Cosmetologist in Wyoming: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Wyoming employs 360 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $29,170 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wyoming licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Wyoming (May 2025)
- Wyoming median pay
- $29,170 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $18,150
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $36,500
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $56,640
- Employed in Wyoming
- 360
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Wyoming markets:
- Cheyenne
- $29,260 (90 employed)
- Casper
- $27,740 (80 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Wyoming
Prices in Wyoming run about 7% below the national average (cost-of-living index 92.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $29,170 median stretches to roughly $31,467 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Wyoming (2024–2034)
Wyoming is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +1.6%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 80 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Wyoming License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology.
- Complete 2,000 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology.
Official requirements: Wyoming Board of Cosmetology →
Training in Wyoming
Wyoming's 2,000-hour requirement is among the highest in the country. Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails).
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Wyoming include:
- Central Wyoming College — Certificate / Associate
- Cheeks Beauty Academy — Certificate
- Eastern Wyoming College — Certificate / Associate
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 Wyoming?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Wyoming is $29,170 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $18,150, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $56,640. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Wyoming?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology. Complete 2,000 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Wyoming?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Wyoming metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Wyoming metro areas, Cheyenne leads at $29,260, followed by Casper ($27,740). 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 Wyoming?
Real Wyoming options include Central Wyoming College, Cheeks Beauty Academy, Eastern Wyoming College. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Wyoming?
Wyoming projects cosmetologists employment to change +1.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 80 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), Wyoming statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Wyoming Board of Cosmetology (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 Wyoming wages · Wyoming 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.