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.

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Award Beauty School – Accredited

26 East Antietam Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740

(301) 733-4520
Programs:
Cosmetology, Barbering, Nail Technology

8660 Pulaski Highway
Baltimore, MD 21237

(443) 969-4474
Programs:
Cosmetology, Barbering

29 Greenmeadow Drive
Timonium, MD 21093

(443) 275-2038
Programs:
Cosmetology, Barbering, Nail Technology

6320 Ritchie Highway Suite F
Glen Burnie, MD 21061

(443) 312-9268
Programs:
Cosmetology

9616 Reistertown Road Suite 105
Owings Mills, MD 21117

(470) 615-5423
Programs:
Cosmetology

8435 Annapolis Road
New Carrollton, MD 20784

(301) 459-2509
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering
Hair Academy II – Accredited

3705 Branch Avenue Lower Level Unit 1010
Hillcrest Heights, MD 20748

(301) 899-9100
Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering

8736 Arliss Street
Silver Spring, MD 20901

(301) 588-3570
Programs:
Barbering, Cosmetology

7351 Assateague Drive Suite 370
Jessup, MD 20794

(443) 661-4173
Programs:
Cosmetology, Barbering
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Aspen Beauty Academy of Laurel – Accredited

3535 Fort Meade Road
Laurel, MD 20724

Aveda Institute Maryland – Accredited

227 Archer Street 3639
Bel Air, MD 21014

Baltimore Studio of Hair Design – Accredited

318 North Howard Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Blades School of Hair Design – Accredited

22576 Macarthur Boulevard
California, MD 20619

Del-Mar-Va Beauty Academy – Accredited

111 Milford Street
Salisbury, MD 21804

Fortis Institute - Towson – Accredited

700 York Road
Towson, MD 21204

Hair Remede Beauty College

4586 Beech Road
Temple Hills, MD 20748

Maryland Beauty Academy - Baltimore – Accredited

7930 Eastern Avenue Unit 5
Baltimore, MD 21224

Maryland Beauty Academy - Westminster – Accredited

10 Carroll Plaza Shopping Center
Westminster, MD 21157

Michele's Touch

13716 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20904

Point of Excellence Beauty Academy

3616 Marriotts Lane
Windsor Mill, MD 21244

The Temple - Annapolis – Accredited

2303 Forest Drive Suite C
Annapolis, MD 21401

The Temple - Frederick – Accredited

22 West Church Street
Frederick, MD 21701

Topcurl Beauty Academy - Mitchellville – Accredited

12164 Central Avenue Suite 200
Mitchellville, MD 20721
Accredited School

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.

Find a Cosmetology School Near You

Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Maryland have to offer.

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

Maryland Cosmetology Careers At A Glance
  • 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:

  • Be at least 17 years of age
  • Have completed at least 9th grade or a GED
  • Submit proof of 1,500 training hours in a cosmetology school or 24 months as a registered apprentice in a licensed salon
  • Pass the practical and theory exams (given by a third party)
  • Apply for a license and pay the required $25 fee

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

$39,440

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

1,500 Hours

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?

24 Months

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:

  • Chemical services
  • Client consultation, professional conduct, and management
  • Hair, skin, and nail anatomy
  • Haircutting
  • Hairstyling
  • Makeup
  • Maryland laws and regulations
  • Safety, sanitation, and disinfection
  • Shampoo, conditioning, and scalp care
  • Shaving and hair removal
  • Skin care/treatments

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

2 Years

License renewal period

6 Hours

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

Maryland Department of Labor

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.

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