Cosmetologist in Hawaii
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for HI
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Hawaii
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Hawaii, applicants must complete 1800 hours of training at a board-approved beauty school or 3600 apprenticeship hours, and hold a high school diploma or GED. They must then pass both the Prometric Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams with a score of at least 75% on each portion. The application fee is $20, and licenses are renewed every two years, with no continuing education required. Hawaii does offer reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet equivalent requirements and pass the Hawaii written exam.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Hawaii
| Detail | Hawaii |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Hawaii Board of Barbering and Cosmetology |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1800 hours of training at a board-approved beauty school or 3600 apprenticeship hours, and a high school diploma or GED. |
| Exam | Prometric Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (passing score of 75% on each portion) ($90) |
| Application Fee | $20 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age of 16 years old. Hawaii uses the term 'Beauty Operator' for cosmetologist. A temporary permit is available to work under supervision while waiting to take the licensing exam, valid for one year. A criminal background check is required. |
Cosmetologist Salary in Hawaii
The median cosmetologist salary in Hawaii is $52,000 per year, which is 47.5% above the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $29,120 |
| 25th | $29,120 |
| 50th (median) | $52,000 |
| 75th | $62,060 |
| 90th (experienced) | $78,840 |
Hawaii employs approximately 1,000 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 Hawaii Worth It?
Factors to consider: Hawaii's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.