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Cosmetologist Licenses › Pennsylvania

Cosmetologist License Cost in Pennsylvania 2026: $210 Fees, $33K Salary

Getting a Cosmetologist license in Pennsylvania costs $210 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.3 months.

Cosmetologist License in Pennsylvania — Key Numbers

$210
Upfront Cost
$33K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$55
Renewal (every 2 yrs)
0.3 mo
Payback Period

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

Cosmetologist License Cost Breakdown — Pennsylvania

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 (Pennsylvania) $23,280/yr
Salary with license (Pennsylvania) $32,980/yr
5-year net ROI $48K

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

Cosmetologist License in Pennsylvania — What to Know

Pennsylvania requires 1,000–1,500 hours of cosmetology school before you can sit for the state board exam. The $33K median for licensed cosmetologists in Pennsylvania spans a wide range from commission stylists to booth renters. Booth rental rates in Pennsylvania'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.

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Other License Costs in Pennsylvania

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