Cosmetologist in Pueblo, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Pueblo Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Pueblo’s cosmetology scene is grounded in practicality. It’s not a high-glamour market like Denver or Aspen, but it’s stable, community-focused, and offers a realistic cost of living. Let’s break down the numbers first, using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Colorado state reports.

The median salary for cosmetologists in Pueblo is $37,495/year. This is slightly below the national average of $38,370/year, which is typical for a smaller, inland metro area. The hourly rate is $18.03/hour. With 222 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 8%, the market is stable, not booming. Growth is expected to track with population increases and the expansion of retail, medical, and hospitality services.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how pay breaks down by experience level in our local market. These are estimates based on local job postings and salon owner interviews.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Work Setting
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $32,000	Commission-based, chain salons, assisting senior stylists.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$35,000 - $42,000	Mix of commission & tips, established local salons, some booth rental.
Senior (8-15 years)	$42,000 - $50,000	Booth rental, strong client base, specialized services (e.g., extensions, color correction).
Expert (15+ years)	$50,000+	Salon ownership, high-end booth rental, corporate training roles.

How Pueblo Compares to Other Colorado Cities:
Pueblo’s salary is significantly lower than in major metros, but so is the cost of living.

• Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metro: Median salary is closer to $45,000/year, but the cost of living is over 30% higher. A 1BR apartment in Denver averages $1,600+.
• Colorado Springs: Median salary is roughly $40,000/year, with a cost of living about 10% higher than Pueblo's.
• Fort Collins: Similar salary range to $42,000/year, but housing is extremely competitive and expensive.

Insider Tip: In Pueblo, your income is heavily dependent on your ability to build a loyal clientele. Stylists working at established salons on the North Side (like near the Pueblo Mall) or in Downtown often have steadier walk-in traffic, while those in more residential areas rely on repeat customers and word-of-mouth.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about the math. Using the median salary of $37,495/year, your monthly take-home pay after taxes (federal, state, and FICA) is approximately $2,450/month. This is a conservative estimate; it will be slightly lower if you have health insurance deductions.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a cosmetologist in Pueblo:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (Monthly)	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,450	After taxes on $37,495/year
Rent (1BR Average)	$881	Pueblo's average, but varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200 - $250	Varies seasonally; winters can be higher due to heating.
Groceries	$300 - $350	For one person, shopping at local stores like Safeway or the Pueblo Farmers Market.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$350 - $500	Essential in Pueblo; public transit is limited.
Health/Beauty Products & Supplies	$100 - $150	Professional products, tools, and personal upkeep.
Entertainment/Misc.	$150 - $200	Dining out, movies, etc.
Total Expenses	$2,031 - $2,531	Leaves a buffer of $319 to -$81

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s challenging but not impossible on a single income of $37,495/year. The median home price in Pueblo is around $280,000 - $310,000. A 20% down payment would be $56,000 - $62,000, which is a significant savings goal. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 92.4 (US avg = 100), Pueblo is more affordable than most places. Many successful cosmetologists here eventually buy homes after 5-10 years, often with a partner’s income or by building a business that exceeds the median salary.

Insider Tip: Many local stylists supplement their income by renting a booth at a salon (which can cost $100-$200/week) and keeping 100% of their service revenue. This is the path to earning significantly above the median.

Where the Jobs Are: Pueblo's Major Employers

Pueblo’s cosmetology jobs are concentrated in a few key areas: retail chains, independent salons, and the healthcare/hospitality sector. Here are the major local employers:

1. Ulta Beauty & Sally Beauty: These big-box retailers are the most common entry points. They offer steady hours, benefits, and training. Locations are typically along Northern Avenue and Pueblo Boulevard. Hiring is frequent, especially for licensed stylists who can also work the retail floor.
2. Great Clips / Supercuts: Multiple franchise locations throughout the city, from the South Side to Pueblo West. These are volume-based, commission-heavy roles ideal for building speed and a clientele quickly.
3. Independent Salons on the North Side: This area, near the Pueblo Mall and the Colorado State University-Pueblo campus, has a cluster of mid-to-high-end salons. They often look for experienced stylists for booth rental or commission. Examples include salons like Shear Elegance or Studio 212 (check local listings).
4. Downtown Salons & Spas: The revitalized Downtown area has a growing number of boutique salons and day spas, such as The Sanctuary or Salon 818. These cater to a clientele interested in a more personalized, upscale experience.
5. Hotel & Resort Spas: The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo (HARP) area and nearby resorts like the Pueblo Memorial Lodge sometimes have spa positions, though these are less common and often require additional certifications.
6. Medical & Wellness Facilities: Some dermatology offices or wellness centers (e.g., near St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center or Parkview Medical Center) hire estheticians or cosmetologists with skincare training for specific roles.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. The biggest demand is for stylists who are proficient in modern techniques (balayage, lived-in color, men's grooming) and have a strong social media presence to attract clients. Booth rental availability fluctuates; it’s best to network with salon owners directly.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado requires all cosmetologists to be licensed through the Colorado Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure (OBC). The process is straightforward but requires specific steps.

1. Education: You must complete a minimum of 1,200 hours of training at a state-approved cosmetology school. In Pueblo, the primary option is Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC) - Pueblo Campus, which offers a comprehensive cosmetology program. There are also a few private schools in the region.
2. Examination: After graduating, you must pass the state board exams, which include both written and practical components. The exams are administered by the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
3. Application & Fees: Submit your application to the OBC with your exam scores. The total cost for licensing (school, exam, application) typically ranges from $10,000 to $15,000, including tuition, books, and fees.
4. Timeline: From starting school to receiving your license, expect 12 to 18 months. Full-time programs can be completed in about a year; part-time programs take longer.

Insider Tip: PPCC’s program is well-regarded locally. Their job placement rate is good, and they have connections with salons across Pueblo County. If you’re moving from out of state, Colorado has reciprocity with many states, but you’ll still need to check the OBC website for specific requirements and may need to take the state exam.

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Your choice of neighborhood will affect your commute, client base, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. North Side (Near Pueblo Mall & CSU-Pueblo):
   • Vibe: Commercial, busy, convenient.
   • Rent for 1BR: $850 - $950/month.
   • Why it’s good: Close to major salons and retail employers. High visibility for building a clientele. Easy commute to most jobs.
2. Downtown:
   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, artsy, growing.
   • Rent for 1BR: $900 - $1,100/month (can be higher for renovated lofts).
   • Why it’s good: Ideal if you work at a downtown salon or spa. Offers a vibrant social scene and attracts a clientele interested in unique experiences. Parking can be a challenge.
3. South Side:
   • Vibe: Residential, family-oriented, more affordable.
   • Rent for 1BR: $750 - $850/month.
   • Why it’s good: Lower cost of living. You can build a strong neighborhood clientele if you work at a local salon here or rent a booth nearby. Commutes to northern employers are manageable (15-20 mins).
4. Pueblo West:
   • Vibe: Suburban, spread-out, newer developments.
   • Rent for 1BR: $900 - $1,000/month (fewer dedicated 1BRs, more 2BRs).
   • Why it’s good: Quieter, more space. Good for families. However, you’ll likely commute into Pueblo for work, as there are fewer salon jobs directly in Pueblo West.

Insider Tip: If you’re new to town, renting on the North Side or South Side puts you in a central location to explore job opportunities across the city before settling on a specific salon.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Pueblo, career growth is less about corporate ladders and more about entrepreneurial hustle and specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Developing a niche can significantly boost your income above the median.

  • Extensions (Tape-in, Micro-link): Can add $15-$30 per service.
  • Advanced Color (Balayage, Correction): Commands higher prices, moving you from the $35,000 range toward $50,000+.
  • Men's Grooming/Barbering: A growing market, especially with the CSU-Pueblo crowd and downtown professionals.
  • Esthetics Add-On: Getting a separate esthetician license (requires 600 hours) allows you to offer facials, waxing, and advanced skincare, opening up spa opportunities and a new revenue stream.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Commission Stylist -> Booth Renter: The classic path to higher earnings. You’ll need a solid client base (50+ regulars) to make the switch financially viable.
  2. Stylist -> Salon Manager/Owner: Requires business acumen. Many local salons are small, so ownership is a realistic goal for those with capital and management skills.
  3. Cosmetologist -> Educator: Some seasoned stylists work as educators for brands like Redken or Matrix, traveling to salons in Colorado Springs or Denver, or teaching at PPCC.

• 10-Year Outlook: With 8% job growth, the field is expanding, but competition exists. The key will be adapting to trends (e.g., clean beauty, sustainable products) and building a personal brand. Stylists who embrace social media (Instagram is huge here) will capture the younger clientele and grow their businesses faster.

The Verdict: Is Pueblo Right for You?

Pueblo is a pragmatic choice for a cosmetologist who values affordability, community, and a stable pace of life over high-octane fashion markets.

Pros	Cons
Very low cost of living (Index 92.4). A $37,495 salary goes much further than in Denver.	Lower median salary than national and state averages.
Stable job market with 222 jobs and steady growth (8%).	Limited high-fashion or celebrity clientele; market is more practical/needs-based.
Strong sense of community; easy to build a loyal, local clientele.	Career advancement often requires entrepreneurship (booth rental, salon ownership).
Short, manageable commutes (10-25 mins city-wide).	Fewer large, corporate salon chains compared to bigger cities.
Opportunity to be a big fish in a small pond—become a well-known local stylist.	Cultural and social scene is more limited; requires driving to Denver for major concerts/events.

Final Recommendation: Pueblo is an excellent fit for a newly licensed cosmetologist looking to establish a career without crushing debt, or for an experienced stylist seeking a lower-stress environment with a lower cost of living. It’s less ideal for those chasing a high-fashion, fast-paced career. If you’re self-motivated, good with people, and willing to build your business from the ground up, Pueblo offers a realistic path to a sustainable career.

FAQs

Q: How much can I realistically make as a booth renter in Pueblo?
A: After booth rent ($100-$200/week), a successful booth renter with a steady client book can take home $45,000 - $65,000/year, significantly above the median. This is the primary path to high earnings.

Q: Is it worth getting an esthetician license too?
A: Absolutely. In a market like Pueblo, offering combined services (hair + skin) makes you a one-stop shop and can increase your average ticket by 20-30%. It’s a clear way to differentiate yourself.

Q: What’s the tipping culture like in Pueblo salons?
A: Generous, but not extravagant. 15-20% is standard for good service. Building rapport is key—Pueblo clients value personal connection highly, and that translates directly into tips.

Q: Are there opportunities for mobile or freelance cosmetology?
A: Yes, but it’s niche. Some stylists offer in-home services for elderly clients or wedding parties. However, you’ll need a reliable vehicle and must adhere to strict sanitation regulations, which can be challenging without a dedicated workspace.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new licensees?
A: Moderately competitive. Chains like Great Clips are always hiring. For independent salons, it’s about networking. Attend local events, join the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, and don’t be afraid to walk into salons with your portfolio. Persistence pays off.