The need to look good is a trend that's not going anywhere, so it's no surprise that the outlook for jobs in cosmetology nationwide is promising. Texas notably anticipates significant growth in the field—meaning now may be the perfect time to pursue a career as a cosmetologist in the state.
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:
Complete 1,000 hours of instruction in a Texas-licensed beauty school alongside 500 hours of related high-school courses as part of a vocational cosmetology program in a public school.
Already hold a Class A barber certificate and have completed 300 hours of instruction in cosmetology through an approved training program in a Texas beauty school.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Texas
$29,680
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Texas
Cosmetologists in Texas earn an average of $29,680 ($14.27/hour) as of 2021.
The number of cosmetologist jobs in the state is predicted to grow by 25% from 2020 to 2030. This is higher than the national expectation of 19% in that same period.
The highest-paying areas for cosmetologists in Texas are:
Beauty schools are regularly inspected and have to meet specific requirements. For example, the schools need to have different clinical and instructional workspaces, implement good hygiene practices, and keep their licenses current.
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Texas?
No. Apprenticeships aren't permitted as a training path for cosmetology licensure in Texas.
Texas Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
Once you complete 900 of the 1,000 required training hours, you can apply to take your written exam. You have to pass both the written and practical exams to earn licensure.
You can't take the practical test until you've passed the written one. However, you remain eligible to take exam for five years. You can retake the test as often as you need to within this period–though you must pay for each attempt.
Written exams are $50, and practical exams are $72. You must have finished all training hours before applying to take the practical test.
Upon confirming your eligibility, the TDLR will contact you with instructions for scheduling an appointment to take the examinations created and managed by PSI. You can track your progress on the TDLR website.
Both exams are administered in English. However, you can request to take them in Spanish or Vietnamese for no additional cost. You may also ask to have the exam translated into other languages by contacting PSI and paying an additional fee.
PSl examination centers meet the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 standards. If you need accommodations, contact them directly.
When it's time to take the test, get to the site 30 minutes early with a valid photo ID and all your supplies and equipment. Your supplies have to be labeled as specified in the exam bulletin.
The written test has 100 scored items and takes two hours to complete. You need to get at least 70% to pass. Points are divided across the following areas:
Licensing and regulation: 20 questions on the licensee's health and safety responsibilities.
Infection control: 28 questions on cleaning and disinfecting, safety procedures, skin analysis, nail analysis, hair analysis, and skin analysis.
Hair and scalp care: 40 questions on physiology, products, hair cutting, hair styling, chemical texture services, and hair coloring.
Nail care: Six questions on manicuring, pedicuring, and nail enhancements.
Skincare: Six questions on facials, hair removal, and artificial lashes.
The practical examination includes 130 scored items and takes three hours and 45 minutes to complete. Like the written test, you need at least 70% to pass.
The exam covers a range of practical tasks, in the following order:
Pre-examination set up and disinfection: 10 minutes
You may be eligible for reciprocity in Texas if you have a cosmetology license in another state. This allows you to carry your current license without new training or testing.
Eligibility requirements vary according to the state you trained in. Once you confirm reciprocity is possible, you need to do the following to gain licensure in Texas:
Provide required documentation.
Submit a completed Cosmetology License by Reciprocity Application Form.
Pay a $100 non-refundable application fee.
Other reciprocity options are available for active-duty military, veterans, and military spouses.
Cosmetology Specialties in Texas
Once you're trained and licensed as a cosmetologist, you may choose to specialize in a specific area. Some of these specialties may require additional licensure. For example:
For eyelash extensions, you must apply for an eyelash extension specialty license, requiring 320 hours of training.
To specialize in hair weaving or wig application, you must complete at least 300 hours of instruction in cosmetology at a licensed beauty school. Then, you can apply for a hair weaving or wig specialty certificate.
For each of these, you must pass written and practical exams and pay a non-refundable fee of $50.
You can begin your renewal process 60 days before your license expires. Continuing education can be completed at any time in the two years before expiration.
If you're 65 or older and have had a license for at least 15 years, you only need to complete one hour of continuing education on sanitation.
If your license has been expired for more than 90 days but less than 18 months, you can renew by paying a $100 fee. This is also true if your license has been expired for at least 18 months but fewer than three years, though you likely need approval from the licensure board.
If your license expired three or more years ago, you have to retake your tests and get a new license.
Renewal can take several weeks, and you can't work as a cosmetologist in Texas if your license has expired, so plan ahead.
