How to Become A Cosmetologist in Delaware
Delaware employs approximately 1,270 cosmetologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $34,350 1. The state’s concentration of cosmetologist jobs is 1.33x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 75,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a cosmetologist in Delaware, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Cosmetologist in Delaware
How do I become a cosmetologist in Delaware? Delaware requires credentials such as Master Barber - License by Reciprocity, Apprentice Cosmetologist/Barber/Master Barber/Nail Technician/Aesthetician, Master Barber. The licensing authority is the Delaware Department of State - Board of Cosmetology and Barbering 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Delaware? Yes. Delaware has licensing or registration requirements for cosmetologists. The Delaware Department of State - Board of Cosmetology and Barbering oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do cosmetologists earn in Delaware? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Delaware is $34,350 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $31,200 and experienced professionals can earn $75,950 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Delaware Department of State - Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
- Median wage (Delaware): $34,350 per year 1
- Exam requirement: Third-party exam required
Cosmetologist License Requirements in Delaware
The Delaware Department of State - Board of Cosmetology and Barbering oversees cosmetologist licensing in Delaware 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Master Barber - License by Reciprocity | Master Barber - can provide the same services as a Barber, but he or she can also embellish, clean or beautify human hair by arranging, dressing, curling, permanent waving, cutting singeing, braiding,… |
| Apprentice Cosmetologist/Barber/Master Barber/Nail Technician/Aesthetician | Apprenticeship - Please see the following website for complete information. http://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/cosmetology/index.shtml |
| Master Barber | Master Barber - can provide the same services as a Barber, but he or she can also embellish, clean or beautify human hair by arranging, dressing, curling, permanent waving, cutting singeing, braiding,… |
| Cosmetologist - License by Reciprocity | Cosmetologist - Please see the following website for complete information. http://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/cosmetology/index.shtml |
| Barber - License by Reciprocity | Barber - Please see the following website for complete details. http://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/cosmetology/index.shtml |
| Barber | Barber - Please see the following website for complete details. http://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/cosmetology/index.shtml |
| Cosmetologist | Cosmetologist - Please see the following website for complete information. http://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/cosmetology/index.shtml |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
- Exam: Third-party exam required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Cosmetologist Wages by Metro Area in Delaware
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Wages by Metro Area in Delaware
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists wages in Delaware vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | 9,960 | $37,320 | $43,990 | $28,600 | $64,530 |
| Dover | 170 | $31,200 | $39,840 | $31,200 | $58,610 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Cosmetologists in Delaware
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cosmetologist employment within Delaware according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Dover | 170 | $31,200 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cosmetologists in Delaware? Delaware currently employs approximately 1,270 cosmetologists 1. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a cosmetologist in Delaware with an out-of-state license? Contact the Delaware Department of State - Board of Cosmetology and Barbering for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Delaware? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Delaware.
How much do cosmetologists earn in Delaware compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Delaware is $34,350, which is $900 below the national median of $35,250 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Delaware Department of State - Board of Cosmetology and Barbering - Licensing Information: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/cosmetology/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |