Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Personal Care
Cosmetologist Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for cosmetologist in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Cosmetologist in Colorado
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$43,680 median (24% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#9 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of 43,680, Cosmetologists in Colorado earn 24% above the national median of $35,250. Colorado ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$43,680Hourly estimate
$21.0024% above national median
Difference: +$8,430
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCosmetologist Salary Ranking
#9 of 50 statesfor Cosmetologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | 58,920 |
| #2 | Hawaii | 52,000 |
| #3 | Vermont | 49,640 |
| #4 | South Dakota | 49,050 |
| #5 | Maine | 48,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
Cosmetologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $43,680 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $32,400 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $39,190 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $34,740 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $30,680 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Mexico | $28,150 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arizona | $35,220 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Utah | $34,960 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure
1560 Broadway, Ste 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $56,690 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Esthetician | $50,270 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Massage Therapist | $59,560 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Nail Technician | $37,800 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Cosmetologist in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Cosmetologists in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Cosmetologists.
What education do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Colorado?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Cosmetologist licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Cosmetologist salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Cosmetologists in Colorado is 43,680. Salaries range from $31,620 (10th percentile) to $93,980 (90th percentile).
How does the Cosmetologist salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Cosmetologists in Colorado earn 24% above the national median of $35,250, with a state median of 43,680.
How many Cosmetologists work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 6,520 Cosmetologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Colorado from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Cosmetologists in Colorado?
The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure.