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Cosmetologist Licenses › New York

Cosmetologist License Cost in New York 2026: $120 Fees, $40K Salary

Getting a Cosmetologist license in New York costs $120 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.

Cosmetologist License in New York — Key Numbers

$120
Upfront Cost
$40K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$40
Renewal (every 2 yrs)
0.1 mo
Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Cosmetologist License Cost Breakdown — New York

Exam fee $40
Application fee $40
Initial license fee $40
Total upfront $120
Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $40
CE hours required per cycle 16 hours
Salary without license (New York) $28,320/yr
Salary with license (New York) $40,120/yr
5-year net ROI $59K

Licensing body: New York Board of Cosmetology. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Cosmetologist License in New York — What to Know

New York 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 $40K median covers licensed cosmetologists; top stylists at independent salons or booth renters in New York's metro areas earn considerably more. New York'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.

Payback Calculator

Other License Costs in New York

Real Estate Agent → Registered Nurse → General Contractor →
← All states: Cosmetologist License Costs
All certifications in New York · Payback period by state
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