Cosmetologist in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Washington
To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Washington, individuals must be at least 17 years old and possess a high school diploma or GED. They need to complete either a 1600-hour training program at a state-approved cosmetology school or a 2000-hour apprenticeship program. After meeting the education requirements, applicants must pass both the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams and submit a license application with a $35 fee to the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Washington
| Detail | Washington |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Washington State Department of Licensing - Cosmetology |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1600-hour training program at a state-approved cosmetology school OR 2000-hour apprenticeship program, and High school diploma or GED. Must be within 100 hours of completing training to schedule exams. |
| Exam | NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by D.L. Roope) ($294) |
| Application Fee | $35 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age: 17 years old. Training hours expire after three years if not applied toward licensure for apprenticeship programs. Background check may be required. |
Source: Washington State Department of Licensing - Cosmetology
Cosmetologist Salary in Washington
The median cosmetologist salary in Washington is $58,920 per year, which is 67.1% above the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,420 |
| 25th | $46,980 |
| 50th (median) | $58,920 |
| 75th | $73,080 |
| 90th (experienced) | $104,680 |
Washington employs approximately 7,410 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 Washington Worth It?
Factors to consider: Washington's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.