Best cosmetology programs in California 2026

• #1

  Hoss Lee Academy

  Roseville, CA · Board-approved school

  93%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Esthetics
  • Cosmetology
  • 68 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Hoss Lee Academy trains in Roseville, licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. The board recorded 68 first-time candidates from this school, 63 of whom passed, at 93 percent. That runs above the 84 percent median across the schools ranked here. Esthetics is its largest cohort at 38 of 68 candidates, which makes it the school's center of gravity. The 95 percent there, 36 of 38, sets much of the overall figure. Statewide, first-time candidates pass at 69 percent, so this runs 24 points above. It is one of the larger testing centers in the state by candidate volume. The board lists no other licensed school in Roseville. Verify the school's standing with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before any deposit changes hands, since that record and not this one governs your hours.

  Where it leads

  undefined

  Exam results by license

  esthetics	36 of 38	95%
  cosmetology	27 of 30	90%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #2

  Sacramento City College, Cosmetology Department

  Sacramento, CA · Board-approved school

  93%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Nail technology
  • 27 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Based in Sacramento, Sacramento City College, Cosmetology Department is on the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology register. The board recorded 27 first-time candidates from this school, 25 of whom passed, at 93 percent. That runs above the 84 percent median across the schools ranked here. Most of its candidates, 26 of 27, tested in cosmetology, so that is what it mainly trains people to do. That is 24 points above the 69 percent statewide first-time rate, which is the comparison that holds whatever list you are reading. Two quarters produced 27 candidates here, a mid-sized cohort for the state. With 6 licensed schools in Sacramento, this one is competing for students rather than the only option. Verify the school's standing with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before any deposit changes hands, since that record and not this one governs your hours.

  Where it leads

  For cosmetologists around Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, the range runs $34,610 to $60,440 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles, with a median of $36,780. A narrow bottom-to-middle gap means the pay you start on is close to the pay most people stay on, unless they build a following. On concentration, Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom is unremarkable, tracking the national rate closely.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	24 of 26	92%
  nail technology	1 of 1	100%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #3

  San Diego City College, Cosmetology Department

  San Diego, CA · Board-approved school

  92%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Esthetics
  • Nail technology
  • Cosmetology
  • 59 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  San Diego City College, Cosmetology Department is licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and trains in San Diego. Of 59 first-time candidates sitting the state written exam, 54 passed, giving 92 percent. That runs above the 84 percent median across the schools ranked here. The bulk of its testing is esthetics, 37 of 59 candidates, though it is licensed more widely than that. There, 33 of 37 passed, so the headline rate is mostly that program. That is 23 points above the 69 percent statewide first-time rate, which is the comparison that holds whatever list you are reading. Two quarters produced 59 candidates here, a mid-sized cohort for the state. San Diego has 10 licensed schools, so there is a real choice locally. Ask the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology directly whether the license is in good standing, because a lapse while you are enrolled costs you the hours rather than the school.

  Where it leads

  Around San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, the median cosmetologist earns $37,290, the bottom tenth $35,500 and the top tenth $62,130. Local pay is compressed near the bottom, so the first years look much like the middle and progression comes from clientele rather than from a job title.

  Exam results by license

  esthetics	33 of 37	89%
  nail technology	16 of 17	94%
  cosmetology	5 of 5	100%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #4

  Riverside Community College

  Riverside, CA · Board-approved school

  91%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • 43 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Riverside Community College operates in Riverside under license from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. The board recorded 43 first-time candidates from this school, 39 of whom passed, at 91 percent. That runs above the 84 percent median across the schools ranked here. The bulk of its testing is cosmetology, 39 of 43 candidates, though it is licensed more widely than that. Statewide, first-time candidates pass at 69 percent, so this runs 22 points above. Two quarters produced 43 candidates here, a mid-sized cohort for the state. Ask the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology directly whether the license is in good standing, because a lapse while you are enrolled costs you the hours rather than the school.

  Where it leads

  Half of cosmetologists around Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario earn under $36,410, with the tenth percentile at $34,320 and the ninetieth at $59,800. A narrow bottom-to-middle gap means the pay you start on is close to the pay most people stay on, unless they build a following. Local demand is below the national norm, 0.6 times the usual concentration around Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, which is worth knowing before committing the hours.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	35 of 39	90%
  esthetics	4 of 4	100%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #5

  Design's School of Cosmetology

  Paso Robles, CA · Board-approved school

  90%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • 52 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Based in Paso Robles, Design's School of Cosmetology is on the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology register. 47 of its 52 first-time candidates passed the state written exam, a rate of 90 percent. That runs above the 84 percent median across the schools ranked here. Cosmetology is its largest cohort at 28 of 52 candidates, which makes it the school's center of gravity. Its cosmetology candidates passed at 82 percent, 23 of 28, which is where most of the school's result comes from. Statewide, first-time candidates pass at 69 percent, so this runs 21 points above. Two quarters produced 52 candidates here, a mid-sized cohort for the state. The board lists no other licensed school in Paso Robles. Confirm the school's current license with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology first: that entry is what qualifies your hours, whatever the federal figures say.

  Where it leads

  Around San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, the median cosmetologist earns $36,900, the bottom tenth $35,340 and the top tenth $65,780. Entry and median pay nearly meet locally. The money comes later and it comes from repeat clients. Local demand is below the national norm, 0.5 times the usual concentration around San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, which is worth knowing before committing the hours.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	23 of 28	82%
  esthetics	24 of 24	100%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #6

  Neihule Academy of Beauty

  Los Angeles, CA · Board-approved school

  90%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Nail technology
  • Esthetics
  • Cosmetology
  • 51 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Neihule Academy of Beauty is licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and trains in Los Angeles. The board recorded 51 first-time candidates from this school, 46 of whom passed, at 90 percent. That runs above the 84 percent median across the schools ranked here. The bulk of its testing is nail technology, 34 of 51 candidates, though it is licensed more widely than that. The 94 percent there, 32 of 34, sets much of the overall figure. That is 21 points above the 69 percent statewide first-time rate, which is the comparison that holds whatever list you are reading. Two quarters produced 51 candidates here, a mid-sized cohort for the state. With 17 licensed schools in Los Angeles, this one is competing for students rather than the only option. Ask the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology directly whether the license is in good standing, because a lapse while you are enrolled costs you the hours rather than the school.

  Where it leads

  Around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, the median cosmetologist earns $43,500, the bottom tenth $36,490 and the top tenth $73,260. The metro median is about 13 percent above the California figure. The ninetieth percentile at $73,260 is 1.7 times the median, so the upside is real but bounded, and the floor sits 16 percent under the median, so the first year is lean but not the cliff it is in some states. Nail technology pays a $36,570 median around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, 16 percent under cosmetology.

  Exam results by license

  nail technology	32 of 34	94%
  esthetics	8 of 10	80%
  cosmetology	6 of 7	86%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #7

  Cosmo Beauty College

  Garden Grove, CA · Board-approved school

  89%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Nail technology
  • Esthetics
  • Cosmetology
  • Barbering
  • 38 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Based in Garden Grove, Cosmo Beauty College is on the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology register. Of 38 first-time candidates sitting the state written exam, 34 passed, giving 89 percent. That runs above the 84 percent median across the schools ranked here. Most of its candidates, 20 of 38, tested in nail technology, so that is what it mainly trains people to do. There, 17 of 20 passed, so the headline rate is mostly that program. Statewide, first-time candidates pass at 69 percent, so this runs 20 points above. Its 38 candidates over two quarters make it a mid-sized program by state standards. With 8 licensed schools in Garden Grove, this one is competing for students rather than the only option. Ask the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology directly whether the license is in good standing, because a lapse while you are enrolled costs you the hours rather than the school.

  Where it leads

  For cosmetologists around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, the range runs $36,490 to $73,260 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles, with a median of $43,500. Against the state as a whole, the metro runs roughly 13 percent higher on median pay. A 2.0-to-one spread from bottom to top is ordinary for the trade, and here as everywhere the top belongs to a client book. Nail technology pays a $36,570 median around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, 16 percent under cosmetology. On concentration, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim is unremarkable, tracking the national rate closely.

  Exam results by license

  nail technology	17 of 20	85%
  esthetics	9 of 10	90%
  cosmetology	5 of 5	100%
  barbering	3 of 3	100%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #8

  International School of Beauty

  Palm Desert, CA · Board-approved school

  88%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Esthetics
  • Cosmetology
  • Barbering
  • Nail technology
  • 40 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Based in Palm Desert, International School of Beauty is on the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology register. 35 of its 40 first-time candidates passed the state written exam, a rate of 88 percent. The 87 percent there, 13 of 15, sets much of the overall figure. Its candidates tested across 4 licenses, most in esthetics. Statewide, first-time candidates pass at 69 percent, so this runs 19 points above. Two quarters produced 40 candidates here, a mid-sized cohort for the state. Verify the school's standing with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before any deposit changes hands, since that record and not this one governs your hours.

  Where it leads

  Around Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, the median cosmetologist earns $36,410, the bottom tenth $34,320 and the top tenth $59,800.

  Exam results by license

  esthetics	13 of 15	87%
  cosmetology	8 of 10	80%
  barbering	9 of 9	100%
  nail technology	5 of 6	83%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #9

  Salon Success Academy

  Upland, CA · Board-approved school

  87%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Esthetics
  • Cosmetology
  • Nail technology
  • Barbering
  • 77 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Based in Upland, Salon Success Academy is on the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology register. 67 of its 77 first-time candidates passed the state written exam, a rate of 87 percent. The bulk of its testing is esthetics, 33 of 77 candidates, though it is licensed more widely than that. Its esthetics candidates passed at 82 percent, 27 of 33, which is where most of the school's result comes from. Against the 69 percent statewide rate it sits 18 points above, though a single school's cohort moves more than a state's does. It is one of the larger testing centers in the state by candidate volume. Ask the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology directly whether the license is in good standing, because a lapse while you are enrolled costs you the hours rather than the school.

  Where it leads

  Half of cosmetologists around Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario earn under $36,410, with the tenth percentile at $34,320 and the ninetieth at $59,800. The lower end of this market is unusually close to its middle, so what changes a graduate's income here is building a following, not surviving an underpaid stretch. Local demand is below the national norm, 0.6 times the usual concentration around Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, which is worth knowing before committing the hours.

  Exam results by license

  esthetics	27 of 33	82%
  cosmetology	23 of 26	88%
  nail technology	13 of 13	100%
  barbering	4 of 5	80%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #10

  JD Academy of Salon and Spa

  Danville, CA · Board-approved school

  86%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • 37 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  JD Academy of Salon and Spa is licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and trains in Danville. Of 37 first-time candidates sitting the state written exam, 32 passed, giving 86 percent. The bulk of its testing is cosmetology, 20 of 37 candidates, though it is licensed more widely than that. The 95 percent there, 19 of 20, sets much of the overall figure. Statewide, first-time candidates pass at 69 percent, so this runs 17 points above. Two quarters produced 37 candidates here, a mid-sized cohort for the state. The board lists no other licensed school in Danville. Check its license with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before enrolling, because that record and not this card is what makes your clock hours count.

  Where it leads

  Half of cosmetologists around San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont earn under $42,400, with the tenth percentile at $35,540 and the ninetieth at $54,940. Against the state as a whole, the metro runs roughly 10 percent higher on median pay. An ordinary shape: the top tenth at 1.3 times the median and a floor 16 percent below it, so a good first year and a good tenth year here are separated by a client book rather than by a cliff. Around San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, esthetics pays a $52,350 median, about 26 percent above nail technology. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont employs the trade at close to the national rate, around 3,370 people.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	19 of 20	95%
  esthetics	13 of 17	76%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #11

  Citrus College, Cosmetology Department

  Glendora, CA · Board-approved school

  86%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • Barbering
  • 69 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Citrus College, Cosmetology Department trains in Glendora, licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Of 69 first-time candidates sitting the state written exam, 59 passed, giving 86 percent. Most of its candidates, 50 of 69, tested in cosmetology, so that is what it mainly trains people to do. Its cosmetology candidates passed at 84 percent, 42 of 50, which is where most of the school's result comes from. That is 17 points above the 69 percent statewide first-time rate, which is the comparison that holds whatever list you are reading. It is one of the larger testing centers in the state by candidate volume. The board lists no other licensed school in Glendora. Verify the school's standing with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before any deposit changes hands, since that record and not this one governs your hours.

  Where it leads

  Around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, the median cosmetologist earns $43,500, the bottom tenth $36,490 and the top tenth $73,260. The metro median is about 13 percent above the California figure. Nail technology pays a $36,570 median around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, 16 percent under cosmetology.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	42 of 50	84%
  esthetics	17 of 18	94%
  barbering	0 of 1	0%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #12

  San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology

  San Francisco, CA · Board-approved school

  84%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Esthetics
  • Cosmetology
  • Nail technology
  • Barbering
  • 50 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology is licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and trains in San Francisco. Of 50 first-time candidates sitting the state written exam, 42 passed, giving 84 percent. The largest share of its candidates, 23 of 50, tested in esthetics, so that is what it mainly trains people to do. The 74 percent there, 17 of 23, sets much of the overall figure. Statewide, first-time candidates pass at 69 percent, so this runs 15 points above. Its 50 candidates over two quarters make it a mid-sized program by state standards. Verify the school's standing with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before any deposit changes hands, since that record and not this one governs your hours.

  Where it leads

  Half of cosmetologists around San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont earn under $42,400, with the tenth percentile at $35,540 and the ninetieth at $54,940. Against the state as a whole, the metro runs roughly 10 percent higher on median pay. The upside is capped near 1.3 times the median and the floor is 16 percent under it, a market where the first year is tight rather than dangerous and the ceiling is earned slowly. Esthetics and nail technology do not pay alike around San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont: esthetics carries a $52,350 median, roughly 26 percent above nail technology. Local concentration around San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont sits near the national average.

  Exam results by license

  esthetics	17 of 23	74%
  cosmetology	17 of 19	89%
  nail technology	6 of 6	100%
  barbering	2 of 2	100%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #13

  Santa Barbara City College Cosmetology Academy

  Santa Barbara, CA · Board-approved school

  84%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • 56 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Santa Barbara City College Cosmetology Academy is licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and trains in Santa Barbara. 47 of its 56 first-time candidates passed the state written exam, a rate of 84 percent. Cosmetology is its largest cohort at 34 of 56 candidates, which makes it the school's center of gravity. There, 28 of 34 passed, so the headline rate is mostly that program. Statewide, first-time candidates pass at 69 percent, so this runs 15 points above. Its 56 candidates over two quarters make it a mid-sized program by state standards. It is the only licensed school the board lists in Santa Barbara. Ask the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology directly whether the license is in good standing, because a lapse while you are enrolled costs you the hours rather than the school.

  Where it leads

  Around Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, the median cosmetologist earns $36,760, the bottom tenth $34,830 and the top tenth $60,930. Starting pay and typical pay are close together in this market, which cuts both ways: less of a lean first year, and less immediate reward for getting quicker. This is a comparatively thin market: Santa Maria-Santa Barbara runs at roughly 0.6 times the national concentration, about 240 people in the occupation.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	28 of 34	82%
  esthetics	19 of 22	86%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #14

  San Jose City College, Cosmetology Department

  San Jose, CA · Board-approved school

  83%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Esthetics
  • Cosmetology
  • 48 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Based in San Jose, San Jose City College, Cosmetology Department is on the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology register. 40 of its 48 first-time candidates passed the state written exam, a rate of 83 percent. Esthetics is its largest cohort at 33 of 48 candidates, which makes it the school's center of gravity. Its esthetics candidates passed at 82 percent, 27 of 33, which is where most of the school's result comes from. Against the 69 percent statewide rate it sits 14 points above, though a single school's cohort moves more than a state's does. Two quarters produced 48 candidates here, a mid-sized cohort for the state. With 10 licensed schools in San Jose, this one is competing for students rather than the only option. Verify the school's standing with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before any deposit changes hands, since that record and not this one governs your hours.

  Where it leads

  Around San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, the median cosmetologist earns $43,410, the bottom tenth $37,990 and the top tenth $60,280. The metro median is about 12 percent above the California figure.

  Exam results by license

  esthetics	27 of 33	82%
  cosmetology	13 of 15	87%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #15

  Fullerton College, Cosmetology Department

  Fullerton, CA · Board-approved school

  83%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • 76 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Based in Fullerton, Fullerton College, Cosmetology Department is on the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology register. 63 of its 76 first-time candidates passed the state written exam, a rate of 83 percent. All of its candidates tested in cosmetology. That is 14 points above the 69 percent statewide first-time rate, which is the comparison that holds whatever list you are reading. Few schools in the state put through more candidates. The board lists no other licensed school in Fullerton. The license from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology is the thing to verify before you pay, since that is what decides whether these hours count toward your exam.

  Where it leads

  Around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, the median cosmetologist earns $43,500, the bottom tenth $36,490 and the top tenth $73,260. The metro median is about 13 percent above the California figure. The upside is capped near 1.7 times the median and the floor is 16 percent under it, a market where the first year is tight rather than dangerous and the ceiling is earned slowly. Nail technology pays a $36,570 median around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, 16 percent under cosmetology. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim employs the trade at close to the national rate, around 10,910 people.

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #16

  Gavilan College, Cosmetology Department

  Gilroy, CA · Board-approved school

  83%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • 35 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Gavilan College, Cosmetology Department operates in Gilroy under license from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. The board recorded 35 first-time candidates from this school, 29 of whom passed, at 83 percent. Most of its candidates, 28 of 35, tested in cosmetology, so that is what it mainly trains people to do. Against the 69 percent statewide rate it sits 14 points above, though a single school's cohort moves more than a state's does. Two quarters produced 35 candidates here, a mid-sized cohort for the state. The license from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology is the thing to verify before you pay, since that is what decides whether these hours count toward your exam.

  Where it leads

  undefined San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara employs the trade at close to the national rate, around 2,030 people.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	23 of 28	82%
  esthetics	6 of 7	86%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #17

  Lawrence & Company College of Cosmetology Lawrence & Company College of Cosmetology LC Beauty College

  Hanford, CA · Board-approved school

  83%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Nail technology
  • Esthetics
  • Barbering
  • 23 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Lawrence & Company College of Cosmetology Lawrence & Company College of Cosmetology LC Beauty College trains in Hanford, licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. 19 of its 23 first-time candidates passed the state written exam, a rate of 83 percent. Candidates sat exams in cosmetology, nail technology, esthetics and barbering. Statewide, first-time candidates pass at 69 percent, so this runs 14 points above. It is a small program, so the rate rests on a modest number of candidates. Ask the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology directly whether the license is in good standing, because a lapse while you are enrolled costs you the hours rather than the school.

  Where it leads

  Pay for cosmetologists around Hanford-Corcoran runs from $35,590 at the tenth percentile to $59,550 at the ninetieth, with a median of $37,350. The lower end of this market is unusually close to its middle, so what changes a graduate's income here is building a following, not surviving an underpaid stretch. Local demand is below the national norm, 0.5 times the usual concentration around Hanford-Corcoran, which is worth knowing before committing the hours.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	5 of 8	63%
  nail technology	7 of 7	100%
  esthetics	5 of 6	83%
  barbering	2 of 2	100%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #18

  Golden West College

  Huntington Beach, CA · Board-approved school

  83%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • 80 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Based in Huntington Beach, Golden West College is on the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology register. 66 of its 80 first-time candidates passed the state written exam, a rate of 83 percent. Most of its candidates, 43 of 80, tested in cosmetology, so that is what it mainly trains people to do. There, 36 of 43 passed, so the headline rate is mostly that program. That is 14 points above the 69 percent statewide first-time rate, which is the comparison that holds whatever list you are reading. Few schools in the state put through more candidates. It is the only licensed school the board lists in Huntington Beach. Check its license with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before enrolling, because that record and not this card is what makes your clock hours count.

  Where it leads

  Pay for cosmetologists around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim runs from $36,490 at the tenth percentile to $73,260 at the ninetieth, with a median of $43,500. The metro median is about 13 percent above the California figure. An ordinary shape: the top tenth at 1.7 times the median and a floor 16 percent below it, so a good first year and a good tenth year here are separated by a client book rather than by a cliff. Nail technology pays a $36,570 median around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, 16 percent under cosmetology. On concentration, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim is unremarkable, tracking the national rate closely.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	36 of 43	84%
  esthetics	30 of 37	81%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #19

  JLC Beauty School

  City of Industry, CA · Board-approved school

  83%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Nail technology
  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • 40 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  JLC Beauty School is licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and trains in City of Industry. The board recorded 40 first-time candidates from this school, 33 of whom passed, at 83 percent. The bulk of its testing is nail technology, 16 of 40 candidates, though it is licensed more widely than that. The result is uneven by license: 94 percent in nail technology against 70 percent in esthetics. Statewide, first-time candidates pass at 69 percent, so this runs 14 points above. Two quarters produced 40 candidates here, a mid-sized cohort for the state. Check its license with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before enrolling, because that record and not this card is what makes your clock hours count.

  Where it leads

  undefined The ninetieth percentile at $73,260 is 1.7 times the median, so the upside is real but bounded, and the floor sits 16 percent under the median, so the first year is lean but not the cliff it is in some states. Nail technology pays a $36,570 median around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, 16 percent under cosmetology. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim employs the trade at close to the national rate, around 10,910 people.

  Exam results by license

  nail technology	15 of 16	94%
  cosmetology	11 of 14	79%
  esthetics	7 of 10	70%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #20

  Butte Community College

  Oroville, CA · Board-approved school

  82%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Barbering
  • 28 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Based in Oroville, Butte Community College is on the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology register. Of 28 first-time candidates sitting the state written exam, 23 passed, giving 82 percent. Cosmetology is its largest cohort at 25 of 28 candidates, which makes it the school's center of gravity. Statewide, first-time candidates pass at 69 percent, so this runs 13 points above. Two quarters produced 28 candidates here, a mid-sized cohort for the state. The board lists no other licensed school in Oroville. Confirm the school's current license with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology first: that entry is what qualifies your hours, whatever the federal figures say.

  Where it leads

  For cosmetologists in California, the range runs $35,360 to $68,640 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles, with a median of $38,660. Entry and median pay nearly meet across the state. The money comes later and it comes from repeat clients. The occupation is about as common in California as it is nationally.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	21 of 25	84%
  barbering	2 of 3	67%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #21

  Coastline Beauty College

  Hemet, CA · Board-approved school

  82%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Nail technology
  • Esthetics
  • 33 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Coastline Beauty College trains in Hemet, licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. 27 of its 33 first-time candidates passed the state written exam, a rate of 82 percent. There, 9 of 12 passed, so the headline rate is mostly that program. Its candidates tested across 3 licenses, most in cosmetology. Against the 69 percent statewide rate it sits 13 points above, though a single school's cohort moves more than a state's does. Its 33 candidates over two quarters make it a mid-sized program by state standards. Confirm the school's current license with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology first: that entry is what qualifies your hours, whatever the federal figures say.

  Where it leads

  Around Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, the median cosmetologist earns $36,410, the bottom tenth $34,320 and the top tenth $59,800. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario employs the trade at only about 0.6 times the national rate, so graduates enter a thinner local market than average.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	9 of 12	75%
  nail technology	10 of 11	91%
  esthetics	8 of 10	80%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #22

  SABA Beauty School

  Lake Forest, CA · Board-approved school

  82%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • Nail technology
  • Barbering
  • 65 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  SABA Beauty School trains in Lake Forest, licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. 53 of its 65 first-time candidates passed the state written exam, a rate of 82 percent. Performance varies by license, from 100 percent in nail technology down to 70 percent in esthetics. Its candidates tested across 4 licenses, most in cosmetology. Against the 69 percent statewide rate it sits 13 points above, though a single school's cohort moves more than a state's does. Few schools in the state put through more candidates. The board lists no other licensed school in Lake Forest. Verify the school's standing with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before any deposit changes hands, since that record and not this one governs your hours.

  Where it leads

  Around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, the median cosmetologist earns $43,500, the bottom tenth $36,490 and the top tenth $73,260. The metro median is about 13 percent above the California figure. Nail technology pays a $36,570 median around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, 16 percent under cosmetology. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim employs the trade at close to the national rate, around 10,910 people.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	20 of 24	83%
  esthetics	16 of 23	70%
  nail technology	13 of 13	100%
  barbering	4 of 5	80%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #23

  Salon Success Academy

  Redlands, CA · Board-approved school

  81%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • Nail technology
  • 69 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Salon Success Academy operates in Redlands under license from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. 56 of its 69 first-time candidates passed the state written exam, a rate of 81 percent. The bulk of its testing is cosmetology, 43 of 69 candidates, though it is licensed more widely than that. There, 35 of 43 passed, so the headline rate is mostly that program. Against the 69 percent statewide rate it sits 12 points above, though a single school's cohort moves more than a state's does. Few schools in the state put through more candidates. It is the only licensed school the board lists in Redlands. The license from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology is the thing to verify before you pay, since that is what decides whether these hours count toward your exam.

  Where it leads

  Around Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, the median cosmetologist earns $36,410, the bottom tenth $34,320 and the top tenth $59,800. A narrow bottom-to-middle gap means the pay you start on is close to the pay most people stay on, unless they build a following. Local demand is below the national norm, 0.6 times the usual concentration around Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, which is worth knowing before committing the hours.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	35 of 43	81%
  esthetics	20 of 24	83%
  nail technology	1 of 2	50%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #24

  Victor Valley College

  Victorville, CA · Board-approved school

  81%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Nail technology
  • Esthetics
  • Barbering
  • 69 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Based in Victorville, Victor Valley College is on the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology register. The board recorded 69 first-time candidates from this school, 56 of whom passed, at 81 percent. Performance varies by license, from 100 percent in esthetics down to 62 percent in cosmetology. Its candidates tested across 4 licenses, most in cosmetology. Statewide, first-time candidates pass at 69 percent, so this runs 12 points above. Few schools in the state put through more candidates. Verify the school's standing with the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology before any deposit changes hands, since that record and not this one governs your hours.

  Where it leads

  undefined Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario employs the trade at only about 0.6 times the national rate, so graduates enter a thinner local market than average.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	16 of 26	62%
  nail technology	21 of 24	88%
  esthetics	17 of 17	100%
  barbering	2 of 2	100%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

• #25

  Citrus Heights Beauty College

  Citrus Heights, CA · Board-approved school

  81%

  First-time exam pass rate

  • Cosmetology
  • Nail technology
  • Esthetics
  • 53 exam candidates

  What the record shows

  Citrus Heights Beauty College operates in Citrus Heights under license from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. The board recorded 53 first-time candidates from this school, 43 of whom passed, at 81 percent. Cosmetology is its largest cohort at 26 of 53 candidates, which makes it the school's center of gravity. The result is uneven by license: 94 percent in nail technology against 73 percent in cosmetology. That is 12 points above the 69 percent statewide first-time rate, which is the comparison that holds whatever list you are reading. Two quarters produced 53 candidates here, a mid-sized cohort for the state. It is the only licensed school the board lists in Citrus Heights. The license from the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology is the thing to verify before you pay, since that is what decides whether these hours count toward your exam.

  Where it leads

  Around Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, the median cosmetologist earns $36,780, the bottom tenth $34,610 and the top tenth $60,440. The bottom and the middle sit close together here, which means early pay is predictable and the upside has to be built rather than waited for. Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom employs the trade at close to the national rate, around 1,800 people.

  Exam results by license

  cosmetology	19 of 26	73%
  nail technology	15 of 16	94%
  esthetics	9 of 11	82%

  Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, read 2026-08-28.

How do you become a cosmetologist in California in 2026?

To become a cosmetologist in California you need 1,000 clock hours at a school licensed by California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, then a passing score on the state exam. At the pace most clock-hour schools run, that is roughly 7.7 months full time. No state sets a lower bar. California sits at the floor of a range that runs to 2,000 hours elsewhere, so the same license costs twice the time in some states.

Time is the expensive part of this qualification, and it is only banked while the school holds a current California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology license.

How much do cosmetologists make in California in 2026?

Cosmetologists in California earn a median of $38,660 , with the bottom tenth on $35,360 and the top tenth on $68,640 . The related licenses pay differently again, which matters because you pick the license before you start the hours.

Where do cosmetologists make the most money in California?

Cosmetologists make the most money in California around Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, where the median is $43,500, and the least around Redding at $34,930. That is a 25 percent gap inside one state, which is wider than the gap between many states and worth more than most differences between schools.

Against a statewide median of $38,660, roughly half these metros pay above and half below.

Where are the cosmetology schools in California?

The licensed cosmetology schools in California cluster hardest in Los Angeles, which holds 17 of the 281 the board currently lists. At 6 percent of the state total, no single city dominates training in California.

Another 94 towns hold a single licensed school apiece, so in much of the state the practical choice is one school or a commute.

Is it better to be a cosmetologist, esthetician or nail tech in California?

In California, makeup artists are the best paid of the beauty licenses at a $140,870 median. That is above the $38,660 cosmetologist median, so the longer general license is not automatically the better-paid route here.

A narrower license limits what you can charge for, and that ceiling matters more over a career than the opening figure does.

Can you use a cosmetology license from another state in California?

Using a cosmetology license from another state in California means satisfying California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, which decides case by case, and the number it weighs is hours. Against the other West states, California is it asks 564 fewer hours than the regional average of 1,564, and pay tracks the regional average closely.

Reciprocity is decided case by case, and the state you trained in is only the starting point for that conversation.

What does this California cosmetology program ranking not tell you?

This California cosmetology program ranking does not tell you everything you need. The written exam is one outcome and not the whole of a training. It says nothing about cost, schedule, the quality of the clinic floor, or whether graduates found work. Pass rates also move with who a school admits, so a selective school and an open-access one are not doing the same job. It also does not say which schools are NACCAS-accredited, because NACCAS publishes no list that can be read in bulk. That matters if you need federal financial aid, since an accredited institution is what makes aid possible, so check the school against the NACCAS directory yourself. That is a gap in our coverage rather than a finding about any school.

Check a school against the NACCAS accredited school search if federal financial aid matters to you, and against California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology for the license itself.

Common questions about cosmetology programs in California