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Cosmetologist Licenses › Colorado

Cosmetologist License Cost in Colorado 2026: $210 Fees, $37K Salary

Getting a Cosmetologist license in Colorado costs $210 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.2 months.

Cosmetologist License in Colorado — Key Numbers

$210
Upfront Cost
$37K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$55
Renewal (every 2 yrs)
0.2 mo
Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Cosmetologist License Cost Breakdown — Colorado

Exam fee $95
Application fee $65
Initial license fee $50
Total upfront $210
Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $55
CE hours required per cycle 16 hours
Salary without license (Colorado) $25,920/yr
Salary with license (Colorado) $36,720/yr
5-year net ROI $54K

Licensing body: Colorado Board of Cosmetology. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Cosmetologist License in Colorado — What to Know

Colorado cosmetology licensing requires significant education hours — most states in this tier require 1,000–1,500 hours of cosmetology school before the state board exam. The $37K median covers licensed cosmetologists; top stylists at independent salons or booth renters in Colorado's metro areas earn considerably more. Colorado's licensing board requires both a practical and written exam. School tuition ($6,000–$18,000) is the real upfront cost — the license fees themselves are minor.

Payback Calculator

Other License Costs in Colorado

Real Estate Agent → Registered Nurse → General Contractor →
← All states: Cosmetologist License Costs
All certifications in Colorado · Payback period by state
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