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 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Cosmetologist in Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
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 Colorado eligibility requirements for Cosmetologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Regulatory Agencies~Division of Professions & Occupations~Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure and monitor board communications.
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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median 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 | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $32,400 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $39,190 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $34,740 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $30,680 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $28,150 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $35,220 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $34,960 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Wyoming | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Oklahoma | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Mexico | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure
1560 Broadway, Ste 1350, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: 3038947800
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $56,690 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Esthetician | $50,270 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Massage Therapist | $59,560 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Nail Technician | $37,800 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Cosmetologist in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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. 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. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Cosmetologist license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.