Cosmetology Schools in New Jersey
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in New Jersey, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in New Jersey
You must attend school in the state you want to practice in. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited school. Learn more about the requirements in your state.
Christine Valmy International School for Esthetics, Skin Care and Makeup – Accredited
Pine Brook, NJ 7058
Cosmetology Schools Near Me
How to Become a Cosmetologist in New Jersey
- 1,200 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for cosmetologists in New Jersey is $33,510 ($16.11/hour). This is higher than the national average of $26,090 ($12.54/hour).
- There is a predicted 24% job increase between 2016–2026 for cosmetologists. This is higher than the expected national growth of 9%.
New Jersey is known for its over-the-top styles, perfect makeup, and complex hairstyles. That's why it's such a fun place to begin a career in cosmetology.
No matter what your personal style is or what your favorite part of the beauty industry is, use this chance to learn about all areas of cosmetology!
State License Requirements
Required to earn a cosmetology license
All beauty professionals are licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. When you submit your application, you must pay a $50 filing fee and a $60 licensing fee. In addition, you must submit proof of your passing scores on the written exam and the skills exam.
Education Details
To become a cosmetologist in New Jersey, you must get at least 1,200 hours of training at an approved school. In the classroom, you tackle beauty theory, terminology, laws, and ethics. On the salon floor, you practice skills on mannequin heads. Once you've gotten enough experience that way, you work on clients under instructor supervision. This experience is invaluable, since it helps you perfect your techniques and learn how to work with real-life customers. Specific topics must be covered at beauty schools in NJ.
Beauty Courses and Subjects
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Cosmetology license renewal in New Jersey happens biannually on even-numbered years. The cost to renew a beauty practitioner's license is $60. Cosmetology continuing education is not required for most licenses, although electrology licensees must do 2 CEUs each licensure period. Though continuing education may not be required for some practitioners' licenses, cosmetology CEUs are always recommended to stay current in the industry. If licenses are expired more than 7 years, you must take a 250-hour refresher course and you must re-take the exams.
New Jersey Cosmetology Careers
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in New Jersey
From 2016 through 2026, O*Net expects cosmetology job openings in New Jersey to increase 24% (2019). Furthermore, the average salary of $33,510 per year is higher than the national average (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019).
New Jersey's beauty industry is huge, giving customers tons of options in cities, suburban areas, and rural areas. This is great for beauty professionals. Depending on what work setting works best for you, you can check out options at beauty salons, spas, family-owned beauty shops, and nail shops. There are many conventional employment options, but you can also explore self-employment by renting a salon chair or opening a salon.
Contact the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology
- PO Box 45003 Newark, NJ 07101
- Website: New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
- Email: Malangaj@dca.njoag.gov
- Call: 973-504-6400
- Fax: 973-504-6477
The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology can help you with updating your name or change of address information, acquiring out-of-state licensing, renewal and other useful forms, as well as answer other questions about obtaining a New Jersey cosmetology license. The Garden State is home to a multitude of elite beauty professionals. This is due in part to a solid cosmetology infrastructure in New Jersey from the bottom up. Those looking to be a part of it find out more from these groups.
New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hair Dressing
American Association of Cosmetology Schools
Associated Hair Professionals