Cosmetologist in New Hampshire
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NH
How to Become a Cosmetologist in New Hampshire
To become a licensed Cosmetologist in New Hampshire, applicants must complete either a 1500-hour training program from a Board-approved cosmetology school or 3000 hours of apprentice training over at least 18 months, along with a high school diploma or GED. They must pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written Exam, NIC Practical Exam, and the NH State Law Exam. The licensing body is the New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics. New Hampshire offers reciprocity for licensees from other states with equivalent training hours, though passing the NH State Law exam may be required.
Cosmetologist Requirements in New Hampshire
| Detail | New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1500-hour training program or 3000 hours of apprentice training over at least 18 months, and High school diploma or GED |
| Experience Required | 3,000.0 hours |
| Exam | NIC National Cosmetology Written Exam, NIC Practical Exam, and NH State Law Exam ($187) |
| Application Fee | $55 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age 16. Renewal is biennial on the last day of the licensee's birth month in even-numbered years. A criminal background check may be required for reciprocity applicants. |
Source: New Hampshire Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics
Cosmetologist Salary in New Hampshire
The median cosmetologist salary in New Hampshire is $42,000 per year, which is 19.1% above the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $22,730 |
| 25th | $30,120 |
| 50th (median) | $42,000 |
| 75th | $47,580 |
| 90th (experienced) | $55,530 |
New Hampshire employs approximately 1,550 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 New Hampshire Worth It?
Factors to consider: New Hampshire's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.