California Cosmetologist License Cost
Every fee the state charges, what training adds on top, and what the same licence costs in other states.
The fees, itemised
These are the state's own charges. Training is the big variable and is listed separately where the state sets a requirement.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $125 | |
| Renewal fee | $50 | |
| Total | $125 | before exam retakes |
The state fees are fixed. Training is the part that moves: community college, private trade school and employer-sponsored apprenticeship can differ by thousands of dollars for the same licence.
Renewal
Renewal costs $50 every 2 years. Over ten years that is about $250 in renewals alone.
Cost in other states
| State | State fees | Time | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $125 | 5.8 mo | $46,600 |
| Florida | $95 | 6.9 mo | $39,050 |
| Texas | $50 | 5.8 mo | $38,050 |
Cheapest route we found: Texas at $50. Highest median pay: California at $46,600 — the two are rarely the same state, which is the whole decision.
Sources
- https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/forms_pubs/publications/faqs.shtml“Cosmetologist = 1000 hours, Barber = 1000 hours, Esthetician = 600 hours, Electrologist = 600 hours, Hairstylist = 600, Manicurist = 400 hours.”
- https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/forms_pubs/forms/cosmetologist_app.pdf“Cosmetologist APPLICATION FOR EXAMINATION AND INITIAL LICENSE FEE $125.00 Fee (non-refundable)”
- https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/licensees/license_renewals.shtml“Cosmetologist $50.00 $25.00 2 years”
- https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/applicants/index.shtml“Candidates only need to pass the written exam to become licensed.”
- https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/applicants/index.shtml“The Board issues out of state licensees a California license through reciprocity without taking the California written exam”
- https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/applicants/license_requirements.shtml“The board shall admit to examination for a license as a cosmetologist to practice cosmetology any person who has made application to the board in proper form, paid the fee required by this chapter”