Cosmetologist in Delaware

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

Median annual salary

$30,980

trending_down -12.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Delaware.

engineering

1,340

Jobs (DE)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$372

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Delaware

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Delaware, applicants must complete a 1500-hour training program or a 3000-hour apprenticeship and hold a 10th-grade education or equivalent. Candidates must pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, administered by Professional Credential Services (PCS). Delaware offers reciprocity for licensed cosmetologists from other states who meet similar training requirements or have at least one year of recent full-time experience.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $27,560

25th percentile $28,630

50th (median) $30,980

75th percentile $48,000

90th (experienced) $87,300

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

checklist Delaware requirements

Licensing body	Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program and 10th grade education
Experience	3,000.0 hours
Exam	NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by Professional Credential Services - PCS) ($225)
Application fee	$147
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age is 16 years old. A 10th-grade education or equivalent is required. Criminal history may affect licensure eligibility. Apprenticeship of 3000 hours is an alternative to the 1500 school hours, and must be completed within 18 to 36 months. Delaware offers reciprocity for qualified cosmetologists licensed in other states with similar requirements or with at least one year of full-time experience within the last five years.

Source: Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering

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

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a cosmetologist in Delaware? expand_more

To become a cosmetologist in Delaware, you need to complete the required education (1500-hour training program and 10th grade education), gain 3,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by Professional Credential Services - PCS), and submit your application ($147 fee).

Is a cosmetologist license required in Delaware? expand_more

A state license is required in Delaware. Delaware Board of Cosmetology and Barbering handles cosmetologist licensing — the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by Professional Credential Services - PCS) is part of the process.

What do cosmetologists earn in Delaware? expand_more

In Delaware, the median pay for cosmetologists comes to $30,980/year. This trails the $35,250 national median by 12%. The range spans from $27,560 at the entry level to $87,300 for top earners.

How much does it cost to become a cosmetologist in Delaware? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($225) and application fee ($147) and required training.

How quickly can I become a cosmetologist in Delaware? expand_more

The typical timeline in Delaware is 9-12 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.