Cosmetologist in Maine: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Maine employs 970 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $44,000 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maine licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Maine (May 2025)
- Maine median pay
- $44,000 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $30,640
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $61,860
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $63,640
- Employed in Maine
- 970
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Maine markets:
- Portland
- $46,460 (600 employed)
- Lewiston
- $38,200 (80 employed)
- Bangor
- $37,050 (80 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Maine
Prices in Maine run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $44,000 median stretches to roughly $45,361 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Maine (2024–2034)
Maine is projected to shrink cosmetologists employment -1.9%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 260 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Maine License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Maine OPOR — Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing Program.
- Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school (or 2,500 apprentice hours).
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Maine Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing Program (OPOR).
Official requirements: Maine OPOR — Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing Program →
Training in Maine
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maine include:
- Capilo School of Hair Design — Certificate
- Empire Beauty School-Maine — Certificate
- Spa Tech Institute-Westbrook — 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 Maine?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Maine is $44,000 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $30,640, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $63,640. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Maine?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Maine OPOR — Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing Program. Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school (or 2,500 apprentice hours).
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Maine?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Maine metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Maine metro areas, Portland leads at $46,460, followed by Lewiston ($38,200), Bangor ($37,050). 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 Maine?
Real Maine options include Capilo School of Hair Design, Empire Beauty School-Maine, Spa Tech Institute-Westbrook. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Maine?
Maine projects cosmetologists employment to change -1.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 260 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), Maine statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Maine OPOR — Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing Program (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 Maine wages · Maine 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.