Cosmetologist Salary in Texas
Statewide median pay from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and what it costs to get into the trade here.
Median annual
$38,050
statewide
Median hourly
$18.29
per hour
Jobs in state
25,540
people employed
Cost to enter
$50
licence + training
What the licence costs against the pay
At the state median, the licence and training pay for themselves in roughly 0.0 months of work. That is the number to compare when you are choosing between states — a cheaper licence in a lower-paying state can still be the slower route to break even.
Pay in other states
| State | Median annual | Licence cost | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $46,600 | $125 | 0 mo |
| Florida | $39,050 | $95 | 0 mo |
| Texas | $38,050 | $50 | 0 mo |
How to read these numbers
- Median, not average. A handful of very high earners drag the average up; the median is the middle person.
- Statewide. Metro pay in this trade often runs 10–25% above the state figure, and rural areas below it.
- Before overtime. BLS base pay excludes overtime and shift differentials, which matter a lot in this trade.
Sources
- BLS OEWS state table (archive snapshot)Median annual wage for Cosmetologist in Texas, May 2024
- 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.”