Cosmetologist License Cost in Hawaii 2026: $210 Fees, $38K Salary
Getting a Cosmetologist license in Hawaii costs $210 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.2 months.
Cosmetologist License in Hawaii — Key Numbers
$210
Upfront Cost
$38K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$55
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 — Hawaii
Exam fee
$95
Application fee
$65
Initial license fee
$50
Total upfront
$210
Renewal fee (every 2 yrs)
$55
CE hours required per cycle
16 hours
Salary without license (Hawaii)
$26,880/yr
Salary with license (Hawaii)
$38,080/yr
5-year net ROI
$56K
Licensing body: Hawaii Board of Cosmetology. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
Cosmetologist License in Hawaii — What to Know
Hawaii cosmetology licensing requires significant education hours — most states in this tier require 1,000–1,500 hours of cosmetology school before the state board exam. The $38K median covers licensed cosmetologists; top stylists at independent salons or booth renters in Hawaii's metro areas earn considerably more. Hawaii's licensing board requires both a practical and written exam. School tuition ($6,000–$18,000) is the real upfront cost — the license fees themselves are minor.