Cosmetologist in Mississippi
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MS
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Mississippi
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Mississippi, you must complete 1500 hours of training at an accredited school over a minimum of nine months and hold a high school diploma or GED. You must be at least 17 years old. After completing your education, you need to pass both the written and practical NIC National Cosmetology Exams with a score of at least 70% on each. The application process involves submitting an application to the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering, paying a $25 application fee, and a $50 licensing fee after passing the exams. Mississippi offers reciprocity for cosmetologists licensed in other states with similar educational requirements, provided they pass a Mississippi state law exam.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Mississippi
| Detail | Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1500 hours of training at an accredited school (minimum 9 months) and High school diploma or GED or proof of enrollment in a community college |
| Exam | NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($150) |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age of 17 years old. No continuing education is required for a standard cosmetologist license renewal; however, 16 hours are required to upgrade to a Master Cosmetologist license, and 8 hours are required for subsequent Master Cosmetologist license renewals. The exam passing score is 70% for both written and practical portions. |
Source: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
Cosmetologist Salary in Mississippi
The median cosmetologist salary in Mississippi is $28,360 per year, which is 19.5% below the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $17,220 |
| 25th | $22,000 |
| 50th (median) | $28,360 |
| 75th | $50,690 |
| 90th (experienced) | $62,990 |
Mississippi employs approximately 910 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 Mississippi Worth It?
Factors to consider: Mississippi's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.