Cosmetology Schools in New Jersey
Thinking about becoming a cosmetologist in New Jersey but don't know where to start? Whether you're knocking on the Big Apple's door in Jersey City, across the way from Philadelphia in Camden, or enjoying the rural areas near Sussex, Garden State residents appreciate their beauty services. So much so that jobs for cosmetologists, hairdressers, and hairstylists are expected to grow by 33% in the coming years.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in New Jersey, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in New Jersey
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301 Gibraltar Drive Suite 1A
Morris Plains, NJ 7950
45 Sunset Strip and Route 10 East
Succasunna, NJ 7876
2100 State Highway 38 Plaza Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill, NJ 8002
121 Watchung Avenue
North Plainfield, NJ 7060
1458 Route 35 South
Ocean Township, NJ 7712
312 State Street
Perth Amboy, NJ 8861
70 East Holly Avenue
Pitman, NJ 8071
5518 Bergenline Avenue
West New York, NJ 7093
4741 U.S. Highway 9
Howell, NJ 7731
Christine Valmy International School for Esthetics and Cosmetology – Accredited
Pine Brook, NJ 7058
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:
How to Become a Cosmetologist in New Jersey
- 1,200 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for cosmetologists in New Jersey is $42,210.
- There is a predicted 33% job increase between 2020 and 2030 for cosmetologists.
If you think a career as a cosmetologist in New Jersey meets your professional and financial needs, you'll need to take a few steps and meet some requirements before you can receive licensure. You must:
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in New Jersey
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in New Jersey
Jobs for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists working in New Jersey are expected to grow by 33% between 2020-2030, leading to the creation of nearly 5,000 new openings. The latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that these professionals earn average annual salaries of $42,210. The below chart shows how different cities across the state stack up when it comes to pay.
The highest-paying metropolitan areas for cosmetologists in New Jersey are:
| Metro Area | 2022 Median Salary |
| Trenton, NJ | $37,580 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $37,430 |
| Ocean City, NJ | $37,120 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $36,040 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | $36,010 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $34,050 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $30,470 |
Table information sourced from the O*Net (2023)
What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in New Jersey
Required to earn a cosmetology license
Before you can ever use your cosmetology skills on a client, you first need to earn your license. To do this, you must complete the required 1,200 hours of training through a beauty school approved by the state board. These programs instill a wide variety of skills and knowledge you'll need when working as a cosmetologist, including how to cut, style, and color hair, give manicures and pedicures, and apply facials to various skin types. Some programs also include business skills needed to build your business or even open your own salon in the future.
According to New Jersey state law, cosmetology and hairstyling courses must include the following:
Once you complete the required 1,200 hours in the courses mentioned above, you should have the skills needed to keep up with health and safety laws, provide a variety of hair and skin care services, and build a client base by utilizing basic business skills.
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in New Jersey?
The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling does not allow for apprenticeships. Instead of following this path, candidates must complete an educational program and seek licensure.
The Difference Between a Cosmetologist-Hairstylist and Beautician in New Jersey
While cosmetologists and beauticians are often thought of as one and the same, New Jersey separates them. The state offers two distinct licenses, each with its own training requirements:
Cosmetology and hairstyling: Cosmetologists in New Jersey have to complete 1,200 hours of instruction and practical training, including detailed instruction on hair cutting and styling, chemical treatment, manicuring and pedicuring, hair weaving, beard and mustache trimming, shaving, and history of barbering.
Beauty culture: Beauticians must undertake 1,100 classroom and training hours emphasizing hair cutting and styling, chemical treatments, and nail services. The beauty culture license doesn't include hair weaving, beard and mustache trimming, shaving, or barbering history.
If you're looking for a license with a lot of flexibility regarding skillsets and potential clients, a cosmetology and hairstyling license may be the best fit. This training covers how to cut and style hair, shaving, and hair weaving.
On the other hand, if you'd like to provide a more curated set of services, a beauty culture license may be ideal.
In New Jersey, the beauty culture courses include:
How to Get Your New Jersey Cosmetologist-Hairstylist License as a Beautician
Because the training difference between a beautician and a cosmetologist-hairstylist in New Jersey is minimal, licensed beauticians in New Jersey can take a 100-hour course to make up the difference in hours. The course includes instruction and training hours on the following topics:
The Difference Between a Cosmetologist-Hairstylist and Barber in New Jersey
In New Jersey, cosmetologists-hairstylists can perform similar services to barbers. However, New Jersey barber school programs include more instruction on facial hair and require fewer training hours overall than a cosmetology-hairstyling license.
A barbering license focuses more on facial hair and styles traditionally associated with short hair. However, it also includes training on cutting and styling long hair. Barbering programs, however, do not involve manicuring and pedicuring classes, which are included in New Jersey cosmetology programs.
If you're looking for the most flexibility in terms of clients and work locations, a license in cosmetology and hairstyling may be the best choice for you. If you'd prefer to work at a barber shop or cater primarily to male clients or other clients with shorter hair or facial hair, a barbering license may best fit your goals.
New Jersey Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
Once you finish the required 1,200 hours of cosmetology and hairstyling training, you can apply to take the required written and practical exams.
The state board houses an online application on its website and requires you to pay a nonrefundable $50 application filing fee as well as a $90 first-year licensing fee once you pass the examinations. During the second year of licensing, you will pay an additional $45. All payments must be remitted in the form of a money order or check to the State of New Jersey.
The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling maintains a contract with Prometric to handle the exam process. After the Board has verified the information contained on your application, Prometric sends out an "Authorization to Test" form that allows you to register for the exam and select a testing date via IQT Testing.
Applicants take the first exam on a computer. The test focuses on theory and includes 120 questions, 110 of which count towards your final score. Topics covered in this exam include:
You must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass this exam. You can retake the exam a total of two times if you fail the first time.
Candidates who require ADA accommodations can request these via their school. Some accommodations allowed include extended testing time, special seating, reading assistance, and removal of face masks for approved medical conditions. Examinees must receive confirmation of request approval from the Board before registering for the test. At this time, the exam is only offered in English.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the exam begins, and be sure to bring your candidate admission letter. You will also need your user ID and password to log in on the testing day. Lastly, you will need at least one primary photo identification. Approved options include:
You'll also need to bring a secondary form of identification that matches the address on your admissions letter. Approved options include:
After completing the theory exam, scores will immediately appear on the screen after the last question. Students who pass will see their score, while those who fail will see a diagnostic report identifying areas where they did well and areas where they need more study time.
New Jersey Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
If you hold a license in a different state but want to move to New Jersey and practice cosmetology, contact your current state board and ask them to submit evidence of your active license to the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. You should then confirm that the Board received your license information, and they will tell you whether you qualify for licensure by endorsement or need to sit the exam. You must also complete the application and provide all required documentation.
Cosmetology Specialties in New Jersey
In addition to cosmetology licenses, New Jersey provides licenses for manicurists, skin care specialists, and teachers of cosmetology and hairstyling.
Depending on where you live in New Jersey, you may also be able to take advantage of opportunities in New York City for cosmetologists focused on the performing arts. Whether working on a Broadway production or managing hair and makeup for a film shooting in Hoboken, this can be a lucrative path to consider.
Makeup artists providing their services for theatrical productions and performances in New York earned mean annual wages of $122,970 as of 2020.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
All New Jersey cosmetology licenses expire in September of even-numbered years. While the state doesn't require any continuing education hours, plan to pay $90 to renew your license every even-numbered year (such as 2022, 2024, 2026, etc.).
Contact the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology
- PO Box 45003 Newark, NJ 07101
- Website: New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling
- Email: Malangaj@dca.njoag.gov
- Call: 973-504-6400
- Fax: 973-504-6477
The New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology can help you with updating your name or change of address information, acquiring out-of-state licensing, renewal and other useful forms, as well as answer other questions about obtaining a New Jersey cosmetology license. The Garden State is home to a multitude of elite beauty professionals. This is due in part to a solid cosmetology infrastructure in New Jersey from the bottom up. Those looking to be a part of it find out more from these groups.
New Jersey Salon and Spa Alliance
American Association of Cosmetology Schools
Associated Hair Professionals