License Required

How to Get a Cosmetologist License in Washington

Washington requires a cosmetologist license to offer hair, skin, or nail services. You'll need 1,600 hours of training. State fees are $319, which is well above the $179 national average.

Last verified: 2022-03-01 · Source: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3

Quick Facts

License Required
Yes
Licensing Fees
$319(well above the $179 national average)
Training Required
1,600 hours1,600 hours (about 11 months full-time)
Apprenticeship Option
2,000 hours under a licensed cosmetologist
Exams Required
2(written + practical)
Minimum Age
17 years old
Renewal
Every 2 years · $65 · No CE required

What This Means for Your Home Cosmetologist Business

Washington makes it possible to run a home cosmetologist business, but there's a licensing path to follow first. Every state requires a cosmetologist license, so this is standard nationwide.

The cost is on the higher side. At $319, Washington charges more than the $179 national average. The real investment is time, not money.

Washington requires 1,600 hours, roughly 11 months of full-time study. Alternatively, complete a 2,000-hour apprenticeship to earn while learning.

Once licensed, Washington offers advantages: keep in mind the 6.5% sales tax on services. Plus, LLC formation is just $200. Your total non-training startup can be under $1,000.

Important detail: Even though you're working from home, you'll still need a shop license from the Washington Department of Licensing — Cosmetology. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation and safety standards. This is separate from your personal cosmetologist license and is something many first-time home-based cosmetologists overlook.

How to Start Your Home Cosmetologist Business

Follow these steps to legally launch your business in Washington. Most people complete this in 13-15 months.

1

Complete 1,600-Hour Cosmetologist Training

Enroll in a Washington-approved cosmetologist school. Full-time: ~11 months. Part-time: 20-27 months.

Alternative: Complete a 2,000-hour apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist. This takes roughly 13-17 months but lets you earn income while training.

Tip: You must apply for your exams within a set timeframe after completing your education — don't wait.

2

Pass the written,practical Exams ($319)

Once you've finished training, register for the written,practical exams through the Washington Department of Licensing — Cosmetology. You must pass all 2 exams.

3

Form Your Washington LLC ($200 state fee)

Register your business with the Washington Secretary of State. An LLC protects your personal assets if something goes wrong — a client injury, a lawsuit, or unpaid bills. It also makes you look more professional to clients and helps with taxes.

Fast track: Services like ZenBusiness can form your Washington LLC online for $0 + the $200 state filing fee. They handle the paperwork and registered agent service.

4

Get a Home Occupation Permit & Shop License

You need two things to legally operate from home:

  • Home occupation permit — from your county clerk or zoning office. This confirms your neighborhood allows a business from your home. Fees vary by county ($25-$100 typically).
  • Shop license — from the Washington Department of Licensing — Cosmetology. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation standards, including proper ventilation, sanitary station setup, and waste disposal.
5

Get Business Insurance

General liability insurance protects you if a client has an allergic reaction, slips in your home, or claims damage. Most policies for home-based cosmetologists cost $15-$40/month. It's not legally required in Washington, but going without it is a real risk when you're working with clients in your home.

6

Register for State & Federal Taxes

Washington charges 6.5% sales tax on services, so you'll need to register. You also need to:

  • Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free, takes 5 minutes online
  • Register with the Washington Department of Revenue for state income tax
7

Book Your First Clients

You're legal and ready. Start building your client base:

  • Set up an online booking system (Square Appointments, Booksy, or Vagaro are popular with home-based cosmetologists)
  • Create a Google Business Profile so local clients can find you
  • Post your work on Instagram — before-and-afters are the #1 way home cosmetologists attract clients
  • Ask early clients for Google reviews — reviews are critical for home-based businesses without storefront visibility

Total Estimated Startup Costs

Exam fees + license$319
Washington LLC formation$200
Home occupation permit$25 - $100
Business insurance (first year)$180 - $480
Total (excluding training/school)$724 - $1099

* School tuition varies widely. Some community colleges offer programs under $5,000. The apprenticeship path avoids tuition entirely.

Cosmetologist Earning Potential in Washington

Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2024), here's what hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn in Washington. There are approximately 7,410 employed in the state.

Median Hourly

$28.33

Median Annual

$58,920

Entry Level

$17.99/hr

Top Earners

$50.33/hr

PercentileHourlyAnnual (est.)
10th (entry level)$17.99$37,419
25th$22.59$46,987
50th (median)$28.33$58,920
75th$35.14$73,091
90th (top earners)$50.33$104,686

Note for home-based operators: BLS wage data reflects employed (W-2) workers. Self-employed cosmetologists working from home often charge 20-40% more since they set their own rates and don't pay salon/shop rent. At the median rate, working 30 hours/week would gross roughly $57,453/year as an independent operator.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024

Washington Business Setup Costs & Details

Here's what you need to know about setting up any home business in Washington — beyond the cosmetologist license itself.

LLC Formation Cost
$200
File with Washington SOS
Sales Tax on Services
Yes6.5% state rate applies
Sales Tax on Products
6.5% state rate+ county/city tax if you sell retail products
Minimum Wage
$16.66/hr
As a business owner, you set your own rates
Home Occupation Permit
Required in most Washington counties
Check with your county zoning office
Licensing Authority
Washington Department of Licensing — CosmetologyP.O. Box 9026, Olympia, WA 98507

Compare Cosmetologist Requirements in Nearby States

See how Washington's requirements compare to neighboring states.

StateLicense?FeesTraining
Washington(you)Yes$3191,600 hrs
CaliforniaYes$1251,600 hrs
IdahoYes$1092,000 hrs
OregonYes$902,300 hrs

Key takeaway: All of Washington's neighbors require a cosmetologist license. If cost is your main concern, Oregon has the lowest fees at $90.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get a cosmetologist license in Washington?
The total cost in state fees is $319, which includes exam registration and license issuance fees. This does not include the cost of cosmetologist school tuition, which varies by program. At $319, Washington is above the $179 national average. The apprenticeship path avoids tuition entirely.
How many hours do you need for a cosmetologist license in Washington?
Washington requires 1,600 hours of training at an approved cosmetologist school, which takes about 11-13 months of full-time study. Alternatively, you can complete a 2,000-hour apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist — this takes roughly 13-17 months but allows you to earn while you learn.
What exams do I need to pass for a Washington cosmetologist license?
You must pass 2 exams: written,practical through the Washington Department of Licensing — Cosmetology. You must apply for exams within a set timeframe after completing your education — check with the Board for current deadlines and fees.
Can I run a cosmetologist business from my home in Washington?
Yes, you can operate a cosmetologist business from home in Washington, but you must: (1) hold a valid cosmetologist license, (2) obtain a shop/salon license from the Washington Department of Licensing — Cosmetology — your home workspace must meet their sanitation and safety standards, and (3) get a home occupation permit from your local county. The shop/workspace license is a step many first-time home-based cosmetologists overlook.
Do I need to collect sales tax as a cosmetologist in Washington?
Yes — Washington charges 6.5% sales tax on services. You'll need to register with the Washington Department of Revenue to collect and remit sales tax. If you also sell retail products, those are taxed at the same rate.
How much does an LLC cost in Washington?
The state filing fee is $200. You can file online through the Washington Secretary of State or use services like ZenBusiness ($0 + state fee). An LLC protects your personal assets from business liabilities — critical when working with clients in your home.
How do I renew my Washington cosmetologist license?
Washington cosmetologist licenses must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal fee is $65. No continuing education hours are required for renewal. Late renewals may incur additional fees.

More Cosmetologist Resources for Washington

💰

Cosmetologist Salary in Washington

BLS wage data, percentiles, and state rankings

🧮

License Cost Breakdown

Complete cost analysis: fees, training, exams, LLC

🏆

Best States for Cosmetologists

All 50 states ranked by wages, fees, and costs

🚀

No-License Jobs in Washington

Occupations you can start without a license

📊

Pricing Calculator

Figure out how much to charge clients

📋

Startup Cost Calculator

Personalized budget for your home business

Sources & Disclaimer

Data Sources

Disclaimer: This guide was last verified 2022-03-01. Licensing laws and fees change — always confirm current requirements directly with the Washington Department of Licensing — Cosmetology before making business decisions. This site provides general information for educational purposes and is not legal advice.