Licensed Cosmetologist License in Alabama
Quick Answer
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Alabama, you must be at least 16 years old, complete 10th grade, finish 1,000 hours of cosmetology education (or 2,000 apprenticeship hours), and pass the Board Examination. Total estimated costs are approximately $175. Alabama has one of the lower education hour requirements nationally.
- Education Required
- 1000 hours
- Exam
- Alabama Board Cosmetology Exam
- Total Cost
- $175 (est.)
- Timeline
- 6-12 months
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Licensed Cosmetologist license in Alabama
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $25
- Exam Fee
- $50
- Renewal Fee
- $25
- Total Estimated Cost
- $175
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Cosmetologist license in Alabama. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Alabama licensing board.
Licensed Cosmetologist Salary in Alabama
Entry Level
$15,740
Median
$29,660
Experienced
$49,710
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Licensed Cosmetologist in Alabama.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Specific course required
- 2
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — Alabama Board Cosmetology Exam
- 3
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$25.
- 4
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 6-12 months.
Licensed Cosmetologist Licensing in Alabama: What to Know
Alabama requires 1,000 credit unit hours of cosmetology education (one of the lower requirements nationally) or 2,000 hours of apprenticeship in a cosmetology salon. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have completed 10th grade education. CE is required for renewal. The Alabama State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering oversees licensing. Alabama has no interstate compact for cosmetology — each state requires its own license. The relatively low hour requirement makes Alabama one of the faster states to enter the profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Licensed Cosmetologist license cost in Alabama?
- The estimated total cost is $175, including application fees, exam fees ($50), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Licensed Cosmetologist license in Alabama?
- The process typically takes 6-12 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Licensed Cosmetologist license in Alabama?
- You need to pass the Alabama Board Cosmetology Exam. State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Licensed Cosmetologist requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.