Cosmetologist in Georgia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Georgia employs 7,910 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $34,560 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Georgia licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Georgia (May 2025)
- Georgia median pay
- $34,560 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $17,310
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $48,730
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $79,170
- Employed in Georgia
- 7,910
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Georgia markets:
- Savannah
- $30,210 (310 employed)
- Augusta
- $29,430 (350 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Georgia
Prices in Georgia run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 96.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $34,560 median stretches to roughly $35,888 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Georgia (2024–2034)
Georgia is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +7.9%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,630 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Georgia License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist License — regulated by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers.
- Complete a Georgia-approved cosmetology program (1,500 hours hours) at a licensed cosmetology school. Programs cover hair cutting, coloring, chemical services, skin care basics, nail care basics, cosmetology law, and sanitation.
- Pass the state cosmetology board exam — both the written (theory) and practical (hands-on) components. Most states use the NICS (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) exam or a state-specific exam.
- Apply to Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers for your cosmetologist license. Renew biennially with CE hours. Cosmetologists can work in salons, spas, barber shops, theatrical/film makeup, and as educators once licensed.
Official requirements: Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers →
Training in Georgia
Georgia's cosmetology program typically takes 9–12 months full-time. The Georgia state board administers written and practical exams. Atlanta's diverse salon market — serving one of the South's most diverse metropolitan populations — is particularly active for cosmetologists specializing in natural hair, relaxers, braiding, and multicultural styles. The Georgia State Board separately licenses natural hair stylists.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Georgia include:
- Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College — Certificate
- Albany Beauty Academy — Certificate
- Albany Technical College — Certificate
- Athens Technical College — 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 Georgia?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Georgia is $34,560 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $17,310, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $79,170. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Georgia?
Cosmetologist License, overseen by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. Complete a Georgia-approved cosmetology program (1,500 hours hours) at a licensed cosmetology school. Programs cover hair cutting, coloring, chemical services, skin care basics, nail care basics, cosmetology law, and sanitation.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Georgia?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Georgia metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Georgia metro areas, Savannah leads at $30,210, followed by Augusta ($29,430). 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 Georgia?
Real Georgia options include Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Albany Beauty Academy, Albany Technical College. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Georgia?
Georgia projects cosmetologists employment to change +7.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,630 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), Georgia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers (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 Georgia wages · Georgia 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.