Texas licenses estheticians through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which oversees all barbering and cosmetology licenses in the state. You need a Texas esthetician license to legally perform facials, skincare treatments, waxing, makeup application, eyelash extensions, and other esthetic services for compensation anywhere in Texas.
Texas requires 750 hours of approved training plus both a written and practical state board exam. The total cost including exams and application is approximately $172 to $181. Most people complete the full process in six to ten months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Texas Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Esthetician |
| Governing Agency | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | High school diploma or GED (as of September 1, 2023, no longer required for cosmetology operator licenses, but still required for estheticians per school enrollment standards) |
| Training Hours Required | 750 hours at a TDLR-approved school |
| State Board Exam | Written exam AND practical exam (both required) |
| Exam Fees | Written: $50–$55 | Practical: $72–$76 (paid to PSI Services) |
| Application Fee | $50 (paid to TDLR after passing both exams) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Renewal Fee | $53 |
| Continuing Education | 4 hours every 2 years (1 hour sanitation + 3 hours cosmetology topics including human trafficking prevention) |
| Apply Online | TDLR Esthetician Application |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To pursue an esthetician license in Texas, you must be at least 17 years old by the time you apply for licensure. Most TDLR-approved schools require a high school diploma or GED for enrollment, and some will admit students as young as 16 with the understanding that they cannot sit for the licensing exam until age 17. There is no Texas residency requirement to apply for the license.
Step 2: Complete 750 Hours at a TDLR-Approved School
You must complete 750 clock hours of instruction at a barbering and cosmetology school licensed by TDLR. The program covers skin analysis and care, facial treatments (chemical and manual), hair removal techniques including waxing, tweezing, and depilatories, makeup application, product knowledge and chemistry, eyelash extension application, sanitation and safety procedures, and Texas laws and regulations governing the profession.
Most full-time programs take approximately 6 to 8 months to complete. Part-time schedules can take up to a year. Tuition varies widely depending on the school, typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Some schools include exam fees and supply kits in their tuition cost, so compare what is included when evaluating programs.
When choosing a school, verify that it holds a current TDLR school license. Hours completed at schools not licensed by TDLR will not count toward your licensing requirement. Your school will issue you a student permit while you are enrolled, and it will report your training hours to TDLR through the SHEARS (School Hours and Enrollment Automated Reporting System) platform.
Important: Texas requires in-person training. Some schools may allow a portion of theory coursework online through hybrid programs, but all hands-on practical training must be completed in person at the licensed school facility. You cannot complete the full 750 hours through an online-only program. Texas 750 hours requirement is above average compared to other states. See how Texas compares in our esthetician license hours by state guide.
Step 3: Pass the Written Exam
After completing your training hours, your school will notify TDLR that you are eligible to sit for the licensing exams. TDLR’s third-party testing vendor, PSI Services (the company that administers all TDLR licensing exams), will send you an email with instructions for scheduling your exam appointment. You must pass the written exam before you can take the practical exam.
The written exam consists of 75 scored questions plus unscored pretest questions. You have 105 minutes to complete it. A score of 70% or better is required to pass. You receive your score immediately on screen at the testing center after finishing.
The written exam covers skin care theory, facial treatments and techniques, hair removal methods, health and safety procedures, sanitation and disinfection, Texas laws and regulations, product chemistry, and professional practices. Study materials referenced in the exam are listed in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin, which you should review thoroughly before test day.
The written exam fee is $50 to $55, paid directly to PSI when you schedule your appointment. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Written exams are offered at PSI testing centers throughout Texas, including Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Harlingen, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, San Antonio, Tyler, and Waco.
Step 4: Pass the Practical Exam
After passing the written exam, you can schedule your practical exam through PSI. The practical exam is a hands-on skills demonstration lasting approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes to 2 hours and 44 minutes, depending on sections. Each section is timed separately. A score of 70% or better is required to pass.
The practical exam tests your ability to perform esthetician services safely and correctly, including pre-exam setup and disinfection, facial service, manicure service, makeup application, hair removal, and proper sanitation and infection control throughout. You must bring a live model and a mannequin, along with all required supplies and equipment. The full list of required supplies is detailed in the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.
The practical exam fee is $72 to $76, paid to PSI when scheduling. Practical exams are offered in Austin, San Antonio, the DFW Metroplex, Greater Houston, McAllen, El Paso, Midland, and Amarillo. You receive your score at the testing center after completing the exam.
There is no limit to the number of retakes for either exam. Your examination eligibility is good for 5 years, and you can test an unlimited number of times within that period. However, you must pay the exam fee for each attempt, and if you do not test within one year of paying a fee, that fee is forfeited.
Step 5: Apply for Your License
Once you have passed both the written and practical exams, you can apply for your esthetician license. The non-refundable application fee is $50, paid to TDLR. You can apply online through the TDLR website, which is strongly recommended for faster processing, or by mail using a printable PDF application form.
TDLR will conduct a criminal history background check on all applicants. If you have any felony or misdemeanor convictions (other than minor traffic violations), you must submit a Criminal History Questionnaire with your application. Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you are concerned about how your background might affect your eligibility, you can request a Criminal History Evaluation Letter from TDLR before applying. This pre-application evaluation uses the same review process as an actual license application.
Temporary license: After passing the practical exam, you may receive a temporary license at the PSI testing site. This temporary license is valid for 21 days and allows you to begin working immediately while TDLR processes your permanent two-year license.
License Renewal
Texas esthetician licenses must be renewed every two years from the date of issue. TDLR will send you a renewal notice approximately 60 days before your license expiration date. The renewal fee is $53, and you can renew online through the TDLR online services portal.
Continuing education is required in Texas. Before renewing, you must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education, including 1 hour of sanitation and 3 hours of cosmetology-related topics. As of September 1, 2025, continuing education must also include content on human trafficking prevention. If you have held a Texas license for 15 years or more, you only need to complete 2 hours of CE (1 hour sanitation, 1 hour cosmetology topics including human trafficking). CE courses are available online through TDLR-approved providers, typically costing $20 to $30.
If your license expires, you cannot legally perform esthetician services. Late renewal fees apply as follows: if your license has been expired 90 days or less, you pay 1.5 times the normal renewal fee; if expired between 91 days and 18 months, you pay double the renewal fee. Licenses expired for more than 3 years cannot be renewed and you would need to reapply.
Transferring an Out-of-State Esthetician License to Texas
Texas offers license reciprocity for estheticians who hold a current, valid license in another state. You must apply through TDLR using the out-of-state applicant process. You will need to provide proof of your current license and completed training hours. If your original state’s requirements are substantially equivalent to Texas, you can receive a Texas license without repeating the full 750-hour program.
Some out-of-state applicants may be required to pass a Texas laws and rules exam before receiving their license. The exact requirements are evaluated on a case-by-case basis depending on your state of origin and training background.
If you trained in another state but have not yet been licensed anywhere, see the Apply for a Cosmetology or Barbering License by Equivalence page on the TDLR website for instructions on having your training hours evaluated.
Military Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Texas provides significant licensing benefits for active-duty military, veterans, and military spouses through TDLR’s Military Outreach program. Benefits include waiver of initial license application fees for service members and veterans whose military training substantially meets license requirements, expedited application processing for military spouses transferring an out-of-state license, temporary authorization to practice in Texas for military spouses who hold a license from another state, and waiver of the examination requirement if a military spouse previously held a Texas license that expired within the past five years.
To take advantage of these benefits, submit the Military Supplemental Application form along with your standard license application. Active-duty members need military orders or DD-214; spouses also need proof of marital status such as a dependent ID card or marriage certificate. Note that exam fees paid to PSI (the third-party testing vendor) cannot be waived by TDLR. For full details, visit the TDLR Military Outreach page.
What Can You Do with a Texas Esthetician License?
A Texas esthetician license authorizes you to perform cleansing treatments of the face, neck, scalp, shoulders, and arms, beautifying treatments of the face, neck, shoulders, and arms, facial massage and mask treatments, body hair removal using depilatories, chemicals, tweezers, or waxing, eyelash extensions (semipermanent single-fiber application), eyelash and eyebrow tinting and perming, and makeup application.
There are services an esthetician cannot perform under a TDLR esthetician license. Laser hair removal is a separate TDLR license category and requires additional training and certification. Any invasive medical procedures, injectables (Botox, fillers), and chemical treatments that penetrate beyond the epidermis are outside the esthetician scope of practice. Texas also has a separate Eyelash Extension Specialist license for practitioners who only want to perform lash extensions without the full esthetician scope.
Texas estheticians must work in a TDLR-licensed establishment. This includes salons, day spas, resort spas, medical spas, and dermatology offices. If an esthetician performs services under their TDLR license at a medical office, that location must hold a TDLR specialty salon or establishment license regardless of its medical practice setting. Home-based salons are permitted in Texas, but the space must have its own entrance separate from living areas, meet all sanitation and inspection standards, and be officially licensed as a salon by TDLR.
Key Regulatory Changes: HB 1560
In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1560, which consolidated the previously separate barbering and cosmetology licensing programs into a single unified program under TDLR. The final rules took effect January 1, 2023. For estheticians, the key impacts were that barber technician licenses transitioned to esthetician licenses (since the scopes of practice were equivalent), all estheticians now fall under one combined Barbering and Cosmetology program, and the instructor license was eliminated, meaning any person holding a TDLR practitioner license can now teach in a licensed school without a separate instructor credential.
The esthetician training requirement of 750 hours was not changed by HB 1560. However, the high school diploma or GED requirement was removed for cosmetology operator applicants as of September 1, 2023. Additionally, as of September 1, 2025, continuing education requirements were updated to include human trafficking prevention content, and licensees with 15+ years of experience only need 2 hours of CE instead of 4.
Texas Esthetician Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for skincare specialists was $41,560 per year ($19.98 per hour) as of May 2024. Employment in the field is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
In Texas specifically, esthetician salaries vary by region and setting. Salary aggregators report average hourly rates ranging from approximately $17 at the 25th percentile to $35 at the 75th percentile, with a statewide average around $26 per hour (roughly $54,000 annually). Estheticians in major metro areas like Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio tend to earn more, especially those working in medical spas, luxury resorts, or dermatology practices. Tips and product commissions can add 15% to 25% on top of base pay. Texas has no state income tax, which effectively increases take-home pay compared to many other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed esthetician in Texas?
Most people complete the process in about 6 to 10 months. A full-time 750-hour training program typically takes 6 to 8 months. After graduating, you need to schedule and pass both the written and practical exams, then submit your license application. The exam and application process can add several weeks depending on PSI scheduling availability and TDLR processing times.
Does Texas require a practical exam for estheticians?
Yes. Unlike some states that have eliminated their practical exams (such as California), Texas still requires both a written exam and a hands-on practical exam. The practical exam tests your ability to perform esthetician services safely and correctly, including facials, hair removal, makeup application, and proper sanitation procedures. You must pass the written exam first before scheduling the practical.
Does Texas require continuing education to renew an esthetician license?
Yes. Texas requires 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every two years for license renewal. This must include 1 hour of sanitation and 3 hours of cosmetology-related topics. As of September 2025, human trafficking prevention must also be covered. Licensees with 15+ years of experience only need 2 hours. CE courses are available online from approved providers for approximately $20 to $30.
Can I get a Texas esthetician license fully online?
No. While some schools may offer theory classes online through hybrid programs, Texas requires in-person training for all hands-on skills. Both the written and practical exams must be taken at PSI testing centers in person. There is no fully online pathway to a Texas esthetician license.
Can I use my Texas esthetician license in other states?
No. Your Texas esthetician license is only valid in Texas. If you want to practice in another state, you will need to apply for that state’s license separately. Texas’s 750-hour requirement is above average nationally, so many states will accept your training when applying by reciprocity or endorsement. Each state has its own transfer process and may require additional steps like a state-specific exam.
What is the difference between an esthetician and a cosmetology operator in Texas?
An esthetician specializes in skin care and related services. A cosmetology operator is trained in hair, skin, and nails and can perform a broader range of services including haircutting, coloring, and styling. The esthetician program is 750 hours; the cosmetology operator program is 1,000 hours. If you hold a cosmetology operator license, you can already perform esthetic services without a separate esthetician license.
For a comparison of esthetician licensing requirements across all states, including training hours, exam formats, fees, and reciprocity rules, see our complete esthetician license guide.
Official Resources
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Barbering and Cosmetology Program
P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711
Phone: (800) 803-9202 (in-state) | (512) 463-6599
Website: www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology
Apply for an Esthetician License:
TDLR Esthetician Application Page
Exam Information (PSI Testing):
TDLR Examination Information
PSI Candidate Information Bulletin:
PSI Texas TDLR Exams
Scope of Practice Guide for Estheticians:
TDLR Esthetician Scope of Practice
Continuing Education Requirements:
TDLR CE Requirements for Barbers and Cosmetologists
Out-of-State Applicants:
TDLR Out-of-State/Country Applicants
Military Outreach:
TDLR Military Licensing Benefits
License Verification:
TDLR License Search