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Cosmetologist Licenses › Texas

Cosmetologist License Cost in Texas 2026: $174 Fees, $33K Salary

Getting a Cosmetologist license in Texas costs $174 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.2 months.

Cosmetologist License in Texas — Key Numbers

$174
Upfront Cost
$33K
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 — Texas

Exam fee $74
Application fee $50
Initial license fee $50
Total upfront $174
Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $50
CE hours required per cycle 16 hours
Salary without license (Texas) $23,520/yr
Salary with license (Texas) $33,320/yr
5-year net ROI $49K

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

Cosmetologist License in Texas — What to Know

Texas 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 Texas spans a wide range from commission stylists to booth renters. Booth rental rates in Texas'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 Texas

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