Cosmetologist in New Jersey: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Licensed local services

New Jersey employs 15,500 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $36,150 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Jersey licensing picture, and where to train.

What Cosmetologists Earn in New Jersey (May 2025)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major New Jersey markets:

What That Pay Is Worth in New Jersey

Prices in New Jersey run about 9% above the national average (cost-of-living index 108.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $36,150 median is worth closer to $33,226 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in New Jersey (2024–2034)

New Jersey is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +9.2%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 4,000 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

New Jersey License and Certification Requirements

Cosmetologist License — regulated by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.

1. Complete a New Jersey-approved cosmetology program (1,200 hours hours) at a licensed cosmetology school. Programs cover hair cutting, coloring, chemical services, skin care basics, nail care basics, cosmetology law, and sanitation.
2. 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.
3. Apply to New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling 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: New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling →

Training in New Jersey

New Jersey's 1,200-hour cosmetology program typically runs 9–12 months full-time. The NJ Board of Cosmetology administers written and practical exams. NJ's diverse population — one of the most diverse states in the US — creates exceptional demand for cosmetologists skilled in multicultural hair care. The NYC metro salary premium makes NJ salon wages among the highest in the country.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Jersey include:

• Artistic Academy of Hair Design — Certificate
• Burlington County Institute of Technology-Adult Education — Certificate
• Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology — Certificate
• Cutting Edge 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

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), New Jersey statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (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 Jersey wages · New Jersey 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.