Cosmetologist License Cost in Georgia 2026: $193 Fees, $32K Salary
Getting a Cosmetologist license in Georgia costs $193 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.2 months.
Cosmetologist License in Georgia — Key Numbers
$193
Upfront Cost
$32K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$50
Renewal (every 2 yrs)
0.2 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.
Cosmetologist License Cost Breakdown — Georgia
Exam fee
$73
Application fee
$60
Initial license fee
$60
Total upfront
$193
Renewal fee (every 2 yrs)
$50
CE hours required per cycle
16 hours
Salary without license (Georgia)
$22,320/yr
Salary with license (Georgia)
$31,620/yr
5-year net ROI
$46K
Licensing body: Georgia Board of Cosmetology. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
Cosmetologist License in Georgia — What to Know
Georgia requires 1,000–1,500 hours of cosmetology school before you can sit for the state board exam. The $32K median for licensed cosmetologists in Georgia spans a wide range from commission stylists to booth renters. Booth rental rates in Georgia's established markets run $150–$350/week, with income tied directly to client retention. The license fees are minimal — cosmetology school tuition ($6,000–$14,000) is where the real cost sits.