Cosmetologist in Texas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TX
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Texas
To become a licensed Cosmetologist Operator in Texas, applicants must complete 1500 hours of instruction at a TDLR-approved cosmetology school, or an equivalent combination of beauty school and high school courses, or 300 hours of training if holding a Class A barber certificate. Candidates must be at least 17 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED. After completing the education, individuals must pass both a written and practical examination administered by PSI, and then submit an application with a $50 fee to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Texas offers licensure by "substantial equivalence" for out-of-state licensees, evaluating qualifications on a case-by-case basis.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Texas
| Detail | Texas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1500-hour training program at a TDLR-approved cosmetology school, OR 1000 beauty school hours + 500 hours of related high school courses, OR 300 hours of training + an active Class A barber certificate. High school diploma or GED is also required. |
| Exam | Texas Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by PSI) ($55) |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 4.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age of 17. A criminal history background check is conducted. Licensees with 15 or more years of experience only need 2 hours of CE (1 hour sanitation, 1 hour human trafficking prevention) for renewals on or after September 1, 2025. |
Cosmetologist Salary in Texas
The median cosmetologist salary in Texas is $28,370 per year, which is 19.5% below the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $22,460 |
| 25th | $23,910 |
| 50th (median) | $28,370 |
| 75th | $35,780 |
| 90th (experienced) | $62,470 |
Texas employs approximately 22,470 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 Texas Worth It?
Factors to consider: Texas's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.