Esthetician in Colorado: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Colorado employs 1,510 estheticians, with a statewide median of $54,500 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Colorado licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in Colorado (May 2025)
- Colorado median pay
- $54,500 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $31,940
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $76,520
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $99,720
- Employed in Colorado
- 1,510
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major Colorado markets:
- Fort Collins
- $55,970 (150 employed)
- Denver
- $54,500 (880 employed)
- Boulder
- $54,440 (90 employed)
- Grand Junction
- $48,880 (50 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 $54,500 median is worth closer to $52,861 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Colorado (2024–2034)
Colorado is projected to grow estheticians employment +13.3%, faster than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 380 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Colorado License and Certification Requirements
Esthetician license — regulated by the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA).
- Complete 600 hours at a licensed school.
- 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
600 hours is a relatively short path. Medical-spa and dermatology-office roles tend to pay more than traditional spas; advanced certifications help.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Colorado include:
- Arapahoe Community College — Certificate
- Avalon Institute-Aurora — Certificate
- Aveda Institute-Denver — Certificate
- Cheeks Beauty Academy — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who enjoy beauty, wellness, and client relationships and want a licensed practice with a realistic path to self-employment.
Think twice if: Standing all day, irregular income as a booth renter, and licensing hours that vary wildly by state sound difficult.
Why it's resilient: Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
First Steps
Check your state's required training hours — they range from 260 to 1,500 hours — and find an accredited esthetics school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do estheticians make in Colorado?
The median wage for estheticians in Colorado is $54,500 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $31,940, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $99,720. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in Colorado?
Esthetician license, overseen by the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (DORA). Complete 600 hours at a licensed school.
Is being an Esthetician a good career in Colorado?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which Colorado metros pay estheticians the most?
Among Colorado metro areas, Fort Collins leads at $55,970, followed by Denver ($54,500), Boulder ($54,440). 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 an Esthetician in Colorado?
Real Colorado options include Arapahoe Community College, Avalon Institute-Aurora, Aveda Institute-Denver. Most estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Esthetician a growing career in Colorado?
Colorado projects estheticians employment to change +13.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 380 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 39-5094. 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.