Cosmetologist License Cost in Washington
Documented Cosmetology license fees for Washington are not published in this dataset, so the total cost varies. Check the current fee schedule with Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology before budgeting.
Figures below come from the same dataset as the full guide and list only what the state publishes. Anything not published is marked “varies — check the board” rather than guessed.
Cosmetology license cost — Washington at a glance
| Pre-license education | 1600 hrs required — tuition varies by school |
| Exam fee | Varies — check the board |
| Application fee | Varies — check the board |
| License fee | Varies — check the board |
| Documented fees total | Not published |
| BLS median annual wage | $31,860 (hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists) |
Official source: Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology ↗
Fees vs. median pay
The BLS median annual wage for hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists is $31,860. Actual local earnings vary widely by market and experience — use the career ROI tool to model your own numbers.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Cosmetology license cost in Washington?
Documented fees for Washington are not published in this dataset — check Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology for the current fee schedule.
Are the exam fee and the license fee the same thing in Washington?
No. The exam fee covers sitting for the test, while the application and license fees cover processing and issuing the credential. Each is listed separately in the table above where the state publishes it.
How much does Cosmetology training cost in Washington?
Washington requires 1600 hours of pre-license education. Tuition is set by each approved school and varies widely, so contact the programs on your state's approved list for current prices.
Is a Cosmetology license in Washington worth the cost?
The BLS median annual wage for hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists is $31,860. Earnings vary widely by state and market — treat this as a planning estimate, not a promise.
Budget your Cosmetology licensing in Washington
This page is informational and not legal advice. Fees, pass rates and retake rules change frequently — verify all figures with Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology and your exam vendor before paying (retrieved 2026-08-20).