If you're considering attending cosmetology school in Maine, now may be the perfect time to start! Now, not only do cosmetologists in the state get to provide services across a variety of beauty fields, but they also earn a higher-than-average salary while doing so.
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:
What to Expect from a Cosmetology Program in Maine
1500 Hours
Time to Complete a Cosmetology Program in Maine
Your Maine cosmetology program will last for 1500 hours and include hands-on and classroom training about hair, skin, and nail services.
The cosmetology courses should include everything you'll encounter on the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) exams you need to pass before getting your license. The recommended curriculum breakdown is:
Bacteriology, hygiene, principles and practices of infection prevention and control, exposure to blood and bodily fluids, sterilization, disinfecting, sanitation, universal precautions; basic first aid and benefits and differences of cleaning, sanitation, disinfecting and sterilizing: 35 hours
Business and salon/establishment management, including, but not limited to: the Program laws and applicable rules; the study of theory and subjects in which an individual student may be deficient and elective subjects related to the practice of cosmetology: 80 hours
Chemical texture services, including, but not limited to: soft curl permanents; permanent waving and chemical hair relaxing/straightening: 225 hours
Cosmetology practice equipment, tools, implements, and devices including, but is not limited to: styling; manicuring; skin care and scalp treatment equipment; scissors; razors; clippers; trimmers; devices; dryers; thermal and other irons and their use and safety, sanitation, sterilization and precautions: 25 hours
Cutting, fitting, coloring, or styling of hairpieces or wigs: 20 hours
General sciences including, but not limited to the following: hygiene; anatomy and physiology; skin and nail structure, growth, nutrition, disorders and diseases; properties of the hair and scalp; basics of chemistry and electricity: 85 hours
Hair coloring, tinting and bleaching: 285 hours
Haircutting principles and techniques (all implements): 300 hours
Hairstyling, including, but not limited to: thermal hair styling and straightening; finger waving; pin and roller curls; wrapping; blow-dry styling and comb out techniques: 225 hours
Nail technology, including, but not limited to: manicuring; pedicuring; nail enhancements and their various applications, sanitation, safety, and precautions: 80 hours
Shampooing, conditioning and scalp care: 40 hours
Skin care, including, but not limited to: facials and facial massage; hair removal; scalp treatments; use of cosmetics and art of make-up applications: 100 hours
Can I Become a Cosmetologist in Maine Via an Apprenticeship?
Yes, you can become a cosmetologist in Maine through a 2500-hour apprenticeship. Rather than "apprentice," the state usually uses the term "trainee." You must have a trainee license and work under a qualified supervisor, who will complete an affidavit vouching for your training.
Your apprenticeship hours will likely break down as follows:
Bacteriology, hygiene, infection prevention and control, first aid, and similar topics: 175 hours
Business management: 130 hours
Chemical texture services: 450 hours
Cosmetology equipment, tools, implements, and devices: 175 hours
General sciences: 175 hours
Hair coloring, tinting, and bleaching: 235 hours
Hair replacement systems (wigs, hair pieces, etc.): 40 hours
Haircutting: 325 hours
Hairstyling: 420 hours
Nail technology: 150 hours
Shampooing, conditioning, and scalp care: 65 hours
Skin care: 160 hours
How to Get Your Cosmetology License in Maine
Cosmetology licensure requirements in Maine go beyond completing a program and passing your exams. You must also:
You need to pass written and practical National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) tests to earn your Maine cosmetology license. The tests cover just about everything you should have learned in cosmetology school and require you to prove your knowledge in writing and via skills demonstrations.
The written cosmetology exam, which costs $99, can be taken in-person or remotely. No matter where you take the test, it will occur on a computer. Before you decide to test remotely, make sure you have the required technology (a relatively new computer with Chrome or Firefox, a webcam, and a solid internet connection) and space (quiet, distraction-free, sans technology, and with a totally clear desk, table, or counter). If you don't have 100% of that available, plan to arrange an in-person exam at a testing center. As of 2026, the centers can be found at CMCC in Auburn, the United Technologies Center in Hogan, and NMCC in Presque Isle.
After logging in for your exam, you'll begin your 110-question test (100 of which count toward your score), which you must complete in 90 minutes. The test breaks down as follows:
Scientific Concepts: 35%
Hair Care and Services: 45%
Skin Care and Services: 10%
Nail Care and Services: 10%
The written exam is available in English, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese. However, the practical test is only available in English, so practice and plan accordingly if that isn't your primary language.
You may only take the practical test ($149) remotely. This test includes 10 Core Domain Sections, plus two additional portions (eyebrow hair removal and sculptured nail). When demonstrating your skills from a clean, well-lit workspace in front of a functioning webcam and microphone, you can expect to spend your time doing the following:
Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies: 15 minutes
Thermal Curling: 10 minutes
Hair Cutting : 35 minutes
Work Area and New Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies: 15 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 (No Base) Application with Colored Simulated Product: 15 minutes
Blood Exposure Procedure: 10 minutes
Eyebrow Hair Removal (Tweezing and Simulated Hot Wax): Untimed
Sculptured Nail: 20 minutes
You're responsible for ensuring you have everything you need for this exam as well. This includes a kit that's no more than 30" by 30", a thermal curling iron, and a full-sized mannequin head, among other essentials. The technology and space requirements are the same as those for the written exam.
You are currently licensed and in good standing in another state or jurisdiction (or other country with substantially similar or more rigorous standards for cosmetologists).
You don't have a current license but have completed cosmetology school or training that's substantially similar to or more rigorous than what's required in Maine.
Cosmetology Specialties in Maine
A cosmetology career may be right for those who want to offer a wide variety of services, but if you're interested in one or two narrower areas, you may want to consider another beauty field. Maine requires licensure for some beauty professions, but not all. Some popular cosmetology specialities in Maine are:
To keep your Maine cosmetology license active, you need to renew by October 31 of each year. You don't need to complete any continuing education (though additional training is never a bad idea!). However, you do have to pay a $20 fee and make sure you meet all other requirements. The Board may not renew your license if you are under disciplinary action related to:
Diagnosed addiction resulting in your inability to safely work in cosmetology
Diagnosed "mental incompetence"
Employing an unlicensed beauty professional
Negligence or misconduct
You can renew your license for up to 90 days past the expiration date, though a $50 late fee will apply. If you pass that 90-day mark, you must pay the renewal and late fees, plus an additional $25. You may need to meet requirements for new applicants or pay a $50 late fee. If you go longer than four years without renewing your licence, you'll have to retake the test and pay your fee.
The exception is if you apply for renewal within 90 days of leaving the US Armed Forces. If you were in the military for more than four years, you may be allowed to skip the exam if you can prove you were legally required to serve for that length of time.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Maine
$48,480
Median Cosmetology Salary in Maine
According to CareerOneStop, in 2024, Maine cosmetologists earned between $30,730 and $74,160 per year (with a median of $48,480). By comparison, the national range is is $24,580 to $70,220 (median $35,250).
Several factors determine how much cosmetologists actually earn. These include the exact services you offer, your years of experience, your specific workplace, and your location.
Area
2024 Salary Range
Portland-South Portland, ME Metro Area
$31,700–$74,500 (Median: $48,730)
Southwest Maine Balance of State
$30,320–$73,930 (Median: $48,520)
Lewiston-Auburn, ME Metro Area
$29,430–$71,450 (Median: $45,640)
Source: CareerOneStop (2026)
The number of cosmetology jobs in Maine is expected to increase by 1% between 2022 and 2032.
