Cosmetologist in Rhode Island: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Rhode Island employs 1,470 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $31,200 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Rhode Island licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Rhode Island (May 2025)
- Rhode Island median pay
- $31,200 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,200
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $32,950
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $38,630
- Employed in Rhode Island
- 1,470
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Rhode Island markets:
- Providence
- $31,200 (2,120 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Rhode Island
Prices in Rhode Island run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $31,200 median is worth closer to $30,499 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Rhode Island (2024–2034)
Rhode Island is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +8.3%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 480 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Rhode Island License and Certification Requirements
Hairdresser/Cosmetician license — regulated by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology.
- Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to RI DOH (Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology).
Official requirements: Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology →
Training in Rhode Island
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Rhode Island include:
- COLLECTIV Academy-Cranston — Certificate
- Empire Beauty School-Warwick — Certificate
- Paul Mitchell the School-Rhode Island — 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 Rhode Island?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Rhode Island is $31,200 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,200, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $38,630. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Rhode Island?
Hairdresser/Cosmetician license, overseen by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology. Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Rhode Island?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Rhode Island metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Rhode Island metro areas, Providence leads at $31,200. 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 Rhode Island?
Real Rhode Island options include COLLECTIV Academy-Cranston, Empire Beauty School-Warwick, Paul Mitchell the School-Rhode Island. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island projects cosmetologists employment to change +8.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 480 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), Rhode Island statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Barbering, Hairdressing & 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 Rhode Island wages · Rhode Island 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.