Cosmetologist in District of Columbia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DC
How to Become a Cosmetologist in District of Columbia
To become a licensed Cosmetologist in the District of Columbia, individuals must complete a 1500-hour training program or a 2000-hour apprenticeship and have at least a 10th-grade education. The licensing body is the District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology. Applicants must pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and there is an application fee of $65 and an exam fee of $55. The District of Columbia offers reciprocity for licenses from states with substantially equivalent requirements.
Cosmetologist Requirements in District of Columbia
| Detail | District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1500-hour training program and 10th grade education |
| Exam | NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($55) |
| Application Fee | $65 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 6.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Applicants must be at least 17 years old and have completed the 10th grade. An apprenticeship of 2000 hours is an alternative to the 1500 school hours. Two of the six continuing education hours must be in sanitation and hygiene, and the other four hours can be in any subject or area of study. A criminal background check is required for new licenses. |
Source: District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology
Cosmetologist Salary in District of Columbia
The median cosmetologist salary in District of Columbia is $48,060 per year, which is 36.3% above the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $35,360 |
| 25th | $38,650 |
| 50th (median) | $48,060 |
| 75th | $61,430 |
| 90th (experienced) | $97,760 |
District of Columbia employs approximately 1,010 cosmetologists.
Cosmetologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Cosmetologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.68/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Cosmetologist in District of Columbia Worth It?
Factors to consider: District of Columbia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.