The Westminster, CO Cosmetologist Career Guide: A Local’s Data-Driven Breakdown

As a career analyst who’s spent years dissecting Colorado’s job markets, I’ll give you the straight facts about being a cosmetologist in Westminster. This isn’t a glossy brochure—it’s a practical look at the numbers, neighborhoods, and nuances of building a career here. Westminster is a complex market: it’s a large, diverse suburb with pockets of wealth and older, working-class areas. It sits in the Denver metro, but has its own identity and employment base. For cosmetologists, that means opportunity, but also competition and a cost of living that demands a smart strategy.

Let’s get into the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Westminster Stands

The first thing to understand is that cosmetology pay in Westminster is tightly linked to the broader Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area. The median salary for a cosmetologist here is $39,003/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.75/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $38,370/year, a small but meaningful premium, likely driven by Colorado’s stronger tourism and wellness industries.

However, this median number hides a wide range. Your income is a direct function of your specialization, client base, and employment setting (commission vs. booth rental vs. hourly). The job market is active, with approximately 229 cosmetology jobs in the Westminster metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which is steady but not explosive. This growth is tied to population trends and consumer spending on personal care, so it’s a reliable, if modest, indicator.

Here’s how experience typically translates to earnings in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Hours & Role	Estimated Annual Earnings (Westminster)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	Hourly ($15-$20/hr) or low-commission	$30,000 - $36,000	Building a clientele, often at a chain salon (Supercuts, Sport Clips). Focus on speed and consistency.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	Commission (45-55%), booth rental, or higher hourly	$39,000 - $52,000	Established book of regulars. May specialize in color or extensions. Booth rental becomes a viable option.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	Booth rental, suite rental, or high-commission (55%+)	$55,000 - $75,000+	Loyal clientele, potential for education/mentoring. May own a small business or work in a high-end salon.

How Westminster Compares to Other Colorado Cities:

• Denver: Slightly higher median (often $40,000-$42,000), but with much higher competition and rent. Clientele is more transient and business-focused.
• Boulder: Significantly higher potential ($45,000-$60,000+ for senior stylists) due to high disposable income and a wellness-focused culture, but extreme competition and cost of living.
• Colorado Springs: Lower median (often $35,000-$38,000), with a more family-oriented market and less emphasis on high-fashion trends. Lower rent follows.
• Fort Collins: Similar to Westminster, but with a strong college-town influence that can boost demand for services like highlights and trendy cuts during the academic year.

Westminster offers a middle ground: it’s not the highest-paying market, but it’s more attainable than Denver or Boulder, with a diverse population that supports a range of services from basic cuts to advanced color correction.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground the $39,003/year median salary in reality. This is your gross income. Here’s a monthly breakdown for a single cosmetologist living in Westminster, aiming for a standard budget.

Assumptions: Gross monthly income of $3,250 ($39,003/12). Federal/state taxes (assuming single, no dependents) will take roughly 18-22%. We’ll use 20% for a clear picture.

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,250
• Estimated Taxes (20%): $650
• Net Monthly Income: $2,600

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,635	This is the city average. A studio can be $1,400-$1,500. A room in a shared house is $800-$1,100.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, gas, water, trash. Internet is a separate $60-$80.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Westminster is car-dependent. A reliable used car is essential.
Groceries	$300	Shopping at the Westminster Whole Foods or Safeway.
Phone	$60
Healthcare	$100	Assumes marketplace plan or employer contribution.
Supplies/Tools	$50	For personal use and building a kit.
Miscellaneous	$200	Gas, personal care, entertainment.
Total Expenses	$2,845
SURPLUS/DEFICIT	-$245	This is the core challenge.

Can they afford to buy a home? At the median salary, no, not on a single income. The median home price in Westminster is around $450,000. A 20% down payment is $90,000, and a monthly mortgage (at 7%) would be over $2,400, which is unsustainable on a net income of $2,600. Homeownership typically requires dual incomes, a significant down payment from savings or family, or a salary well above the median (closer to $60,000+). Renting a shared house or a studio is the more realistic path for a single cosmetologist at the median income.

Insider Tip: The budget above is tight. To make it work, you’ll need to live with roommates or in a studio, and be disciplined with spending. The key to financial stability is increasing your income through specialization and building a loyal clientele to move from hourly/commission to booth rental.

Where the Jobs Are: Westminster's Major Employers

Westminster’s job market for cosmetologists is a mix of national chains, local boutiques, and independent suites. The 229 jobs in the metro are distributed across these types of employers.

1. Sport Clips Haircuts (Westminster locations): A major employer for entry-level stylists. They offer structured training, a high-volume environment, and a focus on men’s cuts and MVP services. Hiring is frequent, and it’s a great place to build speed and a client base. Expect to start at the lower end of the $15-$20/hr range.

2. Supercuts (Location on W 92nd Ave & Union Blvd): Similar to Sport Clips, this is a reliable entry point. The pace is fast, and the clientele is diverse. It’s a good spot to learn retail sales and basic color services.

3. The Salon at Sola Salon Studios (Westminster): This is a key trend. Sola provides individual suites for rent to licensed cosmetologists. You’ll find a range of independent stylists here, from those just starting their own business to seasoned experts. It’s a place to find a job by renting a suite, or to look for a stylist who is hiring an assistant. Many successful Westminster cosmetologists start in a chain and then move to a suite at places like Sola.

4. The Woodhouse Spa (Westminster): Located near the Westminster Promenade, this is a high-end day spa that employs licensed cosmetologists for specialized services like facials, waxing, and body treatments (often requiring a separate esthetics license in Colorado). It’s a premium employer offering higher hourly rates or commissions and attract a affluent clientele from nearby neighborhoods like Candelas and Rocky Mountain Ranch.

5. Independent Salons (e.g., Alchemy Salon & Boutique in Olde Town Westminster): These are the gems. Olde Town Westminster has a few boutique salons with a loyal, local following. They offer a more personalized work environment and often a higher commission split (50-55%). Hiring is less frequent, so networking is key. Follow local salons on Instagram—this is where they post openings.

6. Great Clips & Local Barber Shops: The Great Clips at the Westminster Promenade and various barbershops in the area provide steady, commission-based work. Barbershops, in particular, are seeing a resurgence and often pay well for skilled clipper work.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. A generalist can get a job at a chain, but to earn above the median, you need a niche—balayage, curly hair specialists, or extensions. The market is also seeing a shift toward suite rentals, giving stylists more control but also more business responsibility. Building a social media presence (Instagram is non-negotiable) is now a prerequisite for advancement.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado’s licensing is managed by the Colorado Office of Barbering and Cosmetology (a division of the Department of Regulatory Agencies). It’s a straightforward but regulated process.

1. Education: You must complete a 1,500-hour program at a state-approved cosmetology school. In the Westminster area, options include:

   • Empire Beauty School (Westminster Campus): A well-known national chain with a structured program.
   • Aveda Institute (Denver/Lakewood): A short drive, known for its product-focused curriculum.
   • Local community colleges: Sometimes offer part-time programs.

2. Cost: Tuition ranges from $10,000 to $18,000, depending on the school. This is the biggest investment. Additional costs include a kit ($500-$1,500), state exam fees ($110), and licensing fee ($38).

3. Exam: After school, you must pass the Colorado Cosmetology Licensing Exam, which consists of a Practical Exam and a Written Exam (administered by PSI). You must apply for the exam through the state board’s website.

4. Timeline: From starting school to holding your license typically takes 12-15 months for full-time students. Part-time programs can take 18-24 months. The state processing time after exams can take 4-6 weeks.

Pro Tip: Colorado has a licensure by endorsement path for those licensed in another state, but you must have 1,500+ hours and pass a jurisprudence exam. Always check the most current requirements on the official Colorado DORA website.

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Your neighborhood impacts your commute, rent, and client base. Westminster is a large city with distinct areas.

1. Olde Town Westminster: The historic heart. Commute: 5-10 minutes to most Westminster salons. Lifestyle: Walkable, charming, with local shops and restaurants. Rent: A 1BR in an older building ranges from $1,400-$1,600. Best For: Stylists who want a community feel and easy access to independent salons.

2. Westminster Promenade Area: Modern, commercial hub. Commute: Central location, 10-15 minutes to most jobs. Lifestyle: Car-dependent, surrounded by big-box stores (Target, Whole Foods) and chain restaurants. Rent: Newer 1BR apartments run $1,700-$1,900. Best For: Those who prioritize convenience and modern amenities. Good for clients from the Promenade area.

3. Candelas/Rocky Mountain Ranch (North Westminster): Upscale, master-planned communities. Commute: 15-20 minutes to central Westminster. Lifestyle: Family-oriented, quiet, with newer homes and parks. Rent: A 1BR is scarce here; most rent is for houses ($2,200+). Best For: Established stylists with a clientele base in the north metro or who can afford to live here. High potential for premium clients.

4. Federal Heights/Sherrelwood (Southwest): Working-class, densely populated. Commute: 10-15 minutes to central Westminster. Lifestyle: Affordable, diverse community. Rent: The most affordable in the metro; studios can be found for $1,200-$1,350. Best For: Entry-level cosmetologists on a tight budget. You’ll find a high demand for essential services like cuts and color.

5. Arvada (Adjacent): While not technically Westminster, many cosmetologists live in Arvada (just south) and work in Westminster. Commute: 10-20 minutes via I-76. Lifestyle: Blend of historic and modern, vibrant downtown. Rent: Similar to Westminster ($1,500-$1,700 for 1BR). Best For: Those who want a bigger city feel with a strong downtown, without the Denver price tag.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying at the median salary isn’t inevitable. Here’s how to grow in Westminster’s specific market.

Specialty Premiums:

• Curly Hair Specialists: In high demand. Can command a 10-15% premium on service prices. The dry climate in Colorado makes many people seek specialized curl care.
• Color Correction & Balayage: This is the high-end standard. A senior colorist can earn $55,000+ by building a reputation for this work. Instagram is essential for showcasing this.
• Extensions (Tape-in, Hand-tied): Requires additional certification but offers high-ticket services. Can be a major income booster.
• Men’s Grooming/Barbering: A growing niche. Specializing in fades and beard work can differentiate you in a market saturated with generalists.

Advancement Paths:

1. Commission Stylist to Booth Renter: Once you have a consistent clientele (e.g., 40-50 regulars), moving to a suite (like Sola) allows you to keep 85-100% of your service revenue. You’ll pay booth rent ($150-$250/week) and handle your own marketing/retail.
2. Stylist to Salon Manager/Educator: Larger salons often have management tracks. This provides a salary ($45,000-$55,000) plus potential bonuses. Some stylists also become educators for brands like Redken or Olaplex, which can pay $25-$50/hour for training.
3. Salon Owner: The ultimate goal. Westminster has several successful small salons. Starting one requires significant capital (renovation, inventory, legal) but offers the highest upside. A thriving salon in a good location can generate $80,000+ in owner income.

10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is steady. The market won’t vanish, but it will become more specialized. The rise of social media marketing means you are your own brand. The cosmetologists who succeed in the next decade will be those who combine technical skill with business savvy. Westminster’s growing population in the north (Candelas, Arvada) will likely see an increase in demand for high-end services, creating opportunities for those positioned there.

The Verdict: Is Westminster Right for You?

Westminster is a solid, practical choice for a cosmetologist, but it’s not a get-rich-quick market. It requires hustle, smart budgeting, and a long-term view.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: 229 jobs and 8% growth provide a reliable foundation.	Tight Margins: The median salary of $39,003 makes single-income homeownership nearly impossible.
Diverse Clientele: From families to affluent professionals, you can build a varied book.	High Cost of Living: Rent at $1,635/month for a 1BR is above the national average (Cost of Living Index 105.5).
Path to Specialization: A strong market for colorists and curly hair experts.	Car-Dependent: You need a car to get to clients, salons, and suppliers.
Central Location: Easy access to the entire Denver metro for clients and networking.	Competition: You’re competing with a large metro talent pool (3.1 million people).
Suite Rental Availability: Clear path to independence (Sola, etc.).	Slower High-End Growth: Not as much explosive luxury growth as Boulder or Cherry Creek.

Final Recommendation:
Westminster is a “grind and advance” market. It’s ideal for a cosmetologist who is:

• Financially disciplined and willing to start with roommates or a studio.
• Driven to specialize and build a social media brand.
• Looking for a balance between city access and suburban living.
• Open to starting in a chain and moving to a suite or independent salon.

It’s less ideal for someone expecting high luxury pay immediately or