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Verified by ME Board of Personal Care

Cosmetologist Licensing in Maine

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Cosmetologist in Maine

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    License Type: Tied to business.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation • Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $48,480 median (38% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Maine eligibility requirements for Cosmetologist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation~Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Maine

With a median salary of $48,480, Cosmetologists in Maine earn 38% above the national median of $35,250. Maine ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,220

Median annual salary

$48,480

Hourly estimate

$23.31
38% above national median

Difference: +$13,230

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$30,730
  • P2525th percentile$36,270
  • P50Median$48,480
  • P7575th percentile$61,420
  • P9090th percentile$74,160

State vs National Median

State: $48,480
National: $35,250

Total employment: 820 | Annual openings: N/A

Cosmetologist Salary Ranking

#5 of 50 statesfor Cosmetologist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$58,920
#2Hawaii$52,000
#3Vermont$49,640
#4South Dakota$49,050
#5Maine$48,480

Nearby States Comparison

Cosmetologist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Maine$48,480No educational requirementsState-approved examVaries by board
New Hampshire$42,000Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

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
Maine78HighBoard-specific review required.
New Hampshire68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation • Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Gardiner Annex/ 76 Northern Ave, 35 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333-0035

Phone: 2076248603

Related Careers in Maine

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$36,460No educational requirementsVaries by board
Esthetician$73,500Specific course requiredVaries by board
Massage Therapist$67,420No educational requirementsVaries by board
Nail Technician$49,430No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What education do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Maine?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Cosmetologist licensure in Maine.

What is the typical Cosmetologist salary in Maine?

The median annual salary for Cosmetologists in Maine is $48,480. Salaries range from $30,730 (10th percentile) to $74,160 (90th percentile).

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

Cosmetologists in Maine earn 38% above the national median of $35,250, with a state median of $48,480.

How many Cosmetologists work in Maine?

Maine employs approximately 820 Cosmetologists according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Cosmetologists in Maine?

The licensing agency is Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation / Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/index.shtml.

How often do you renew a Cosmetologist license in Maine?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.