Cosmetologist License in Washington
Quick Answer
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Washington, you must complete 1,600 hours at an approved school (or 2,000 apprenticeship hours) and pass written and performance exams. The licensing fee is only $25 — among the lowest nationally. No CE required. Estimated costs are approximately $150.
- Education Required
- 1600 hours
- Exam
- Washington Written & Practical Cosmetology Exam
- Total Cost
- $150 (est.)
- Timeline
- 9-14 months
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Cosmetologist license in Washington
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $25
- Exam Fee
- $75
- Renewal Fee
- $25
- Total Estimated Cost
- $150
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Cosmetologist license in Washington. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Washington licensing board.
Cosmetologist Salary in Washington
Entry Level
$37,420
Median
$58,920
Experienced
$104,680
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Cosmetologist in Washington.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — Washington Written & Practical Cosmetology Exam
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$25.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 9-14 months.
Cosmetologist Licensing in Washington: What to Know
Washington explicitly states the $25 licensing fee and requires 1,600 hours at a licensed and approved cosmetology school (or 2,000 hours of state-approved apprenticeship). Both written and performance exams are required. No CE is needed, and no criminal record prohibitions exist. Expedited processing is available for military spouses. The Department of Licensing oversees cosmetology. Seattle and the Puget Sound region are the primary markets. Washington has some of the lowest cosmetology licensing fees in the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Cosmetologist license cost in Washington?
- The estimated total cost is $150, including application fees, exam fees ($75), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Cosmetologist license in Washington?
- The process typically takes 9-14 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Cosmetologist license in Washington?
- You need to pass the Washington Written & Practical Cosmetology Exam. State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Cosmetologist requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.