Who needs licensed cosmetologists, nail technicians, estheticians and barbers in Pennsylvania?

Issued by Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology; State Board of Barber Examiners, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

3 of the 20 kinds of business in Pennsylvania

Hire only licensed operators and keep each license posted. Booth renters hold their own license and register their own business.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology; State Board of Barber Examiners.

Sources and dates

Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs license pages. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.