Cosmetologist in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Arkansas employs 1,410 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $28,830 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)
- Arkansas median pay
- $28,830 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $23,920
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $33,730
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $49,990
- Employed in Arkansas
- 1,410
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Arkansas markets:
- Memphis
- $30,980 (1,000 employed)
- Fayetteville
- $30,410 (540 employed)
- Fort Smith
- $28,090 (70 employed)
- Little Rock
- $27,790 (470 employed)
- Texarkana
- $27,750 (50 employed)
- Jonesboro
- $27,570 (90 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas
Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $28,830 median stretches to roughly $33,176 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)
Arkansas is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +9.8%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 430 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Arkansas License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Arkansas Dept. of Health — Cosmetology Section.
- Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Arkansas Dept. of Health Cosmetology Section.
Official requirements: Arkansas Dept. of Health — Cosmetology Section →
Training in Arkansas
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arkansas include:
- Academy of Professional Cosmetology — Certificate
- Academy of Salon and Spa — Certificate
- Arkansas Beauty College — Certificate
- Arkansas Beauty School-Little Rock — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who are creative, social, and want a licensed practice with real self-employment potential once they build a clientele.
Think twice if: Standing all day, chemical exposure, irregular booth-rental income, and state-mandated training hours of 1,000–1,600 sound like barriers.
Why it's resilient: Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
First Steps
Check your state's required hours, compare licensed school costs, and ask about job placement rates before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cosmetologists make in Arkansas?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Arkansas is $28,830 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $23,920, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $49,990. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Arkansas?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Arkansas Dept. of Health — Cosmetology Section. Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Arkansas?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Arkansas metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Arkansas metro areas, Memphis leads at $30,980, followed by Fayetteville ($30,410), Fort Smith ($28,090). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Cosmetologist in Arkansas?
Real Arkansas options include Academy of Professional Cosmetology, Academy of Salon and Spa, Arkansas Beauty College. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects cosmetologists employment to change +9.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 430 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Arkansas Dept. of Health — Cosmetology Section (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Arkansas wages · Arkansas licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.