Personal Care & Fitness Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

Cosmetologist Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median cosmetologist salary in Fort Collins, CO is $37,185 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$37,185
vs State Avg
+$351
vs National
+$2,105
Cost of Living
106%

Cosmetologist Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median cosmetologist salary of $37,185, which is $351 above the Colorado state average of $36,834. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Fort Collins spans from $23,320 at the 10th percentile to $61,480 at the 90th percentile — a $38,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,440, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,300. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $25,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,440
+$1,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,160
+$2,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,300
+$3,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $23,320
25th Percentile $28,620
Median (50th) $37,185
75th Percentile $48,760
90th Percentile $61,480

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$44,902
Pop. 105,673
Denver, CO
$39,290
Pop. 715,522
Aurora, CO
$36,834
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$35,080
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Fort Collins

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Fort Collins, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $37,185 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $23,320 (10th percentile) to $61,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,185, a cosmetologist in Fort Collins earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median cosmetologist salary of $37,185 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $36,834. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $37,185 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Fort Collins? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Fort Collins 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.