Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist License in Rhode Island
Quick Answer
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Rhode Island, you must complete approved training and pass a third-party exam. No CE required. The RI Department of Health oversees licensing. Estimated costs are approximately $175.
- Education Required
- 1500 hours
- Exam
- Rhode Island Cosmetology Exam (NIC)
- Total Cost
- $175 (est.)
- Timeline
- 9-14 months
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist license in Rhode Island
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $25
- Exam Fee
- $75
- Renewal Fee
- $25
- Total Estimated Cost
- $175
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist license in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island licensing board.
Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist Salary in Rhode Island
Entry Level
$29,120
Median
$30,510
Experienced
$62,400
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist in Rhode Island.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — Rhode Island Cosmetology Exam (NIC)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$25.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 9-14 months.
Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist Licensing in Rhode Island: What to Know
Rhode Island combines the cosmetologist, esthetician, and manicurist under one listing. No CE is required for renewal, and no criminal record prohibitions exist. The RI Department of Health's Office of Facilities Regulation oversees cosmetology licensing. Rhode Island's small size means Providence is the dominant market. The state's proximity to Boston creates cross-border employment opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist license cost in Rhode Island?
- The estimated total cost is $175, including application fees, exam fees ($75), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist license in Rhode Island?
- The process typically takes 9-14 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist license in Rhode Island?
- You need to pass the Rhode Island Cosmetology Exam (NIC). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Hairdresser, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Manicurist requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.