Cosmetology Schools in Michigan
Looking for a career where you can help people feel good about themselves, flex your creative skills, and earn a solid income? Becoming a cosmetologist in Michigan might be just the career path for you.
Michigan boasts a healthy cosmetology industry, with jobs expected to increase much faster than the national average—making now a great time to earn your cosmetology license.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Michigan, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Michigan
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333 Maynard Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
138 Commerce Avenue Southwest
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
331 East Grand River Avenue
East Lansing, MI 48823
125 West 4th Street
Royal Oak, MI 48067
455 Standale Plaza Northwest
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
6091 Constitution Boulevard
Portage, MI 49024
3583 Alpine Avenue Northwest
Walker, MI 49544
4390 Dixie Highway
Waterford Township, MI 48329
David Pressley School of Cosmetology - Royal Oak – Accredited
Royal Oak, MI 48067
Paul Mitchell The School Farmington Hills – Accredited
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Paul Mitchell The School Grand Rapids – Accredited
Kentwood, MI 49512
The Salon Professional Academy - Battle Creek – Accredited
Battle Creek, MI 49015
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:
Cosmetology Schools Near Me
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Michigan have to offer.
Cost of Cosmetology School Across MI
| Metro | Average Tuition |
|---|---|
| Lansing | $21,050 |
| Grand Rapids / Kalamazoo / Battle Creek | $18,592 |
| South Bend / Elkhart | $18,000 |
| Detroit | $17,257 |
| Toledo | $15,725 |
| Traverse City / Cadillac | $13,948 |
| Flint / Saginaw / Bay City | $12,795 |
Comparing Program Costs in MI
| Cosmetology School Costs |
|---|
| Highest range: $15,257 - $27,150 |
| Lowest range: $3,363 - $15,257 |
| Average: $16,864 |
| Esthetics/Skin Care School Costs |
| Highest range: $8,408 - $13,500 |
| Lowest range: $3,315 - $8,408 |
| Average: $8,551 |
| Nail Technology School Costs |
| Highest range: $9,458 - $16,500 |
| Lowest range: $2,415 - $9,458 |
| Average: $5,836 |
| Barbering School Costs |
| Highest range: $15,508 - $18,500 |
| Lowest range: $12,515 - $15,508 |
| Average: $15,761 |
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Michigan
- 1,500 education hours or 2 year apprenticeship 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 Michigan is $31,760.
- There is a predicted job increase between 2018 and 2028 for cosmetologists.
If you want to become a cosmetologist in Michigan, there are several requirements you need to meet. You must:
You won't need to complete a background check to become a cosmetologist in Michigan. Still, you must answer the Good Moral Character Question, which includes a statement that you've been rehabilitated after any past crimes and can show the crime is not reasonably related to your new profession.
Michigan Cosmetology Careers
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Michigan
Nationally, the cosmetology industry is on a slight decline. However, it's expected to grow in Michigan, with a projected growth rate of 16% between 2020 and 2030.
Cosmetologists in Michigan earned a mean annual salary of $44,070 ($21.19 per hour) in 2021. However, there's room for growth, with top cosmetologists in the state earning as much as $75,470 per year. Salaries are affected by factors like your amount of education, years of experience, and specific location.
As of 2021, the highest median pays for Michigan metro areas are:
The highest-paying nonmetropolitan areas for cosmetologists in Michigan are:
Information sourced from O*Net (2022)
State License Requirements
Required to earn a cosmetology license
The first step to becoming a licensed Michigan cosmetologist is to complete the required 1,500 hours of training through an approved beauty school.
While cosmetology programs can vary by school, most programs offer similar classes and requirements. Here are the types of courses and requirements you can expect to complete during your time at a state-approved Michigan beauty school.
Your courses may also cover other beauty-related services, including textured hair care, business and marketing skills, relaxers, and eyebrow shaping.
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Michigan?
Required to earn a cosmetology license
Michigan offers an apprenticeship path to earn your cosmetology license. Rather than completing (and paying tuition for) the 1,500-hour training program, you can choose to apprentice for two years at a licensed cosmetology business.
After completing your apprenticeship, you must take and pass the same tests to obtain your license. Though this path is longer, it may be ideal for students who don't have the time or money for school.
Michigan Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
After completing your 1,500 hours of cosmetology training or two years of apprenticeship, you'll be eligible to take the practical and theoretical cosmetology exams.
Before taking the cosmetology exams, you must apply via the online portal MyLicense. Once you've applied, pay the application fees and schedule your exam on the PSI website.
The Michigan cosmetology exam has two parts: a practical exam and a theory exam. The practical exam, which lasts 190 minutes, is a hands-on exam where you show your ability to cut and style hair, apply makeup, wax, and perform other cosmetology services. The practical test must be taken in person, and its passing score is 75%.
The theory test is a 120-minute computer-based test where you demonstrate your knowledge of cosmetology regulations, best practices, and theory. You must score at least 70% to pass the exam, and the results will indicate only "pass" or "fail."
Exam results are mailed within seven days of taking the exam and can also be found online on the PSI website. You may retake the exam if needed, but you must pay the same exam fee.
After completing your training and passing both the written and practical exam, you can apply online for your Michigan cosmetology license.
Michigan Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
Michigan offers reciprocity, which means cosmetologists licensed in other states may become licensed in the state without undergoing additional training or retaking exams. In some cases, experience may be substituted for training hours.
Verification of licensure should be submitted to the cosmetology board by your current state's licensing agency.
Limited Cosmetology Specialties in Michigan
As a licensed cosmetologist in Michigan, you can provide a wide range of services, including hair cutting and styling, manicures, esthetician services, and natural hair care, among others. However, several limited licenses require less training and allow you to provide a limited number of services. These include:
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Michigan requires all licensed cosmetologists to renew their license every two years. Renewal applications must be completed online and require a $48.00 fee. You must also accept a renewal attestation.
No continuing education courses are required, though taking classes can help you learn new skills to build your business and find a job in the industry.
If your license expires, you have three years to reapply following the standard renewal procedure. After three years, you must repass the cosmetology exams or prove you've held a license in another state.
Contact the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology
- 611 West Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48909
- Website: Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
- Call: 517-335-9700
The Michigan State Board of Cosmetology can help you answer additional questions about obtaining a Michigan state cosmetology license.
Many who have chosen a cosmetology career in Michigan have found that it is a rewarding experience. Coupled with state projections also looking toward an added lift in the numbers of new professionals in the next few years, the field has also led to more business development. All will get their start by consulting these groups.
PSI Exams
This is the body responsible for proctoring the Michigan cosmetology exam. Their site includes an online practice test, information about test results, and what to expect on the day of your exam.
Michigan Association of Beauty Professionals
This organization is dedicated to raising the bar of the beauty industry in Michigan through education, events, and networking.