Cosmetologist in Iowa
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Iowa.
Jobs (IA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cosmetologist in Iowa
To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Iowa, applicants must complete a 2100-hour training program at a board-approved school and hold a high school diploma or GED. They must then pass both the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams with a score of 75% or higher. The licensing body is the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, and the application fee is $60. Licenses must be renewed every two years, requiring 6 hours of continuing education per cycle. Applicants must be at least 17 years old at the time of examination, and a background check may be conducted. Iowa offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in other states with similar requirements and active licensure for at least 12 of the past 24 months, along with Iowa-specific continuing education.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Iowa. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Iowa requirements
| Licensing body | Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 2100-hour training program and High school diploma or GED |
| Exam | NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($120) |
| Application fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 6.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Iowa accepts licenses by endorsement, requiring an active license, NIC exam, and Iowa-specific CE.Reciprocal states: Iowa does not offer automatic reciprocity but accepts licenses by endorsement if specific requirements are met, including holding an active out-of-state license for at least 12 months within the past 2 years, passing the NIC national exam, and completing 1 hour of Iowa-specific continuing education on sanitation and administrative rules. The out-of-state license must be from a state with similar or equivalent requirements (2,100 hours). |
| Notes | Minimum age: 17 years old at the time of examination. A background check may be reviewed. Cosmetologists licensed after July 1, 2005, are not eligible for certification in chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser, or IPL services. Must pass NIC written and practical exams with a score of 75% or higher. |
Source: Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Iowa? See whether Iowa recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Cosmetologist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleIowa license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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