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Cosmetologist Licenses › Washington

Cosmetologist License Cost in Washington 2026: $210 Fees, $41K Salary

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

Cosmetologist License in Washington — Key Numbers

$210
Upfront Cost
$41K
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 — Washington

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 (Washington) $28,800/yr
Salary with license (Washington) $40,800/yr
5-year net ROI $60K

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

Cosmetologist License in Washington — What to Know

Washington 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 $41K median covers licensed cosmetologists; top stylists at independent salons or booth renters in Washington's metro areas earn considerably more. Washington'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 Washington

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