Cosmetologist in Louisiana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Louisiana employs 2,720 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $26,030 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Louisiana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Louisiana (May 2025)
- Louisiana median pay
- $26,030 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $21,590
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $29,530
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $33,900
- Employed in Louisiana
- 2,720
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Louisiana markets:
- New Orleans
- $26,470 (670 employed)
- Baton Rouge
- $26,300 (510 employed)
- Slidell
- $26,080 (290 employed)
- Shreveport
- $24,170 (250 employed)
- Lake Charles
- $23,840 (150 employed)
- Lafayette
- $23,700 (350 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Louisiana
Prices in Louisiana run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 88.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $26,030 median stretches to roughly $29,512 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Louisiana (2024–2034)
Louisiana is projected to shrink cosmetologists employment -9.4%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 490 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Louisiana License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC).
- Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology.
Official requirements: Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC) →
Training in Louisiana
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Louisiana include:
- Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Baton Rouge — Certificate
- Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington — Certificate / Associate
- Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Lafayette — Certificate
- Baton Rouge Community 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 Louisiana?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Louisiana is $26,030 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $21,590, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $33,900. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Louisiana?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC). Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Louisiana?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Louisiana metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Louisiana metro areas, New Orleans leads at $26,470, followed by Baton Rouge ($26,300), Slidell ($26,080). 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 Louisiana?
Real Louisiana options include Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Baton Rouge, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Lafayette. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Louisiana?
Louisiana projects cosmetologists employment to change -9.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 490 openings a year — a declining field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Louisiana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC) (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 Louisiana wages · Louisiana 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.