If you're considering becoming a cosmetologist in Colorado, now may be a great time to start! The number of cosmetology jobs in the state is growing at twice the national projected rate, and the median pay is significantly higher than the national median. Plus, in a place that values an outdoor lifestyle, hair and skin could use some extra care!
832 West Eisenhower Boulevard Suite B Loveland, CO 80537
Accredited School
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
What to Expect from a Cosmetology Program in Colorado
1,500 Hours
Time to Complete a Cosmetology Program in Colorado
Cosmetology is a wide-ranging field that includes hair, makeup, and skincare services and requires a strong understanding of business, cleanliness, and the law. Your 1,500-hour (50-credit) Colorado cosmetology program should include classroom and hands-on work in all of these areas.
The State Board created a minimum curriculum that each school must use:
Chemical Texture Services: 100 clock hours/3.5 credit hours
Hair Coloring and Bleaching: 200 clock hours/6.6 credit hours
Hairstyling: 175 clock hours/5.8 credit hours
Haircutting: 200 clock hours/6.5 credit hours
Scalp Care (Shampooing, Rinsing, and Conditioning): 50 clock hours/1.3 credit hours
Artificial Nails Application: 125 clock hours/4.2 credit hours
Manicuring and Pedicuring: 175 clock hours/5.8 credit hours
Facials and Skincare: 175 clock hours/5.8 credit hours
Makeup: 25 clock hours/1 credit hour
Hair Removal: 75 clock hours/2.5 credit hours
Laws, Rules, and Regulations: 25 clock hours/1 credit hour
Disinfection, Cleaning, and Safe Work Practices: 150 clock hours/5 credit hours
Can I Become a Cosmetologist in Colorado Via an Apprenticeship?
Yes, you can become a cosmetologist in Colorado through an approved apprenticeship. That apprenticeship program must cover the same topics for the same minimum amounts of time as a cosmetology school program.
How To Get Your Cosmetology License in Colorado
To earn your cosmetology license in Colorado, you need to complete an approved cosmetology program, meet age requirements, and pass an exam. Specifically, you must:
Be at least 16
Complete 1,500 hours of school (50 credits) or an apprenticeship
Pass written and practical tests
Pay for a $32 exam fee
Ensure you meet any other standards required by your school and the state
Colorado Cosmetology License Exam
Colorado requires cosmetologists to sit for theory and practical examinations, both of which are run by PSI.
The practical exam runs for about 235 minutes and follows these steps:
Workstation Preparation for Next Client: 10 minutes
The theory exam lasts for two hours and is broken down into several sections as well:
Safety and Infection Control:30%
Client Consultation and Hair, Skin, and Nail Analysis: 19%
Hairstyling: 2%
Haircutting: 3%
Haircoloring: 10
Chemical Texture Services: 12%
Skin Care: 4%
Eyelash and Eyebrow: 4%
Hair Removal: 8%
Nail Care: 8%
To help your chances of passing your cosmetology exam, be sure to stay actively involved in your classes, take advantage of any studying opportunities, and ask questions.
Colorado Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
If you have an active cosmetology license in another state or country, you may have an easier time getting your Colorado cosmetology license.
Colorado doesn't have licensure reciprocity in the traditional sense. However, the state is part of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. If you hold a cosmetology license in another member state, you could use it as a multistate license to practice in Colorado once the Compact is fully active.
Otherwise, you may be able to get your cosmetology license by endorsement. For this, you need to have completed a training program of at least 1,500 hours, meet a minimum amount of professional work experience, or a combination of the two, and have an active license in your home state or country. Depending on your situation, you may need to pass exams, prove your amount of work experience, or both before getting your Colorado license.
Cosmetology License Renewal in Colorado
1 Year
License renewal period
0 Hours
Continuing education required
Colorado cosmetology licenses must be renewed by April 30th of every year. If you get your initial license within 120 days of that renewal date, you won't have to renew until the following year.
If you keep your license current, you don't need to complete continuing education credits. However, if your license has been expired for between two and five years and you don't have an active license in another state or country, you need to undergo 16 continuing education hours or pass the Colorado written licensure exam. If your license has been expired for five or more years and you don't have an active one elsewhere, you can choose to pass the exam or complete 24 hours of continuing education.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Colorado
$43,680
Median Cosmetologist Salary in Colorado
Colorado's cosmetology pay and job growth are both better than the nationwide estimates. The number of jobs is projected to grow by 12% between 2022 and 2032, which is double the national expectation. Pay rates are also high, ranging from $31,620 or less to $93,980 or more per year, with a median of $43,680. Across the US, the median salary is $35,520.
Cosmetology salaries are influenced by factors like workplace, services offered, and years of experience. Perhaps one of the most significant factors, though, is the city or town you work in. The top paying locations in Colorado (sorted by median pay) are:
