Cosmetology Schools in New York
Whether you're interested in becoming a cosmetologist in the hustle and bustle of New York City or working as one in one of the many other beautiful towns in the state, now may be the time to begin. New York cosmetology school can take only a few months, and licensees can provide a wide range of nail, skin, and hair care services.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in New York, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in New York
For School Owners
Don't see your school listed? Want to discuss becoming a featured school in the directory? Contact us to learn more.
233 Spring Street
New York, NY 10013
2190 Walden Avenue
Cheektowaga, NY 14225
340 Elmridge Center Drive
Rochester, NY 14626
Westchester School of Beauty Culture – Accredited
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
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:
Find a Cosmetology School Near You
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in New York have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in New York
- Cosmetology School Hours: 1000
- Renewal Years: 4
- Average Salary: $35,760
- Predicted Job Growth (2022-2032): 13%
If you're considering a cosmetology career in New York, you must meet several requirements before you can work.
Those requirements include:
You don't need to complete a background check or have a high school diploma to become a cosmetologist in New York. However, individual schools may have educational or background requirements.
What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in New York
Required to earn a cosmetology license
The first step to earning your cosmetologist license in New York is completing 1,000 hours of training through a state-approved beauty school.
Your training teaches you a wide range of hair, skin, and nail care skills. You'll also learn valuable business skills and how to keep your space clean and safe for you and your clients.
While the program you choose may vary slightly, New York requires the following training hours as a minimum:
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in New York?
New York doesn't offer an apprenticeship path to cosmetology licensure.
How to Get Your Cosmetology License in New York
In addition to graduating from an approved New York beauty school, you need to pass two exams, submit an application, and pay required fees to get your cosmetology license. Expect to pay $15 for each cosmetology test, $40 for your initial application, and $10 for a six-month temporary license. You can pay the application and temporary license fees together.
New York Cosmetology Exams
New York requires passing scores on a written and a practical exam.
The multiple-choice written test lasts for 2.5 hours and covers anything you may have studied in your New York cosmetology program. On the day of your test, you'll head to your exam site with your government ID and a copy of your exam confirmation. Come as empty-handed as you can, as large bags, reference materials, and food and drinks aren't allowed, and the sites don't offer storage. You may also not bring anyone with you, including children, so plan accordingly!
If English is not your native language, you can opt to take the test in a variety of other languages:
Latecomers won't be allowed into the testing area, so keep an eye on the clock! The state recommends arriving at least 15 minutes early so you can check in and get settled.
If you need to reschedule, you must reach out at least six days before your test date. Otherwise, it's considered a cancellation, and you won't get a refund of your exam fee. Future attempts require a new exam fee.
This test is pass/fail, and you'll receive an email when your result is ready.
As with the written test, you'll need to go to a specified practical exam site with a valid government ID and (almost) nothing else. The only other items you should have on you are the things you might find in your cosmetology student kit. The required supplies include, but aren't limited to:
Once you're in the exam room, you'll be evaluated over a variety of tasks. The proctor will explain expectations before each section. You'll demonstrate a series of procedures over the course of approximately 3.5 hours:
This is a pass/fail test as well, and you'll receive your results via email. If you don't pass and want to know where you need to improve, you can contact exams@dos.ny.gov for an analysis of your strengths and areas in need of improvement.
After passing the written and practical exams, you can apply for your NY cosmetology license online. You must upload required documentation, including proof of a physical by a doctor, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner and verification that you've completed the domestic violence course.
If you want to jump right into the workforce upon finishing school, you can apply for a six-month temporary license that allows you to practice between graduation and passing your test.
New York Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
New York has reciprocity or endorsement agreements with more than 20 states. Unlike many other jurisdictions, NY has different requirements for applicants based on the location of their current license.
States with New York cosmetology license reciprocity and their requirements are:
Reciprocity applicants must submit certification from their current cosmetology board, an application, and a $40 fee. The Experience Statements required for certain states are to be filled out by a person who can attest to your time working as a cosmetologist.
New York has endorsement agreements with a few other states, which require current licensure and some additional training:
Contact the board if you're a cosmetologist in a state not listed and plan to move to New York.
New York is also considering joining the Cosmetology Compact, which allows your existing license to move with you.
Cosmetology Specialties in New York
New York offers a variety of other licenses in the beauty industry, including esthetics, nail technology, and barbering. Additional licenses let you perform more services and take on more clients.
Another popular beauty field in New York, particularly in NYC, is creating looks for the performing arts. The city has dozens of live theatres, including Broadway, off-Broadway, and more. Plus, a ton of movies and TV shows are filmed there.
While you don't need a cosmetology license for this type of work, training is essential as it's highly specialized. It's worth taking classes in theatre makeup, prosthetics, and more. Some of these may be offered as standalone continuing education classes. However, many who enter this field opt to earn a theatre or film degree.
Still, it's wise to consider earning your cosmetology license even though you don't need one for theatre and film work. This can help you earn relatively reliable paychecks and build your portfolio while looking for jobs in this field.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
New York requires cosmetologists to renew their licenses every four years, on the anniversary of when they were issued. Renewal applications are available online, and you must pay a $40 license renewal fee. You're eligible to renew up to three months before your license expires.
The board adds $10 to your fee if you pay up to one year late.
You must retake the written exam if you fail to renew your license within five years of expiration.
While you don't have to take continuing education courses to maintain your New York cosmetology license, continuing to perfect your craft is always a good idea!
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in New York
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in New York
As of 2025, cosmetologists in the state of New York earned an average salary of $35,760 or an hourly rate of $17.19. Salaries ranged from approximately $34,000 to $88,500 per year.
The amount cosmetologists actually earn is affected by a lot of factors, like local cost of living, specialties, and career length. For example, a stylist with 10 years of experience doing high-end cuts and dye jobs at a Manhattan salon often makes far more than a cosmetologist with five years of experience in a rural area offering basic services.
The highest-paying areas for cosmetologists in New York are:
| Area | 2025 Salary |
| Rochester, NY Metro Area | $36,830 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ Metro Area | $36,120 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY Metro Area | $35,010 |
| Syracuse, NY Metro Area | $34,810 |
| Kingston, NY Metro Area | $34,720 |
Source: CareerOneStop (2026)
The number of cosmetologist jobs is projected to increase by 13% between 2022 and 2032.
Contact the New York State Board of Cosmetology
- Website: New York Dept. of State Division of Licensing Services – Cosmetology
- Contact Online: Licensing Contact Form
- Call: 518-474-4429
- Fax: 518-473-6648