Personal Care & Fitness Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

Cosmetologist Salary in Colorado

The median cosmetologist salary in Colorado is $36,834 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $35,080.

Median Salary
$36,834
vs National
+$1,754
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

Cosmetologist Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for cosmetologist compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for cosmetologist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $36,834 per year, cosmetologists in Colorado earn $1,754 more than the national median of $35,080.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning cosmetologist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: cosmetologists at the 10th percentile earn $23,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $60,900 — a $37,800 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $44,902.

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for cosmetologists across the country.

Cosmetologist Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,750 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,200
+$1,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,800
+$1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,750
+$2,750 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $23,100
25th Percentile $28,350
Median (50th) $36,834
75th Percentile $48,300
90th Percentile $60,900

Cosmetologist Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for cosmetologists in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Colorado

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Colorado has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook in Colorado

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Colorado's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Colorado

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Colorado? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Colorado is $36,834 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $23,100 (10th percentile) to $60,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,834, a cosmetologist in Colorado earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for cosmetologists? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for cosmetologist pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level cosmetologists earn $25,200, while senior professionals earn $57,750.
How does Colorado compare to other states for cosmetologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for cosmetologists is Hawaii at $59,636. Colorado's median of $36,834 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($38,588) and Oregon ($38,588).
What is the entry-level cosmetologist salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level cosmetologist in Colorado earns approximately $25,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $37,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $57,750.
What city in Colorado pays cosmetologists the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for cosmetologists, with a median salary of $44,902. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.