Cosmetologist in Georgia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for GA
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Georgia
To become a licensed Master Cosmetologist in Georgia, applicants must be at least 17 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. They need to complete a 1,500-hour training program at a Board-approved school or a 3,000-hour apprenticeship. After completing the education prerequisite, candidates must pass both the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams. The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers handles the licensing process, and while Georgia does not offer direct reciprocity, individuals licensed in other states may apply for licensure by endorsement.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Georgia
| Detail | Georgia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1500-hour training program and High school diploma or GED |
| Experience Required | 3,000.0 hours |
| Exam | NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI) ($109) |
| Application Fee | $30 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 5.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age is 17 years old for cosmetology school, or 16 years old for an apprenticeship. A criminal background check may be required. Apprenticeships require 3,000 hours over a minimum of 18 months, and the theory exam must be taken within the first 12 months of the apprenticeship. 3 of the 5 required CE hours must be in health and safety courses approved by the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The remaining 2 hours can be in other health and safety courses, industry trends, computer skills, or business management. |
Cosmetologist Salary in Georgia
The median cosmetologist salary in Georgia is $30,790 per year, which is 12.7% below the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $20,990 |
| 25th | $26,010 |
| 50th (median) | $30,790 |
| 75th | $60,910 |
| 90th (experienced) | $79,050 |
Georgia employs approximately 6,850 cosmetologists.
Cosmetologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Cosmetologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.68/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Cosmetologist in Georgia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Georgia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.