Cosmetology Schools in Georgia
Thinking about a cosmetology career in Georgia? Here, you can find information to help you decide whether this might be the perfect career for you.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Georgia, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Georgia
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1745 Peachtree Street Northeast Suite A
Atlanta, GA 30309
2190 Henderson Mill Road
Atlanta, GA 30345
2615 George Busbee Parkway Northwest
Kennesaw, GA 30144
1455 Pleasant Hill Road
Lawrenceville, GA 30044
1958 Mount Zion Road Suite 205
Morrow, GA 30260
7400 Abercorn Street Suite 901
Savannah, GA 31406
900 Flat Shoals Road Southeast
Conyers, GA 30094
7840 Roswell Road Building 500
Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Georgia Institute of Cosmetology - Gainesville – Accredited
Gainesville, GA 30501
Georgia Institute of Cosmetology - Sugar Hill – Accredited
Sugar Hill, GA 30518
Hogan Institute of Cosmetology & Esthetics – Accredited
Lilburn, GA 30047
Keune Academy by 124 – Accredited
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
Paul Mitchell The School Atlanta – Accredited
Atlanta, GA 30318
Rivertown School of Beauty Barber Skin Care and Nails – Accredited
Columbus, GA 31909
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
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Georgia
- 1,500 education hours or 3,000 apprenticeship hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 5 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for cosmetologists in Georgia is $37,420.
- There is a predicted 26% job increase between 2020–2030 for cosmetologists.
Cosmetologists provide a wide range of hair and beauty services. These can include hair treatments, skincare, nail treatments, and massage. Note that the state of Georgia calls its cosmetologists “master cosmetologists,” but this does not refer to a more advanced type of cosmetology licensure.
To work as a cosmetologist in Georgia, you must train, pass exams, and gain licensure from the state board. You also need to fulfill specific requirements:
According to some 2021 estimates, one in three Georgians may have a criminal record. When applying for a cosmetology license in Georgia, you must declare whether you’ve ever been arrested or convicted of a crime.
A criminal record doesn’t always exclude you from being granted a cosmetology license. Still, it may mean the board will review your application.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Georgia
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Georgia
On average, cosmetologists in Georgia earn $37,420 per year ($17.99 per hour) as of 2021, which is a bit higher than the national average of $35,990.
Even better, the cost of living in Georgia is significantly lower than the national average. So, it’s possible to get more bang for your cosmetology job buck!
Average salaries vary from around $18,180 to $75,470, with factors such as the area where a cosmetologist works, the services they provide, and their level of experience all contributing to this figure. For example, an experienced and specialized hairstylist working in a high-end city salon typically earns more than a newly trained cosmetologist working in a small, rural location.
Projected job growth in Georgia looks positive, with an expected rise of 26% between 2020 and 2030—over 1,800 new openings for cosmetologists in the state each year.
The highest-paying metro and nonmetro areas for cosmetologists in Georgia are:
| Metro Area | 2021 Median Salary |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $29,460 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $28,900 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | $28,280 |
| Savannah, GA | $27,920 |
| Gainesville, GA | $26,450 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $24,690 |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area | $23,770 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $23,650 |
| Albany, GA | $23,060 |
| Macon, GA | $22,980 |
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area | $22,760 |
| East Georgia nonmetropolitan area | $22,650 |
| Valdosta, GA | $22,480 |
| Dalton, GA | $21,980 |
Table information sourced from O*Net (2022).
What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Georgia
Required to earn a cosmetology license
A cosmetology program should cover a wide variety of hair and beauty topics. However, the exact program content may vary from school to school. According to state law, all curricula must cover the following topics:
Level 1: Classroom Theory Hours (250 hours)
Level 2: Practical Hours (1,250 hours)
Note that you must pass Level 1 theory classwork at a 75% score or higher before you can proceed to practical hours (Level 2).
You may need to obtain additional licenses to offer particular hair and beauty services in Georgia. For example, to perform laser hair removal, you must hold a current Cosmetic Laser Practitioner license issued by the Georgia Composite Medical Board (GCMB).
All cosmetology or barber schools in Georgia must be licensed. To gain licensure, schools must prove they meet criteria dictated by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers and maintain high standards.
They must also renew their licenses regularly and prove these standards have been maintained.
Cosmetology Apprenticeships in Georgia
Required to earn a cosmetology license
Prospective cosmetologists in Georgia can also enter the profession via apprenticeships. However, this takes longer than the traditional route, with apprentices needing to accrue 3,000 training hours over 18 months versus the 1,500 training hours over nine months regular school program trainees must complete. To apply for an apprentice license, you need to:
Georgia Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
Required to earn a cosmetology license
Once you've completed 1,500 hours of cosmetology training or 3,000 hours of approved apprenticeship training, you can move on to the next step. Before you're granted your license, you need to pass two exams—a practical exam and a theory exam.
The tests are overseen by PSI Services LLC. The joint fee for both examinations is $109.
Alternatively, you can pay $64 to take the practical exam or $45 for the written exam. Once you've completed your program, you have 48 months to take and pass your exams.
You can sign up to take the exams online or by calling (855) 744-0314. The exams must be taken at one of the following preapproved PSI locations:
1000 Circle 75 Parkway
Suite 720
Atlanta, GA 30339
3505 Koger Boulevard
Suite 175
Duluth, GA 30096
The Pavilions at East Lake Shopping Center
2100 Roswell Road Northeast
Suite 2128
Marietta, GA 30062
251 Southwell Boulevard
Suite A
Tifton, GA 31794
3902 Northside Drive
Suite C5
Macon, GA 31210
2400 Lake Park Drive
Suite 245
Smyrna, GA 30080
On the day of the examination, you should arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment and bring two forms of valid ID with you. If taking the practical exam, you also need your student kit, mannequin, and equipment, which must be labeled in English.
The written test comprises 110 questions, of which 100 contribute to your final score. You have 90 minutes to complete the test, which is split into the following areas:
Domain 1: Scientific Concepts (30%)
Domain 2: Haircare and Services (40%)
Domain 3: Skincare and Services (15%)
Domain 4: Nailcare and Services (15%)
The practical exam takes 185 minutes and is split into the following areas:
All PSI exam locations can provide accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. If you feel you need accommodations when taking your exams, notify PSI in advance, and PSI should take steps to provide them.
Upon completing the exams, you receive your grade immediately. If you fail either one, you can retake them an unlimited number of times during the next four years. After this, you need to reapply to the state board.
Eligible veterans and their spouses may qualify for reimbursement of all or part of their examination fees or get exam point credits.
Georgia Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
Sometimes, those already licensed to work as cosmetologists in other states can use their licenses to work in another state. This recognition of another state’s licensure is called reciprocity. Unfortunately, Georgia doesn't reciprocate licenses with any other state. But, if you're licensed and in good standing in another state or a United States territory, you can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Through endorsement, you can gain your license in Georgia without having to retrain or retake your exams.
The state board accepts endorsement applications on paper; these must be mailed in along with any supporting documents and a nonrefundable $75 fee.
If you're a member of the United States Armed Forces or the spouse of one, you may qualify for expedited application processing.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
In most states, cosmetologists need to renew their licenses regularly. In Georgia, master cosmetologist licenses must be renewed by March 31 of even-numbered years. Licensees must pay a nonrefundable renewal fee of $50.
In addition to paying the fee, you must provide proof you've completed five hours of continuing education (CE). Three of the five hours must consist of a board-approved health and safety course. The other two hours must be in a board-approved program in any of the following subject areas:
If a license isn't renewed, it's placed into a lapsed-late renewal status for 30 days. After that, the license is considered lapsed and must be reapplied for as if you were a new applicant. It's illegal to continue working with an expired license. If you do so, you may find yourself subject to a fine, a public disciplinary action, or criminal prosecution.
Contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
- 214 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334
- Website: Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
- Contact Form: Contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology
- Call: 404-656-2881
PSI Services LLC
PSI provides all testing resources for Georgia cosmetologists.