Cosmetologist in Colorado

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for CO. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$43,680

trending_up +23.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Colorado.

engineering

6,520

Jobs (CO)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$137

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Colorado

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Colorado, applicants must complete an 1800-hour (or 60 credit hours) training program from a state-approved school. After completing the education, candidates must pass both the written and practical cosmetology exams administered by PSI. Colorado does not have direct reciprocity with other states; however, licensure by endorsement is available for those with equivalent training and an active license from another state. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. There are no continuing education requirements for standard license renewal.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $31,620

25th percentile $34,850

50th (median) $43,680

75th percentile $60,330

90th (experienced) $93,980

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Colorado. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Colorado requirements

Licensing body	Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure
State license	Required
Education	1800-hour training program (60 credit hours)
Exam	NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($105)
Application fee	$32
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Notes	Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

Source: Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

75,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

575,200

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.68/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleColorado license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cosmetologist career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a cosmetologist in Colorado? expand_more

Colorado requires cosmetologists to complete the required education (1800-hour training program (60 credit hours)), pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($32 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a cosmetologist in Colorado? expand_more

You cannot practice as a cosmetologist in Colorado without a state license from Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure. The required exam is the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams.

What is the average cosmetologist salary in Colorado? expand_more

Colorado cosmetologists bring home a median salary of $43,680. This exceeds the $35,250 national median by 24%. Wages range from $31,620 (10th percentile) up to $93,980 (90th percentile).

What's the total cost to get cosmetologist certified in Colorado? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($105) and application fee ($32). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

What's the timeline to become a cosmetologist in Colorado? expand_more

Most candidates in Colorado complete the process in 9-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.