Personal Care & Fitness Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Cosmetologist Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median cosmetologist salary in Denver, CO is $39,290 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$39,290
vs State Avg
+$2,456
vs National
+$4,210
Cost of Living
112%

Cosmetologist Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median cosmetologist salary of $39,290, which is $2,456 above the Colorado state average of $36,834. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $39,290 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Denver spans from $24,640 at the 10th percentile to $64,960 at the 90th percentile — a $40,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,880, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,600. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
+$2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,320
+$4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,600
+$6,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $24,640
25th Percentile $30,240
Median (50th) $39,290
75th Percentile $51,520
90th Percentile $64,960

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$44,902
Pop. 105,673
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 Denver

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Denver 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Denver

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Denver

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Denver, Colorado is $39,290 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $24,640 (10th percentile) to $64,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,290, a cosmetologist in Denver earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Denver's median cosmetologist salary of $39,290 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $36,834. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $39,290 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Denver? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Denver 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.