Cosmetologist in Iowa

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

Median annual salary

$37,850

trending_up +7.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Iowa.

engineering

2,870

Jobs (IA)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$180

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

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

10th percentile (entry) $23,340

25th percentile $28,080

50th (median) $37,850

75th percentile $49,590

90th (experienced) $67,520

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
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

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

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a cosmetologist in Iowa? expand_more

To become a cosmetologist in Iowa, you need to complete the required education (2100-hour training program and High school diploma or GED), pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($60 fee).

Does Iowa require cosmetologist licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in Iowa. Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences handles cosmetologist licensing — the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams is part of the process.

How much does a cosmetologist make in Iowa? expand_more

Iowa cosmetologists bring home a median salary of $37,850. This exceeds the $35,250 national median by 7%. New cosmetologists start around $23,340; seasoned professionals can reach $67,520.

What are the fees to become a cosmetologist in Iowa? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($120) and application fee ($60) and required training.

What's the timeline to become a cosmetologist in Iowa? expand_more

Most candidates in Iowa complete the process in 9-12 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

What's required to renew a cosmetologist license in Iowa? expand_more

Iowa requires 6.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your cosmetologist license.