Cosmetologist License Cost in District of Columbia 2026: $210 Fees, $44K Salary
Getting a Cosmetologist license in District of Columbia costs $210 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.2 months.
Cosmetologist License in District of Columbia — Key Numbers
$210
Upfront Cost
$44K
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 — District of Columbia
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 (District of Columbia)
$31,200/yr
Salary with license (District of Columbia)
$44,200/yr
5-year net ROI
$65K
Licensing body: District of Columbia Board of Cosmetology. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
Cosmetologist License in District of Columbia — What to Know
District of Columbia 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 $44K median covers licensed cosmetologists; top stylists at independent salons or booth renters in District of Columbia's metro areas earn considerably more. District of Columbia'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.