Personal Care & Fitness Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

Cosmetologist Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median cosmetologist salary in Boulder, CO is $44,902 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$44,902
vs State Avg
+$8,068
vs National
+$9,822
Cost of Living
128%

Cosmetologist Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median cosmetologist salary of $44,902, which is $8,068 above the Colorado state average of $36,834. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $44,902 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Boulder spans from $28,160 at the 10th percentile to $74,240 at the 90th percentile — a $46,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,720, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,400. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $30,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,720
+$6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,080
+$10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,400
+$15,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $28,160
25th Percentile $34,560
Median (50th) $44,902
75th Percentile $58,880
90th Percentile $74,240

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$39,290
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$37,185
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$36,834
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$35,080
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Boulder

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Boulder

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Boulder, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Boulder

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Boulder, Colorado is $44,902 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $74,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,902, a cosmetologist in Boulder earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Boulder's median cosmetologist salary of $44,902 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $36,834. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $44,902 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Boulder? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Boulder require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.