Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Personal Care
Cosmetologist Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for cosmetologist in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Cosmetologist in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Cosmetology Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$29,680 median (16% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Cosmetologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Cosmetology Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $29,680, Cosmetologists in Pennsylvania earn 16% below the national median of $35,250. Pennsylvania ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$29,680Hourly estimate
$14.2716% below national median
Difference: -$5,570
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCosmetologist Salary Ranking
#41 of 50 statesfor Cosmetologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $58,920 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $52,000 |
| #3 | Vermont | $49,640 |
| #4 | South Dakota | $49,050 |
| #5 | Maine | $48,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
Cosmetologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $29,680 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $33,960 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $44,110 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $30,980 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $36,440 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $31,150 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $29,440 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New York | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New Jersey | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Delaware | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Cosmetology Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177837130
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $42,570 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Esthetician | $43,920 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Massage Therapist | $57,660 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Nail Technician | $27,480 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Cosmetologist in Pennsylvania?
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 exams are required for Cosmetologists in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Cosmetologists.
What education do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Cosmetologist licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Cosmetologist salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Cosmetologists in Pennsylvania is $29,680. Salaries range from $20,390 (10th percentile) to $61,990 (90th percentile).
How does the Cosmetologist salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Cosmetologists in Pennsylvania earn 16% below the national median of $35,250, with a state median of $29,680.
How many Cosmetologists work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 18,630 Cosmetologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Cosmetology Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Cosmetology/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Cosmetologist license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.