You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.

Related Beauty Careers

Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:

Cosmetology Schools Near Me

Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Georgia have to offer.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Georgia

Georgia Cosmetology Careers At a Glance

1,500 education hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours are required to become licensed.
You must renew your license every 2 years.
5 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
The average salary for cosmetologists in Georgia is $37,420.
There is a predicted 26% job increase between 2020–2030 for cosmetologists.

Cosmetologists provide a wide range of hair and beauty services. These can include hair treatments, skincare, nail treatments, and massage. Note that the state of Georgia calls its cosmetologists “master cosmetologists,” but this does not refer to a more advanced type of cosmetology licensure.

To work as a cosmetologist in Georgia, you must train, pass exams, and gain licensure from the state board. You also need to fulfill specific requirements:

Being at least 18 years old
Having a high school diploma or GED
Completing 1,500 training hours over at least nine months (or, if qualifying via the apprenticeship track, complete 3,000 hours over at least 18 months)
Passing written and practical exams
Submitting a notarized application
Paying a nonrefundable application fee of $30 (plus a processing fee of $10)
Showing a current Secure and Verifiable Document such as a driver’s license or passport (or immigration papers, if applicable)
Declaring any criminal history

According to some 2021 estimates, one in three Georgians may have a criminal record. When applying for a cosmetology license in Georgia, you must declare whether you’ve ever been arrested or convicted of a crime.

A criminal record doesn’t always exclude you from being granted a cosmetology license. Still, it may mean the board will review your application.

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Georgia

$37,420

Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Georgia

On average, cosmetologists in Georgia earn $37,420 per year ($17.99 per hour) as of 2021, which is a bit higher than the national average of $35,990.

Even better, the cost of living in Georgia is significantly lower than the national average. So, it’s possible to get more bang for your cosmetology job buck!

Average salaries vary from around $18,180 to $75,470, with factors such as the area where a cosmetologist works, the services they provide, and their level of experience all contributing to this figure. For example, an experienced and specialized hairstylist working in a high-end city salon typically earns more than a newly trained cosmetologist working in a small, rural location.

Projected job growth in Georgia looks positive, with an expected rise of 26% between 2020 and 2030—over 1,800 new openings for cosmetologists in the state each year.

The highest-paying metro and nonmetro areas for cosmetologists in Georgia are:

Metro Area	2021 Median Salary
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA	$29,460
Chattanooga, TN-GA	$28,900
Athens-Clarke County, GA	$28,280
Savannah, GA	$27,920
Gainesville, GA	$26,450
Columbus, GA-AL	$24,690
South Georgia nonmetropolitan area	$23,770
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC	$23,650
Albany, GA	$23,060
Macon, GA	$22,980
North Georgia nonmetropolitan area	$22,760
East Georgia nonmetropolitan area	$22,650
Valdosta, GA	$22,480
Dalton, GA	$21,980

Table information sourced from O*Net (2022).

What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Georgia

1,500 Education Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

A cosmetology program should cover a wide variety of hair and beauty topics. However, the exact program content may vary from school to school. According to state law, all curricula must cover the following topics:

Level 1: Classroom Theory Hours (250 hours)

Theory of chemistry, cleansing, disinfection control, blood spill procedures (40 hours)
Theory of permanent waving (45 hours)
Theory of hair coloring (45 hours)
Theory of hair and scalp treatments and conditioning (20 hours)
Theory of haircutting (25 hours)
Theory of shampooing (15 hours)
Theory of hairdressing and styling (35 hours)
Theory of nail and skincare (25 hours)

Level 2: Practical Hours (1,250 hours)

Theory of cleansing, disinfecting, physiology, electricity, safety precautions, chemistry of beauty products, salesmanship, telephone etiquette, and salon deportment (100 hours)
Social skills, reception and desk work, art and ethics, state board laws and rules (50 hours)
Laboratory (50 hours)
Hairdressing, shampooing, and comb-outs (255 hours)
Haircutting and shaping (124.5 hours)
Permanent waving (150 hours)
Chemical hair relaxing (139 hours)
Hair coloring and lightening (155 hours)
Scalp and hair treatments (49 hours)
Facial treatments, makeup, and hair removal (52.5 hours)
Hair removal (30 hours)
Sanitizing and disinfection of tools, implements, and equipment (5 hours)
Manicures, pedicures, and nail sculpting (90 hours)

Note that you must pass Level 1 theory classwork at a 75% score or higher before you can proceed to practical hours (Level 2).

You may need to obtain additional licenses to offer particular hair and beauty services in Georgia. For example, to perform laser hair removal, you must hold a current Cosmetic Laser Practitioner license issued by the Georgia Composite Medical Board (GCMB).

All cosmetology or barber schools in Georgia must be licensed. To gain licensure, schools must prove they meet criteria dictated by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers and maintain high standards.

They must also renew their licenses regularly and prove these standards have been maintained.

Cosmetology Apprenticeships in Georgia

3,000 Apprenticeship Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

Prospective cosmetologists in Georgia can also enter the profession via apprenticeships. However, this takes longer than the traditional route, with apprentices needing to accrue 3,000 training hours over 18 months versus the 1,500 training hours over nine months regular school program trainees must complete. To apply for an apprentice license, you need to:

Be at least 16 years old
Have proof of a high school diploma or GED
Complete and submit a notarized application
Pay a nonrefundable application fee of $90 (plus a processing fee of $10)
Complete at least 3,000 training hours over at least 18 months
Pass both written and practical exams
Show proof of a current Secure and Verifiable Document such as a driver's license or passport (or immigration papers, if applicable)
Declare any criminal history

Georgia Cosmetology Licensing Requirements

Once you've completed 1,500 hours of cosmetology training or 3,000 hours of approved apprenticeship training, you can move on to the next step. Before you're granted your license, you need to pass two exams—a practical exam and a theory exam.

The tests are overseen by PSI Services LLC. The joint fee for both examinations is $109.

Alternatively, you can pay $64 to take the practical exam or $45 for the written exam. Once you've completed your program, you have 48 months to take and pass your exams.

You can sign up to take the exams online or by calling (855) 744-0314. The exams must be taken at one of the following preapproved PSI locations:

Expand All

PSI Atlanta (Written)

1000 Circle 75 Parkway
Suite 720
Atlanta, GA 30339

PSI Atlanta (Duluth) (Written)

3505 Koger Boulevard
Suite 175
Duluth, GA 30096

PSI Atlanta (Marietta) (Written)

The Pavilions at East Lake Shopping Center
2100 Roswell Road Northeast
Suite 2128
Marietta, GA 30062

PSI Tifton (Written)

251 Southwell Boulevard
Suite A
Tifton, GA 31794

PSI Macon (Practical and Written)

3902 Northside Drive
Suite C5
Macon, GA 31210

PSI Atlanta/Smyrna (Practical)

2400 Lake Park Drive
Suite 245
Smyrna, GA 30080

On the day of the examination, you should arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment and bring two forms of valid ID with you. If taking the practical exam, you also need your student kit, mannequin, and equipment, which must be labeled in English.

The written test comprises 110 questions, of which 100 contribute to your final score. You have 90 minutes to complete the test, which is split into the following areas:

Domain 1: Scientific Concepts (30%)

Infection control and safety practices
Human anatomy and physiology
Basic chemistry of products used in cosmetology

Domain 2: Haircare and Services (40%)

Client consultation, analysis, and documentation
Tools used
Haircare
Hair design
Chemical services

Domain 3: Skincare and Services (15%)

Client consultation, analysis, and documentation
Tools used
Facial skincare services

Domain 4: Nailcare and Services (15%)

Client consultation, analysis, and documentation
Tools used
Application of knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for basic manicure and pedicure
Application of knowledge of principles, procedures, and safety for application, maintenance, and removal of nail enhancements

The practical exam takes 185 minutes and is split into the following areas:

Work area and client preparation (15 minutes)
Thermal curling (10 minutes)
Haircutting (30 minutes)
Chemical waving (20 minutes)
Predisposition test and strand test with simulated product (10 minutes)
Highlighting with foil, virgin application with colored, simulated product (15 minutes)
Hair-color retouch with colored, simulated product (10 minutes)
Virgin-hair relaxer application with colored, simulated product (Untimed)
Blood-exposure procedure (10 minutes)

All PSI exam locations can provide accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. If you feel you need accommodations when taking your exams, notify PSI in advance, and PSI should take steps to provide them.

Upon completing the exams, you receive your grade immediately. If you fail either one, you can retake them an unlimited number of times during the next four years. After this, you need to reapply to the state board.

Eligible veterans and their spouses may qualify for reimbursement of all or part of their examination fees or get exam point credits.

Georgia Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

Sometimes, those already licensed to work as cosmetologists in other states can use their licenses to work in another state. This recognition of another state’s licensure is called reciprocity. Unfortunately, Georgia doesn't reciprocate licenses with any other state. But, if you're licensed and in good standing in another state or a United States territory, you can apply for licensure by endorsement.

Through endorsement, you can gain your license in Georgia without having to retrain or retake your exams.

The state board accepts endorsement applications on paper; these must be mailed in along with any supporting documents and a nonrefundable $75 fee.

If you're a member of the United States Armed Forces or the spouse of one, you may qualify for expedited application processing.

License Renewal

2 Year

License renewal period

5 Hours

Continuing education required

In most states, cosmetologists need to renew their licenses regularly. In Georgia, master cosmetologist licenses must be renewed by March 31 of even-numbered years. Licensees must pay a nonrefundable renewal fee of $50.

In addition to paying the fee, you must provide proof you've completed five hours of continuing education (CE). Three of the five hours must consist of a board-approved health and safety course. The other two hours must be in a board-approved program in any of the following subject areas:

Industry or trade shows
Health and safety
Industry trends
Computer skills
Business management
The specific area of practice for the license

If a license isn't renewed, it's placed into a lapsed-late renewal status for 30 days. After that, the license is considered lapsed and must be reapplied for as if you were a new applicant. It's illegal to continue working with an expired license. If you do so, you may find yourself subject to a fine, a public disciplinary action, or criminal prosecution.

Contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology

214 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334
Website: Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
Contact Form: Contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
Call: 404-656-2881

PSI Services LLC
PSI provides all testing resources for Georgia cosmetologists.

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Cosmetology Schools in Georgia

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