Cosmetologist in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Colorado employs 6,820 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $37,690 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $37,690 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,520
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $59,710
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $98,860
- Employed in Colorado
- 6,820
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Colorado markets:
- Boulder
- $48,120 (490 employed)
- Greeley
- $44,380 (210 employed)
- Fort Collins
- $41,230 (560 employed)
- Colorado Springs
- $36,680 (870 employed)
- Denver
- $36,530 (4,150 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $36,500 (170 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Colorado
Prices in Colorado run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $37,690 median is worth closer to $36,557 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +8.1%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,670 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA).
- Complete 1,500 contact hours at a licensed cosmetology school (some programs run longer).
- Pass the written and practical exams (PSI).
- Apply to DORA's Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure.
Official requirements: Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA) →
Training in Colorado
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Booth-rental vs. commission economics vary widely — understand the business model before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Arapahoe Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Avalon Institute-Aurora — Certificate
- Aveda Institute-Denver — Certificate
- Cheeks Beauty Academy — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who are creative, social, and want a licensed practice with real self-employment potential once they build a clientele.
Think twice if: Standing all day, chemical exposure, irregular booth-rental income, and state-mandated training hours of 1,000–1,600 sound like barriers.
Why it's resilient: Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
First Steps
Check your state's required hours, compare licensed school costs, and ask about job placement rates before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cosmetologists make in Colorado?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Colorado is $37,690 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,520, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $98,860. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Colorado?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA). Complete 1,500 contact hours at a licensed cosmetology school (some programs run longer).
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Colorado?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Colorado metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Boulder leads at $48,120, followed by Greeley ($44,380), Fort Collins ($41,230). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Cosmetologist in Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Arapahoe Community College, Avalon Institute-Aurora, Aveda Institute-Denver. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects cosmetologists employment to change +8.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,670 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Colorado statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Colorado wages · Colorado licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.