Cosmetologist in Pennsylvania: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Pennsylvania employs 19,350 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $36,790 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Pennsylvania licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Pennsylvania (May 2025)
- Pennsylvania median pay
- $36,790 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $23,700
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $55,360
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $68,750
- Employed in Pennsylvania
- 19,350
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Pennsylvania markets:
- Pittsburgh
- $38,100 (4,190 employed)
- Harrisburg
- $30,550 (840 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Pennsylvania
Prices in Pennsylvania run about 2% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $36,790 median stretches to roughly $37,695 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Pennsylvania (2024–2034)
Pennsylvania is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +6.3%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 5,080 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Pennsylvania License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist License — regulated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology.
- Complete a Pennsylvania-approved cosmetology program (1,250 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 Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology 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: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology →
Training in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's cosmetology program typically takes 9–12 months. State board exams include a written theory component and a practical skills demonstration. Philadelphia's salon market is large and diverse, particularly in South Philly, Center City, and the Main Line suburbs. Pittsburgh's growing Southside and East End neighborhoods support an active salon culture.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Pennsylvania include:
- Altoona Beauty School Inc — Certificate
- American Barber and Beauty Academy — Certificate
- Barber School of Pittsburgh — Certificate / Associate
- Barber and Beauty Academy of Pennsylvania — 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 Pennsylvania?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Pennsylvania is $36,790 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $23,700, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $68,750. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Pennsylvania?
Cosmetologist License, overseen by the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology. Complete a Pennsylvania-approved cosmetology program (1,250 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 Pennsylvania?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Pennsylvania metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Pennsylvania metro areas, Pittsburgh leads at $38,100, followed by Harrisburg ($30,550). 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 Pennsylvania?
Real Pennsylvania options include Altoona Beauty School Inc, American Barber and Beauty Academy, Barber School of Pittsburgh. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania projects cosmetologists employment to change +6.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 5,080 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), Pennsylvania statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology (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 Pennsylvania wages · Pennsylvania 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.