Cosmetologist in New Hampshire: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
New Hampshire employs 1,950 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $34,650 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Hampshire licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in New Hampshire (May 2025)
- New Hampshire median pay
- $34,650 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $25,720
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $46,450
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $58,210
- Employed in New Hampshire
- 1,950
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major New Hampshire markets:
- Boston
- $37,430 (7,870 employed)
- Manchester
- $33,510 (670 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Hampshire
Prices in New Hampshire run about 4% above the national average (cost-of-living index 104.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $34,650 median is worth closer to $33,253 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New Hampshire (2024–2034)
New Hampshire is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +4.9%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 370 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Hampshire License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics.
- Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the NH Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics (OPLC).
Official requirements: New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics →
Training in New Hampshire
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Hampshire include:
- Empire Beauty School-Hooksett — Certificate
- Empire Beauty School-Laconia — Certificate
- Empire Beauty School-Somersworth — Certificate
- Keene Beauty Academy — 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 New Hampshire?
The median wage for cosmetologists in New Hampshire is $34,650 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $25,720, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $58,210. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in New Hampshire?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics. Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in New Hampshire?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which New Hampshire metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among New Hampshire metro areas, Boston leads at $37,430, followed by Manchester ($33,510). 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 New Hampshire?
Real New Hampshire options include Empire Beauty School-Hooksett, Empire Beauty School-Laconia, Empire Beauty School-Somersworth. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire projects cosmetologists employment to change +4.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 370 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), New Hampshire statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics (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 New Hampshire wages · New Hampshire 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.