Cosmetology Schools in Maryland
If you're interested in cosmetology schools in Maryland, you have many options. Located at the heart of the Eastern seaboard, the state lies between the trendy fashion of the northeast and the elegant classicism of the south. Maryland's many beauty school programs often blend the two styles, providing cosmetologists with a modern, timeless education.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Maryland, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Maryland
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8660 Pulaski Highway
Baltimore, MD 21237
29 Greenmeadow Drive
Timonium, MD 21093
6320 Ritchie Highway Suite F
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
9616 Reistertown Road Suite 105
Owings Mills, MD 21117
8435 Annapolis Road
New Carrollton, MD 20784
3705 Branch Avenue Lower Level Unit 1010
Hillcrest Heights, MD 20748
7351 Assateague Drive Suite 370
Jessup, MD 20794
Maryland Beauty Academy - Westminster – Accredited
Westminster, MD 21157
Topcurl Beauty Academy - Mitchellville – Accredited
Mitchellville, MD 20721
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:
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Cost of Cosmetology School Across MD
| Metro | Average Tuition |
|---|---|
| Salisbury | $18,825 |
| Baltimore | $17,426 |
Comparing Program Costs in MD
| Cosmetology School Costs |
|---|
| Highest range: $14,395 - $24,000 |
| Lowest range: $4,790 - $14,395 |
| Average: $19,376 |
| Esthetics/Skin Care School Costs |
| Highest range: $10,715 - $12,635 |
| Lowest range: $8,795 - $10,715 |
| Average: $10,633 |
| Barbering School Costs |
| Highest range: $15,820 - $19,640 |
| Lowest range: $12,000 - $15,820 |
| Average: $17,071 |
| Nail Technology School Costs |
| Highest range: $3,093 - $3,585 |
| Lowest range: $2,600 - $3,093 |
| Average: $2,928 |
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Maryland
- 1,500 education hours or 24 month apprenticeship are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 6 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for cosmetologists in Maryland is $39,440.
- There is a predicted 14% job increase between 2020–2030 for cosmetologists.
If you're considering becoming a cosmetologist in Maryland, you must meet certain requirements from the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists before you can get your license, such as:
You don't need to complete a background check or earn a high school diploma to become a cosmetologist in Maryland. However, a cosmetologist license doesn't permit you to run your own salon or perform certain medical procedures. If you're interested in these jobs, you'll need additional education and licenses.
Cosmetology Salary in Maryland and Projected Job Growth
Average yearly salary for cosmetologists in Maryland
Cosmetologists in Maryland earned an average annual salary of $39,440, an hourly rate of $18.96, in 2021. Pay ranged from $24,440 to $61,190, depending on location and offered services.
The job outlook for cosmetologists in Maryland looks bright. Job growth is projected to increase by 14% between 2020 and 2030.
The highest-paying metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas for cosmetologists in Maryland are:
| Location | 2021 Median Salary |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $37,450 |
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area | $34,800 |
| California-Lexington Park, MD | $30,410 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $29,950 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $29,520 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | $29,420 |
| Cumberland, MD-WV | $29,240 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $28,740 |
Table information sourced from the O*Net (2022)
What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Maryland
Time to complete a cosmetology program in Maryland
To earn your cosmetologist license in Maryland, you must first complete 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved school. Your education covers a wide range of skills you need for your career, like hair cutting, styling, coloring, manicures, pedicures, and facials.
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Maryland?
Time to complete a cosmetology apprenticeship in Maryland
Maryland offers a 24-month cosmetology apprenticeship program. You must find a senior cosmetologist to sponsor you and complete at least 20 hours of training per week. To qualify, your sponsor must submit a sponsor jot form, and you need to apply for a permit to practice. You can use their registration number and password to apply online. The apprentice license lasts two years with a single two-year renewal.
Maryland Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
Earning a cosmetology license in Maryland requires 1,500 hours of training at a board-approved school and passing two exams from a third-party examiner. To take your exams, you must create an online account, check appointment times and locations, register, then schedule your exam at least a day in advance.
The Maryland cosmetology exam comprises a 210-minute practical and a 120-minute theory exam. Due to social distancing requirements, you need a mannequin for the practical exam. This portion takes place in person at a testing site. You can take the theory portion online, and it's available in English, Spanish, or Vietnamese. Theory topics include:
The examination costs $79 for both portions or $49 for each separately. If you need to retake the exam, you must reschedule and pay the same fee. The license fee is another $25.
After you earn your cosmetology licensure in Maryland, the state also requires you to affix a current picture to your license.
Maryland Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
If you want to transfer your license to another state, you can do so within two years from the date of issuance. Email or mail your request, request a license certification online, or apply for an online endorsement. There's no added fee to have Maryland certification sent to another state. Make sure to include your name, current license number, and the name of the state board where you're applying for licensure. Requests take between three and five business days to process.
Cosmetologists applying for licensure by endorsement in Maryland must have a current license in another state and provide certification of a good standing license obtained under the same standards as those required in Maryland. You also need to take the practical and theory exams in your original state and send the certification to the Maryland Board of Cosmetologists. If you meet the above requirements, you can waive the examination through this reciprocity agreement.
Military spouses may qualify for a temporary work permit while the application is processed. Call the board office or email at barbers.cos@maryland.gov for more information.
Cosmetology Specialties in Maryland
In Maryland, you also have the option to earn a limited hairstylist license if you want to perform hair services only. These services could include bleaching, cleansing, coloring, curling, cutting, dressing, permanent waving, or any similar procedure to beautify or embellish the hair. A hairstylist license requires 1,200 hours of cosmetology school or 15 months in an approved apprenticeship.
Estheticians must complete 600 hours of training (12 months as an apprentice), and nail technicians need 250 hours or eight months as a registered apprentice.
Cosmetology License Renewal in Maryland
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Cosmetologists in Maryland renew licensure every two years, and there's a $25 reinstatement fee. The board automatically mails renewal information and instructions 60 days before the expiration date of your current license. If you don't receive yours in the mail, you must call or email the board no less than 30 days before your license's expiration date. Expired licenses have a $25 automatic late fee.
To renew a license, you need to complete six hours of continuing education. (Note: This went into effect in 2018, but the state technically doesn't have the resources to monitor it at this time. However, for your safety and reputation, undergoing the hours is recommended.) Keep a record of the courses you take and apply for renewal online by entering the registration number listed on your data card.
Contact the Maryland State Board of Cosmetology
- 500 North Calvert Street 3rd Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
- Website: Maryland Department of Labor
- Email: barbers.cos@maryland.gov
- Call: 410-230-6190
- Fax: 410-333-6314
Resources for Cosmetologists in Maryland
Maryland Board of Cosmetologists
The state Department of Labor's cosmetology page offers information about requirements, licensure, and tools, including an online apprentice portal to report training hours.
PSI Exams Online
This third-party testing site allows you to register and schedule licensure exams also offers online practice tests to help you prepare.