Cosmetologist in Vermont: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Vermont employs 440 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $48,650 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Vermont licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Vermont (May 2025)
- Vermont median pay
- $48,650 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $30,960
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $60,860
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $80,530
- Employed in Vermont
- 440
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Vermont markets:
- Burlington
- $58,740 (220 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Vermont
Prices in Vermont run about 2% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $48,650 median stretches to roughly $49,643 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Vermont (2024–2034)
Vermont is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +3.7%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 230 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Vermont License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists.
- Complete 1,000 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Vermont Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists (OPR).
Training in Vermont
Vermont's 1,000-hour cosmetology requirement is on the lower end — a relatively fast path. Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails).
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Vermont include:
- O'Briens Aveda Institute — 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 Vermont?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Vermont is $48,650 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $30,960, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $80,530. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Vermont?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists. Complete 1,000 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Vermont?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Vermont metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Vermont metro areas, Burlington leads at $58,740. 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 Vermont?
Real Vermont options include O'Briens Aveda Institute. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Vermont?
Vermont projects cosmetologists employment to change +3.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 230 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), Vermont statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists (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 Vermont wages · Vermont 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.