Cosmetology schools in Jacksonville offer classroom study and salon practice for Florida licensing. Compare local campuses, Orange Park classes and a St. Augustine public option by published hours, schedules and costs before you choose.
Cosmetology training in Jacksonville and nearby communities
Compare published cosmetology classes below, including St. Augustine if a longer commute works for you. The check line identifies the official school registration or CIE license record checked on October 27, 2026.
Published starts October 27 and December 8, 2026. The catalog total conflicts with its tuition line; request a current itemized bill. Catalog and calendar.
The catalog lists November 3, 2026 as the next start. Evening days differ from the course page; confirm whether Monday attendance applies. Current catalog.
Florida requires examination applicants to be at least 16 or have a high school diploma, according to DBPR application requirements. Schools may set additional admission rules; Shear Finesse asks for high school completion or an equivalent.
3
Complete the school curriculum
The standard Florida application route calls for 1,200 school hours. Your campus schedule determines the calendar; FSCJ publishes approximately three terms.
4
Apply for the examination
After training, submit your application and required fees to DBPR. Its licensing FAQ says approved candidates receive instructions from Pearson VUE to schedule the written examination.
5
Pass both exam portions
You must pass both portions within two years of the first attempt under DBPR examination rules. Review any retake or remedial-hour requirements before scheduling another attempt.
Cosmetology jobs and wages in the Jacksonville metro
BLS reported 1,930 hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists in the Jacksonville, FL metro area in May 2025 (SOC 39-5012). The median wage was $13.90 an hour and $28,900 a year. These are regional employee estimates, rather than a starting-pay offer or a prediction for a graduate.
The OEWS survey guidance explains that self-employed workers are excluded. That matters when comparing employee salon jobs with renting a chair or running a business. Ask each employer about hourly pay, commissions, tips, supplies and weekly hours. The employment count describes jobs held, rather than current vacancies.
Cosmetology tuition and funding to check
Published tuition is $14,700 at KCK and $17,400 at Paul Mitchell on pages checked October 27, 2026. Their listed totals are $16,725 and $21,420. FCTC's 2026-27 sheet lists $6,264 for tuition, lab and instructional fees, with an $8,243.63 total including listed items. Its program page labels that figure differently, so request a written breakdown.
For eligible students, AAC describes FAFSA, Pell Grants and VA benefits. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to check the school and program before relying on benefits. Ask CareerSource Northeast Florida, the local American Job Center network, whether your exact training choice qualifies for WIOA assistance. Funding depends on eligibility, approved training and available money. Ask your employer about any written tuition reimbursement benefit before paying.
How long does cosmetology school take in Jacksonville?
The standard Florida route requires 1,200 school hours, but those hours do not set one calendar length. FSCJ lists 12 months, or approximately three terms. FCTC publishes 37 weeks. Attendance, holidays and your weekly schedule affect the completion date. Ask the campus for the start date and expected graduation date on your own enrollment agreement.
Can I study cosmetology at night or partly online?
Parisian lists evening classes Monday through Thursday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., without Saturdays. Its daytime tracks do include Saturday attendance. Aveda's 2026 catalog lists a part-time hybrid cosmetology option in Jacksonville. Hybrid study still includes campus practice. Confirm which hours happen at home and which require travel before changing your work or child care schedule.
What exam comes after cosmetology classes?
The Florida Board of Cosmetology FAQ directs approved applicants to Pearson VUE for the written cosmetology examination. Both portions must be passed before a license is issued. DBPR requires both passing scores within two years of your first attempt at either portion. Keep the completion documents and ask which application and testing fees your tuition includes.
Does a cosmetology license cover nail and facial services?
Yes. The Board of Cosmetology FAQ says a licensed cosmetologist does not need a separate nail specialist or facial specialist registration. These are also subjects in local cosmetology curricula. KCK, for example, includes manicuring, makeup and facials. Ask how much practice each service receives if you want to use those skills regularly after licensing.
How should I check a school before paying?
Start with the exact campus name and street address. The Florida CIE search provides private-school license records, while DBPR's extract includes approved school registrations and some closed-school entries. Read the status and notes, then ask the campus for a dated enrollment agreement and current class opening. A school record alone does not confirm that a particular cohort has space.