Healthcare trades
cosmetologist salary in District of Columbia
The median cosmetologist in District of Columbia earns $54,570 a year based on the latest BLS wage release. That is 52% above the national median of $35,790, and the top 10% in the state earns more than $130,950.
STATE MEDIAN
$54,570
Per year, 2025
TOP 10 PERCENT
$130,950
Per year
WORKERS IN STATE
870
Reported employment
VS NATIONAL
+52%
Above national median
What do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn in District of Columbia?
These percentile cuts show how pay spreads from entry level earnings to top-end specialists in the state.
10TH PERCENTILE
$36,400
Lower end of the pay range
25TH PERCENTILE
$45,250
Early career benchmark
MEDIAN
$54,570
Middle of the market
75TH PERCENTILE
$77,620
Experienced worker benchmark
90TH PERCENTILE
$130,950
Top earning range
How does District of Columbia compare to national earnings?
District of Columbia pays 52% above the national median for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. That can create more room for training debt, but only if program cost stays controlled and the wage premium holds in the part of the state where you plan to work.
District of Columbia
$54,570
State median annual wage
National median
$35,790
BLS national median wage
How do you train as a cosmetologist in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, most hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists start through community college, certificate programs, and employer-linked clinical or salon training. Compare tuition, required hours, licensing steps, and how quickly the program gets you into paid work. District of Columbia typically regulates cosmetology training hours and the state licensure exam. Program length, required hours, and apprentice options vary by state board.
Lowest debt path
Apprenticeship, community college, or employer-sponsored training usually keeps borrowing pressure lowest. That matters more than raw starting pay if you are comparing a free path against a private program.
What to verify before enrolling
Check tuition, licensing hours, exam pass rates, employer placement, and how quickly the program gets you to a paid job in District of Columbia.
What is the debt-to-income reality in District of Columbia?
The 8% rule says a monthly student loan payment should ideally stay below 8% of gross monthly income.
For a community college style path with an illustrative $10,000 of training debt, a simple 10-year repayment schedule lands near $83 a month. Against a median gross monthly income of $4,548 in District of Columbia, that works out to about 1.8%.
This is an illustrative midpoint between a free apprenticeship path and a higher-cost private program. Your exact result depends on tuition, grants, and how long you stay in school.
What else should you read next?
Healthcare trades guide
Read the full healthcare trades guide for training paths, debt ranges, and employer context.
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See how a related trade in the same cluster pays in the same state.
Trade comparison methodology
See how CollegeLens sources BLS wages, training-cost ranges, and debt-to-income examples.
Common questions about cosmetologist pay in District of Columbia
What is the average cosmetologist salary in District of Columbia?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $54,570 for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in District of Columbia, with the top 10% above $130,950.
Is cosmetologist a good career in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia currently has 870 reported jobs in this trade. The path can work well when training cost stays reasonable relative to a median income of $54,570.
How do you become a cosmetologist in District of Columbia?
In District of Columbia, most hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists start through community college, certificate programs, and employer-linked clinical or salon training. Compare tuition, required hours, licensing steps, and how quickly the program gets you into paid work. District of Columbia typically regulates cosmetology training hours and the state licensure exam. Program length, required hours, and apprentice options vary by state board.
Where does District of Columbia rank for cosmetologist earnings?
District of Columbia is above the national median for this trade. State median: $54,570. National median: $35,790.
What does cosmetologist training cost in District of Columbia?
Training cost depends on the path. Apprenticeship can be near $0 out of pocket while you earn. Community college programs often land in the low thousands. Private trade school and certificate routes can be much higher. Always compare program cost against expected earnings in District of Columbia.