont.

engineering
520

Jobs (VT)

monitoring Strong
+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$345

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies (1500 hours of schooling or 24-month apprenticeship)

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Vermont

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Vermont, applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. They need to complete either a 1500-hour program at an approved cosmetology school or a 2000-hour (24-month) apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist. Candidates must pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, as well as the Vermont Cosmetology Jurisprudence Exam, all administered by Prov. Vermont offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet specific criteria, including similar training hours or documented work experience.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,630
25th percentile $44,280
50th (median) $49,640
75th percentile $59,800
90th (experienced) $77,990

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

checklist Vermont requirements

Licensing bodyVermont Office of Professional Regulation - Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
State license Required
Education1500 hours of training at an approved cosmetology school or a 2000-hour (24-month) apprenticeship. High school diploma or GED also required.
ExamNIC National Cosmetology Written, Practical, and Vermont Cosmetology Jurisprudence Exams (administered by Prov) ($225)
Application fee$120
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
ReciprocityVermont offers endorsement, but applicants may need to pass the state's jurisprudence exam.Reciprocal states: Vermont offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists licensed in other states if their requirements are similar or if they have worked for at least 1500 hours over one year, or for three years immediately preceding the application. A Cosmetology Endorsement Application must be submitted, and a Verification of Licensure Form from the home state's board is required. Applicants may need to take the Vermont Cosmetology Jurisprudence Exam.
NotesMinimum age of 18 years old. Apprenticeship requires a licensed cosmetologist supervisor for at least five years. A background check is required.

Source: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation - Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Vermont? See whether Vermont 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

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_circleVermont 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

What are the steps to becoming a cosmetologist in Vermont? expand_more
To become a cosmetologist in Vermont, you need to complete the required education (1500 hours of training at an approved cosmetology school or a 2000-hour (24-month) apprenticeship. High school diploma or GED also required.), pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written, Practical, and Vermont Cosmetology Jurisprudence Exams (administered by Prov), and submit your application ($120 fee).
Is a cosmetologist license required in Vermont? expand_more
A state license is required in Vermont. Vermont Office of Professional Regulation - Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists handles cosmetologist licensing — the NIC National Cosmetology Written, Practical, and Vermont Cosmetology Jurisprudence Exams (administered by Prov) is part of the process.
How much do cosmetologists make in Vermont? expand_more
cosmetologists in Vermont earn a median of $49,640 annually. This exceeds the $35,250 national median by 41%. New cosmetologists start around $36,630; seasoned professionals can reach $77,990.
How expensive is cosmetologist licensing in Vermont? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($225) and application fee ($120). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
What's the timeline to become a cosmetologist in Vermont? expand_more
Most candidates in Vermont complete the process in Varies (1500 hours of schooling or 24-month apprenticeship), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

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