Cosmetologist in Louisiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Louisiana
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Louisiana, individuals must complete 1500 hours of training at a Louisiana Board-approved cosmetology school and have at least a 10th-grade education. Applicants must pass both a written and practical examination administered by the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology, achieving a score of 75% or higher on each. The total cost for the exams is $50, with an additional application fee. Licenses must be renewed annually on the licensee's birthday, and continuing education is not required for cosmetologists, though it is for instructors. Louisiana offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet the state's requirements and pass any necessary Louisiana examinations.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Louisiana
| Detail | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Louisiana Board of Cosmetology |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1500 hours of training at a Louisiana Board-approved cosmetology school and completion of 10th grade or equivalent. |
| Exam | NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($50) |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Notes | Minimum age of 16. Renewal is annual on the licensee's birthday. Cosmetologists do not have continuing education requirements for renewal, but instructors do. The written exam can be taken after 1000 hours of training, but the practical exam requires completion of the full program. A passing score of 75% is required on both exams. Reciprocity is available for those with an active license from another state or territory, provided they pass any required Louisiana state examinations, including a jurisprudence exam if not previously taken. |
Source: Louisiana Board of Cosmetology
Cosmetologist Salary in Louisiana
The median cosmetologist salary in Louisiana is $23,470 per year, which is 33.4% below the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $17,830 |
| 25th | $21,190 |
| 50th (median) | $23,470 |
| 75th | $29,590 |
| 90th (experienced) | $46,720 |
Louisiana employs approximately 2,390 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 Louisiana Worth It?
Factors to consider: Louisiana's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.