How to Become A Cosmetologist in Ohio
Ohio employs approximately 12,890 cosmetologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $36,260 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 Ohio, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Cosmetologist in Ohio
How do I become a cosmetologist in Ohio? Ohio requires credentials such as Cosmetology Instructor License, Advanced Cosmetologist, Cosmetologist License. The licensing authority is the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board 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 Ohio? Yes. Ohio has licensing or registration requirements for cosmetologists. The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do cosmetologists earn in Ohio? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Ohio is $36,260 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $23,520 and experienced professionals can earn $77,330 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: Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board
- Median wage (Ohio): $36,260 per year 1
- Exam requirement: State exam required
Cosmetologist License Requirements in Ohio
The Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board oversees cosmetologist licensing in Ohio 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology Instructor License | Please refer to the licensing authority or the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) at (800) 700-6247 for more information on license requirements. |
| Advanced Cosmetologist | Please refer to the licensing authority or the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) at (800) 700-6247 for more information on license requirements. |
| Cosmetologist License | Please refer to the licensing authority or the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) at (800) 700-6247 for more information on license requirements. |
| Barber | Please refer to the licensing authority or the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) at (800) 700-6247 for more information on license requirements. |
Additional Requirements
- Exam: State exam required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Cosmetologist Wages by Metro Area in Ohio
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Wages by Metro Area in Ohio
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists wages in Ohio vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | 3,070 | $35,640 | $41,770 | $23,420 | $70,750 |
| Cincinnati | 2,540 | $36,790 | $46,010 | $24,230 | $80,150 |
| Columbus | 2,420 | $36,260 | $45,350 | $23,580 | $78,040 |
| Akron | 1,140 | $38,100 | $49,000 | $24,130 | $79,950 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek | 790 | $30,590 | $42,680 | $22,860 | $75,860 |
| Toledo | 650 | $36,440 | $44,250 | $23,170 | $74,520 |
| Canton-Massillon | 410 | $35,010 | $42,010 | $22,740 | $63,700 |
| Youngstown-Warren | 290 | $29,520 | $41,000 | $22,260 | $72,950 |
| Wheeling | 200 | $31,720 | $38,880 | $23,920 | $59,180 |
| Mansfield | 150 | $29,690 | $39,500 | $22,260 | $68,470 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | 150 | $32,390 | $40,690 | $23,420 | $62,950 |
| Huntington-Ashland | 140 | $29,580 | $37,560 | $21,880 | $58,250 |
| Lima | 100 | $33,530 | $43,490 | $22,570 | $71,850 |
| Sandusky | 100 | $29,030 | $41,840 | $22,790 | $75,640 |
| Springfield | 80 | $33,280 | $40,750 | $22,260 | $62,830 |
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 Ohio
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cosmetologist employment within Ohio according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | 3,070 | $35,640 |
| Cincinnati | 2,540 | $36,790 |
| Columbus | 2,420 | $36,260 |
| Akron | 1,140 | $38,100 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek | 790 | $30,590 |
Explore More Trades in Ohio
- Electrician in Ohio
- Plumber in Ohio
- HVAC Technician in Ohio
- Welder in Ohio
- Carpenter in Ohio
- Solar Installation Technician in Ohio
- Auto Mechanic in Ohio
- CNC Machinist in Ohio
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Ohio
- Medical Assistant in Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cosmetologists in Ohio? Ohio currently employs approximately 12,890 cosmetologists 1. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a cosmetologist in Ohio with an out-of-state license? Contact the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Ohio? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Ohio.
How much do cosmetologists earn in Ohio compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Ohio is $36,260, which is $1,010 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board - Licensing Information: https://www.cos.ohio.gov ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
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) |