Cosmetologist in Idaho

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ID. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$33,820

trending_down -4.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Idaho.

engineering

1,860

Jobs (ID)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$233

Licensing fees

schedule

10-13 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Idaho

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Idaho, applicants must be at least 16.5 years old and have completed the 10th grade. They need to complete 1600 hours of training from an Idaho Board-approved cosmetology program or 4000 hours through an apprenticeship. Candidates must pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, as well as an Idaho Jurisprudence exam. Idaho offers licensure by endorsement for out-of-state cosmetologists who meet equivalent standards.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $18,270

25th percentile $25,680

50th (median) $33,820

75th percentile $35,960

90th (experienced) $36,900

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Idaho. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Idaho requirements

Licensing body	Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board
State license	Required
Education	1600 hours of training from an Idaho Board-approved cosmetology program and 10th grade education
Experience	4,000.0 hours
Exam	NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and Idaho Jurisprudence exam ($208)
Application fee	$25
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Notes	Minimum age 16.5 years old. Apprenticeship of 4000 hours is an alternative to the 1600 school hours.

Source: Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

75,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

575,200

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.68/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleIdaho license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cosmetologist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a cosmetologist in Idaho? expand_more

Idaho requires cosmetologists to complete the required education (1600 hours of training from an Idaho Board-approved cosmetology program and 10th grade education), gain 4,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and Idaho Jurisprudence exam, and submit your application ($25 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a cosmetologist in Idaho? expand_more

Idaho mandates state licensure for cosmetologists. Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board oversees the process, which includes passing the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and Idaho Jurisprudence exam.

What is the average cosmetologist salary in Idaho? expand_more

The median cosmetologist salary in Idaho is $33,820 per year. This is close to the national median of $35,250. New cosmetologists start around $18,270; seasoned professionals can reach $36,900.

How expensive is cosmetologist licensing in Idaho? expand_more

Between exam fee ($208) and application fee ($25), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How long does it take to become a cosmetologist in Idaho? expand_more

Expect to spend 10-13 months from start to finish in Idaho — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.