Esthetician Schools in Colorado
If helping clients with skin health and care interests you, esthetics may be a great right career fit. Not only is the career growing in Colorado and elsewhere, but the job also pays higher than the national average in Colorado.
Browse our directory of esthetician schools in Colorado, or skip ahead to learn about the state's esthetician licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Esthetician Schools in Colorado
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5707 North Academy Boulevard
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
2109 South College Avenue Suite 102
Fort Collins, CO 80525
5125 North Academy Boulevard
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Paul Mitchell The School Colorado Springs – Accredited
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
The Salon Professional Academy - Colorado Springs – Accredited
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Esthetician Schools Near Me
Check out the Esthetics/Skin Care schools these cities in Colorado have to offer.
Cost of Esthetician School Across CO
| Metro | Average Tuition |
|---|---|
| Denver | $8,812 |
| Colorado Springs / Pueblo | $8,384 |
| Cheyenne / Scottsbluff | $7,300 |
| Grand Junction / Montrose | $2,795 |
Comparing Program Costs in CO
| Cosmetology School Costs |
|---|
| Highest range: $15,101 - $22,509 |
| Lowest range: $7,692 - $15,101 |
| Average: $17,461 |
| Esthetics/Skin Care School Costs |
| Highest range: $7,473 - $12,150 |
| Lowest range: $2,795 - $7,473 |
| Average: $8,168 |
How to Become a Esthetician in Colorado
- 600 contact hours, 20 credit hours, or 1,500 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average for estheticians in Colorado is $44,890.
- There is a predicted 29% job increase between 2020 - 2030 for estheticians.
An esthetician provides skincare services like facials, makeup application, massage, and hair removal.
You need to fulfill the following to become a licensed esthetician in Colorado:
Colorado Esthetics Careers
Average yearly salary for esthetics in Colorado
In Colorado, estheticians earn $44,890 per year ($21.58 per hour) on average. $28,360 to $61,230, though pay often depends on location and specialty.
Job growth for estheticians in Colorado is particularly positive. Employment is expected to grow by 29% in the next decade—the same as the national prediction.
The highest-paying areas for estheticians in Colorado are:
| Metro/Nonmetropolitan Area | 2021 Median Salary |
| Fort Collins, Colorado | $38,190 |
| Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area | $37,740 |
| Boulder, Colorado | $37,690 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado | $36,940 |
| Colorado Springs, Colorado | $36,420 |
Table information sourced from O*Net (2022)
How to Become a Esthetician in Colorado
Required to earn a esthetics license
You must finish 600 contact or 20 training hours at an approved esthetics school in Colorado. Any Colorado-approved esthetics curriculum has to include the following:
Colorado estheticians need extra training to do cosmetic resurfacing exfoliation, microdermabrasion, or permanent or semi-permanent makeup.
To keep their licenses, schools must undergo inspections and meet the Colorado Division of Private Occupational Schools or Colorado Community College Systems standards.
Can I Apprentice as an Esthetician in Colorado?
Required to earn a esthetics license
You can apprentice to become an esthetician in Colorado via a U.S. Department of Labor program approved by a school.
The nationwide standard for successfully completing an apprenticeship is when an approved mentor (an experienced practitioner in the field) determines that you are competent in the job. Apprentices must also meet the required number of hours (one credit for every 75 hours). An esthetics apprentice in Colorado must undergo a 1,500-hour apprenticeship.
Colorado Esthetician Licensing Requirements
After 600 contact or 20 credit hours of esthetics training, it's time to take your written and practical tests. Then, once passed, you receive your license.
Apply to take the exams online or by mail. You also need to send a $28 application fee.
Before scheduling and paying for the written test, you must pass the practical exam. The practical exam costs $69, and the theory exam costs $55.
You have one year after passing the practical exam to pass the written exam. Then, your application expires.
You can retake the test an unlimited number of times during that year. But, you must wait 14 days between attempts for the practical and 30 days for the written test. The retake fee for the practical exam is $67, and it's $52 for the written one.
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time on the exam day and bring two signed forms of ID with you. One form of ID must be government-issued and contain your photograph.
Applicants who speak English as an additional language can request extra test time. This includes 50 minutes more for the written and 30 more minutes for the practical exam. Candidates are also allowed to bring a word-for-word translation dictionary to the test. During the practical exam, specific labels must be in English.
Candidates needing Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations can apply using the form on the Candidate Information Bulletin.
The accommodation request should be faxed to PSI at (702) 932-2666. The request needs documentation from a medical professional describing the disability and accommodations.
The written test lasts 100 minutes and comprises 100 questions, of which 85 are scored.
Theory exam content includes:
1. Safety, sanitation, and disinfection: 30%
2. Client consultation and professional conduct: 10%
3. Skin structure: 12%
4. Basic facials: 18%
5. Hair removal: 10%
6. Electricity and electrotherapy: 6%
7. Makeup: 6%
8. Basic knowledge of advanced treatments: 8%
You must earn at least 70% to pass the theory exam. You will receive your score immediately following the test.
The practical exam lasts 85 minutes and includes the following:
Colorado Esthetician Licensure Reciprocity
Estheticians from other states can apply for licensure by endorsement in Colorado.
To qualify:
Education from military service can apply if deemed equal to Colorado training. Further, a military spouse licensed in another state can practice without a Colorado license for three years.
Esthetician Specialties in Colorado
With more training, you can offer more specialized services as an esthetician. These include:
You can also consider a career as a medical esthetician—a popular specialty in Colorado. Medical estheticians work with physicians to help patients with skin disorders or traumas.
Medical estheticians often work in rehab centers, dermatology and plastic surgery offices, and hospitals. They may earn higher salaries, making $77,122 per year on average in Colorado.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Esthetician licenses expire on March 31 of every even-numbered year and cost $26 to renew. Currently, no continuing education is necessary to renew an esthetician license.
But, continuing education is recommended to stay up to date on esthetics practices. There's a list of approved continuing education providers on Colorado's Department of Regulatory Agencies website.
Contact the Colorado State Board of Esthetics
- 1560 Broadway Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202
- Website: Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure
- Email: dora_barber-cosmetology@state.co.us
- Call: 303-894-7800
- Fax: 303-894-0364
National Coalition of Estheticians Association - Colorado
Organization dedicated to helping estheticians in Colorado advance their careers through certification and continuing education
Colorado Bestheticians
Facebook group where estheticians in Colorado can share knowledge on industry trends and the latest technologies and network with each other
Colorado Esthetician Collective
Facebook group for Colorado estheticians and students focused on elevating the esthetics education standards in the state
Colorado Esthetician Training
Facebook group where aspiring and licensed estheticians can share tips