Cosmetologist in Delaware: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Delaware employs 1,270 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $34,350 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Delaware licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Delaware (May 2025)
- Delaware median pay
- $34,350 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,200
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $46,970
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $75,950
- Employed in Delaware
- 1,270
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Delaware markets:
- Philadelphia
- $37,320 (9,960 employed)
- Dover
- $31,200 (170 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Delaware
Prices in Delaware run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 99.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $34,350 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Delaware (2024–2034)
Delaware is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +10.7%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 310 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Delaware License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Delaware DPR — Board of Cosmetology & Barbering.
- Complete 1,500 classroom hours (or 3,000 apprenticeship hours) at a licensed school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Delaware Board of Cosmetology & Barbering (DPR).
Official requirements: Delaware DPR — Board of Cosmetology & Barbering →
Training in Delaware
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Delaware include:
- Academy of Massage and Bodywork — Certificate
- All In The Wrist Barber Academy — Certificate
- Dawn Career Institute LLC — Certificate
- Hair Academy School of Barbering & Beauty — 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 Delaware?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Delaware is $34,350 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,200, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $75,950. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Delaware?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Delaware DPR — Board of Cosmetology & Barbering. Complete 1,500 classroom hours (or 3,000 apprenticeship hours) at a licensed school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Delaware?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Delaware metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Delaware metro areas, Philadelphia leads at $37,320, followed by Dover ($31,200). 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 Delaware?
Real Delaware options include Academy of Massage and Bodywork, All In The Wrist Barber Academy, Dawn Career Institute LLC. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Delaware?
Delaware projects cosmetologists employment to change +10.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 310 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), Delaware statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Delaware DPR — Board of Cosmetology & Barbering (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 Delaware wages · Delaware 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.