How to Become A Cosmetologist in Maryland
Maryland employs approximately 5,860 cosmetologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $36,420 1. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 75,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a cosmetologist in Maryland, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Cosmetologist in Maryland
How do I become a cosmetologist in Maryland? Maryland requires credentials such as STUDENT - BEAUTY CULTURE. The licensing authority is the Maryland Department of Labor - State Board of Cosmetology 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Maryland? Yes. Maryland has licensing or registration requirements for cosmetologists. The Maryland Department of Labor - State Board of Cosmetology oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do cosmetologists earn in Maryland? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Maryland is $36,420 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $31,830 and experienced professionals can earn $72,940 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Maryland Department of Labor - State Board of Cosmetology
- Median wage (Maryland): $36,420 per year 1
Cosmetologist License Requirements in Maryland
The Maryland Department of Labor - State Board of Cosmetology oversees cosmetologist licensing in Maryland 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| STUDENT - BEAUTY CULTURE |
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Cosmetologist Wages by Metro Area in Maryland
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Wages by Metro Area in Maryland
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists wages in Maryland vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | 9,960 | $37,320 | $43,990 | $28,600 | $64,530 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 7,010 | $37,020 | $49,360 | $26,900 | $78,900 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson | 2,700 | $36,370 | $44,280 | $31,820 | $59,530 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg | 910 | $32,710 | $36,350 | $31,200 | $39,520 |
| Lexington Park | 190 | $37,420 | $45,130 | $31,200 | $75,410 |
| Salisbury | 130 | $39,400 | $46,750 | $31,200 | $81,370 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Cosmetologists in Maryland
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cosmetologist employment within Maryland according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson | 2,700 | $36,370 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg | 910 | $32,710 |
| Lexington Park | 190 | $37,420 |
| Salisbury | 130 | $39,400 |
Explore More Trades in Maryland
- Electrician in Maryland
- Plumber in Maryland
- HVAC Technician in Maryland
- Welder in Maryland
- Carpenter in Maryland
- Solar Installation Technician in Maryland
- Auto Mechanic in Maryland
- CNC Machinist in Maryland
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Maryland
- Medical Assistant in Maryland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cosmetologists in Maryland? Maryland currently employs approximately 5,860 cosmetologists 1. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a cosmetologist in Maryland with an out-of-state license? Contact the Maryland Department of Labor - State Board of Cosmetology for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Maryland? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Maryland.
How much do cosmetologists earn in Maryland compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Maryland is $36,420, which is $1,170 above the national median of $35,250 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Maryland Department of Labor - State Board of Cosmetology - Licensing Information: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/cos/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |