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Verified by AK Board of Personal Care

Cosmetologist Licensing in Alaska

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for cosmetologist in Alaska, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Cosmetologist in Alaska

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development • Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing • State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $44,700 median (27% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #7 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Alaska

With a median salary of 44,700, Cosmetologists in Alaska earn 27% above the national median of $35,250. Alaska ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+5.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,400

Median annual salary

$44,700

Hourly estimate

$21.49
27% above national median

Difference: +$9,450

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$24,400
  • P2525th percentile$29,450
  • P50Median$44,700
  • P7575th percentile$54,410
  • P9090th percentile$78,060

State vs National Median

State: $44,700
National: $35,250

Total employment: 240 | Annual openings: N/A

Cosmetologist Salary Ranking

#7 of 50 statesfor Cosmetologist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington58,920
#2Hawaii52,000
#3Vermont49,640
#4South Dakota49,050
#5Maine48,480

Nearby States Comparison

Cosmetologist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Alaska$44,700Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Washington$58,920Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Oregon$35,760Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
California$39,370Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Hawaii$52,000Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Alaska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Washington54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Hawaii54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development • Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing • State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers

P.O. Box 110806, Juneau, AK, 99811-0806

Phone: 9074651158ext0

Related Careers in Alaska

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$38,960Varies by state board6-24 months
Esthetician$39,440Varies by state board6-24 months
Massage Therapist$135,200Varies by state board6-24 months
Nail Technician$46,040Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Cosmetologist in Alaska?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Cosmetologist salary in Alaska?

The median annual salary for Cosmetologists in Alaska is 44,700. Salaries range from $24,400 (10th percentile) to $78,060 (90th percentile).

How does the Cosmetologist salary in Alaska compare to the national average?

Cosmetologists in Alaska earn 27% above the national median of $35,250, with a state median of 44,700.

How many Cosmetologists work in Alaska?

Alaska employs approximately 240 Cosmetologists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Alaska from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Cosmetologists in Alaska?

The licensing agency is Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development / Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing / State Board of Barbers & Hairdressers. Review agency details at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofBarbersHairdressers.aspx.