Cosmetologist in New York
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NY
How to Become a Cosmetologist in New York
To become a licensed Cosmetologist in New York, individuals must complete a 1000-hour approved cosmetology training program and pass both the New York State written and practical exams. The licensing body is the New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services. Applicants must be at least 17 years old, complete a health certification, and take a 1-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness course. New York offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees.
Cosmetologist Requirements in New York
| Detail | New York |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1000-hour training program |
| Exam | New York State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($30) |
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age of 17. No high school diploma or GED is strictly required by the state for licensure, though most schools require it for enrollment. Requires a health certification within 30 days of application and a 1-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness course. |
Source: New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
Cosmetologist Salary in New York
The median cosmetologist salary in New York is $33,960 per year, which is 3.7% below the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $31,200 |
| 25th | $33,050 |
| 50th (median) | $33,960 |
| 75th | $51,830 |
| 90th (experienced) | $72,760 |
New York employs approximately 20,300 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 York Worth It?
Factors to consider: New York's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.