Texas Cosmetologist License: Requirements, Cost & Timeline
Texas requires a state license for this trade. Here is every step, fee and hour it takes — and what it pays once you are licensed.
Do you need a license?
Yes. The credential is the Cosmetology Operator License, issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Barbering and Cosmetology. Working without it is a violation in Texas and can carry fines or a stop-work order, so the sequence below matters: training first, then the exam, then the application.
How many people pass
About 49% of candidates pass on a given attempt, based on the board's own published statistics. Plan for a retake: it costs money and weeks.
Steps to get licensed
- Complete a 1,000-hour Cosmetology Operator course at a TDLR-licensed school (a student permit is issued during training).
- Take the PSI written licensing exam once the school reports 900 of the 1,000 required hours.
- Pass the PSI practical exam after completing all 1,000 hours.
- Submit the license application with the $50 non-refundable fee (minimum age 17).
- Receive a license valid for two years and renew with 4 hours of approved continuing education per cycle.
What it costs
The figures below are what the state charges. Training is separate and quotes vary by provider — a community-college programme and a private trade school can differ by thousands for the same licence.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $50 |
| Total state fees | $50 |
The exam fee is set by the testing vendor, not the state, and is not included above.
Full cost breakdown for Texas →
How long it takes
The state requires 1,000 hours of training or supervised work before you can sit the exam. At 40 hours a week that is about 5.8 months of full-time work — most people take longer because they train part-time while earning.
Keeping it valid
The licence renews every 2 years. Out-of-state license holders may apply for a Texas license by equivalence, using the other state's license as proof of training and experience. No universal recognition; TDLR reviews the out-of-state license.
What it pays in Texas
Median annual wage for Cosmetologist in Texas: $38,050 ($18.29/hour), across 25,540 jobs. That is the midpoint — half of people in this trade earn more, half less.
Pay detail for Texas, and how it compares →
Other states
| State | State fees | Time | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $125 | 5.8 mo | $46,600 |
| Florida | $95 | 6.9 mo | $39,050 |
Common questions
Do you need a license to be a Cosmetologist in Texas?
Cosmetology Operator License. Yes — issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — Barbering and Cosmetology.
How much does a Cosmetologist license cost in Texas?
$50 in state fees. Exam retakes cost extra.
How long does it take to get a Cosmetologist license in Texas?
About 5.8 months of full-time work: the state requires 1,000 hours of training or supervised experience before the exam.
What does a Cosmetologist make in Texas?
The median is $38,050 a year ($18.29 an hour) statewide, per BLS OEWS May 2024.
Sources
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/apply-cosmetologist.htm“Before applying for a Cosmetology Operator license, you must complete a Cosmetology Operator course consisting of 1,000 hours of instruction at a licensed school.”
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/apply-cosmetologist.htm“There is a non-refundable application fee of $50.”
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/apply-cosmetologist.htm“Cosmetology Operator licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue.”
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/examinations/exam-stats-2025.htm“Operator Written | 10,463 | 10,868 | 21,331 | 49.05%”
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/examinations/exam-stats-2025.htm“Operator Practical | 9,471 | 1,159 | 10,630 | 89.10%”
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/examinations/“You will receive an eligibility email notice from PSI.”
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/continuing-education.htm“You must complete a total of 4 hours of department-approved continuing education courses every two years to renew your license”
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/out-of-state/“If you are currently licensed in another US state, you may be able to apply for a Texas license using your out of state license as proof of your training and experience.”