📍 District of Columbia⏱ Programs from 11 to 16 months📈 Steady demand across the United States

Cosmetologist salary in District of Columbia

A strong career option in District of Columbia — with programs that take 11 to 16 months to complete.

Median pay · May 2025

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$54,570/ yr

$4,548 / mo · $26.24 / hr

Pay by experience

Entry

$36,400

Median

$54,570

Experienced

$130,957

Demand

Moderate

Program length

11 to 16 months

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Job demand & outlook

Steady demand across the United States

Moderate demand

Source: BLS Employment Projections

Where this career can take you

A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step

  • Cosmetologist (entry-level)$36,400
  • Cosmetologist (mid-career)$54,570
  • Cosmetologist (experienced)$130,957

Is this career change worth it?

A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain

What it typically costs

  • Average training cost—
  • Time to complete11 to 16 months
  • Credential earned—

What you get back

  • Starting salary$36,400
  • Median salary$54,570
  • Experienced salary$130,957

Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.

How to become a Cosmetologist in District of Columbia

A clear path from where you are to where you want to be

1

Find a Cosmetologist program in District of Columbia

Browse certified training programs. Most Cosmetologist tracks complete in 11 to 16 months.

2

Earn your certification

Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in District of Columbia.

3

Get hired in District of Columbia

With roughly thousands of Cosmetologist openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in District of Columbia.

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Frequently asked questions

The median salary for a Cosmetologist in District of Columbia is $54,570 per year, which is $26.24 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $36,400 while experienced Cosmetologists can earn up to $130,957 annually.

Next step

Find Cosmetologist Classes Near You

Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Cosmetologist classes in your area.

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