Cosmetologist in Oregon
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OR
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Oregon
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Oregon, individuals must complete a board-approved training program, which typically includes a specified number of hours for their chosen field of practice (e.g., 1110 hours for hair design), and hold a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must pass the Oregon Laws & Rules Exam and a written exam for each field of practice, with a score of 75% or higher on each section. The Oregon Health Licensing Office, Board of Cosmetology, oversees the licensing process, and while Oregon does not have a state-administered practical exam, skills are certified by the school. Reciprocity is available for out-of-state licensees who meet Oregon's requirements and pass the necessary exams.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Oregon
| Detail | Oregon |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Oregon Health Licensing Office, Board of Cosmetology |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a board-approved program (e.g., 1110 hours for hair design) and high school diploma or GED. Oregon does not offer an umbrella cosmetology certification, but rather licenses in specific fields like hair design, esthetics, and nail technology. |
| Exam | Oregon Laws & Rules Exam and a written exam for each field of practice ($45) |
| Application Fee | $30 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age is 17 years old. Oregon does not have a state-administered practical exam; skills are certified by the school. Applicants must pass both a written examination and a practical exam, administered on two separate testing days at a licensed testing center. The Oregon Laws and Rules examination is mandatory for all applicants. To pass, a score of 75% or higher is required on each written section. |
Source: Oregon Health Licensing Office, Board of Cosmetology
Cosmetologist Salary in Oregon
The median cosmetologist salary in Oregon is $35,760 per year, which is 1.4% above the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $29,760 |
| 25th | $33,610 |
| 50th (median) | $35,760 |
| 75th | $55,960 |
| 90th (experienced) | $75,670 |
Oregon employs approximately 1,900 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 Oregon Worth It?
Factors to consider: Oregon's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.