Cosmetologist in Indiana

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

Median annual salary
$31,480
trending_down -10.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Indiana.

engineering
6,240

Jobs (IN)

monitoring Strong
+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments
$99

Licensing fees

schedule
10-12 months (full-time) or up to 2 years (part-time)

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Indiana

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Indiana, individuals must complete 1,500 hours of training at a state-approved beauty culture school and pass both the written and practical PSI Cosmetology Exams. The application fee is $40. Indiana offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees with substantially similar requirements, and a minimum age of 18 is required. There are no continuing education requirements for license renewal in Indiana.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $23,070
25th percentile $28,350
50th (median) $31,480
75th percentile $43,590
90th (experienced) $55,900

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

checklist Indiana requirements

Licensing bodyIndiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
State license Required
Education1500-hour training program and 10th grade education
ExamPSI Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($59)
Application fee$40
RenewalEvery 4.0 years
NotesMinimum age of 18 years old. A background check may be required. Indiana does not allow apprenticeship programs as an alternative to traditional schooling. If a license has expired for more than three years, retaking the practical examination may be required for reinstatement.

Source: Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

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_circleIndiana 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

What are the steps to becoming a cosmetologist in Indiana? expand_more
The path to cosmetologist licensure in Indiana: complete the required education (1500-hour training program and 10th grade education), pass the PSI Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($40 fee).
Does Indiana require cosmetologist licensure? expand_more
A state license is required in Indiana. Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners handles cosmetologist licensing — the PSI Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams is part of the process.
What do cosmetologists earn in Indiana? expand_more
cosmetologists in Indiana earn a median of $31,480 annually. That's 11% below the national median of $35,250. New cosmetologists start around $23,070; seasoned professionals can reach $55,900.
What's the total cost to get cosmetologist certified in Indiana? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($59) and application fee ($40) and required training.
What's the timeline to become a cosmetologist in Indiana? expand_more
In Indiana, becoming a cosmetologist generally takes 10-12 months (full-time) or up to 2 years (part-time), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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