CertOutlook

Cosmetologist in District of Columbia

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

Median annual salary
$48,060
trending_up +36.3% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.

engineering
1,010

Jobs (DC)

monitoring Strong
+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$120

Licensing fees

schedule
9-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in District of Columbia

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in the District of Columbia, individuals must complete a 1500-hour training program or a 2000-hour apprenticeship and have at least a 10th-grade education. The licensing body is the District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology. Applicants must pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and there is an application fee of $65 and an exam fee of $55. The District of Columbia offers reciprocity for licenses from states with substantially equivalent requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,360
25th percentile $38,650
50th (median) $48,060
75th percentile $61,430
90th (experienced) $97,760

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

checklist District of Columbia requirements

Licensing bodyDistrict of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology
State license Required
Education1500-hour training program and 10th grade education
ExamNIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($55)
Application fee$65
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education6.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplicants must be at least 17 years old and have completed the 10th grade. An apprenticeship of 2000 hours is an alternative to the 1500 school hours. Two of the six continuing education hours must be in sanitation and hygiene, and the other four hours can be in any subject or area of study. A criminal background check is required for new licenses.

Source: District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology

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_circleDistrict of Columbia 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

How do you get certified as a cosmetologist in District of Columbia? expand_more
In District of Columbia, becoming a cosmetologist requires you to complete the required education (1500-hour training program and 10th grade education), pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($65 fee).
Does District of Columbia require cosmetologist licensure? expand_more
District of Columbia mandates state licensure for cosmetologists. District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology oversees the process, which includes passing the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams.
What do cosmetologists earn in District of Columbia? expand_more
cosmetologists in District of Columbia earn a median of $48,060 annually. This exceeds the $35,250 national median by 36%. The range spans from $35,360 at the entry level to $97,760 for top earners.
What are the fees to become a cosmetologist in District of Columbia? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($55) and application fee ($65) and required training.
How quickly can I become a cosmetologist in District of Columbia? expand_more
Most candidates in District of Columbia complete the process in 9-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
How many CE hours do cosmetologists need in District of Columbia? expand_more
District of Columbia requires 6.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your cosmetologist license.

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