Cosmetologist in Idaho: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Idaho employs 2,250 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $35,480 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Idaho licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Idaho (May 2025)
- Idaho median pay
- $35,480 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $22,810
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $37,710
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $48,000
- Employed in Idaho
- 2,250
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Idaho markets:
- Coeur d'Alene
- $36,620 (240 employed)
- Boise City
- $35,890 (1,250 employed)
- Pocatello
- $33,760 (90 employed)
- Idaho Falls
- $33,080 (180 employed)
- Logan
- $30,560 (90 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Idaho
Prices in Idaho run about 4% below the national average (cost-of-living index 95.5 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $35,480 median stretches to roughly $37,152 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Idaho (2024–2034)
Idaho is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +12.9%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 610 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Idaho License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Idaho Barber & Cosmetology Services Licensing Board (DOPL).
- Complete the required hours at a licensed cosmetology school (about 1,600 hours; confirm current requirement).
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Idaho Barber & Cosmetology Services Licensing Board.
Official requirements: Idaho Barber & Cosmetology Services Licensing Board (DOPL) →
Training in Idaho
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Idaho include:
- Austin Kade Academy — Certificate
- Aveda Institute-Boise — Certificate
- Aveda Institute-Twin Falls — Certificate
- Boise Barber College — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who are creative, social, and want a licensed practice with real self-employment potential once they build a clientele.
Think twice if: Standing all day, chemical exposure, irregular booth-rental income, and state-mandated training hours of 1,000–1,600 sound like barriers.
Why it's resilient: Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
First Steps
Check your state's required hours, compare licensed school costs, and ask about job placement rates before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cosmetologists make in Idaho?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Idaho is $35,480 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $22,810, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $48,000. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Idaho?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Idaho Barber & Cosmetology Services Licensing Board (DOPL). Complete the required hours at a licensed cosmetology school (about 1,600 hours; confirm current requirement).
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Idaho?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Idaho metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Idaho metro areas, Coeur d'Alene leads at $36,620, followed by Boise City ($35,890), Pocatello ($33,760). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Cosmetologist in Idaho?
Real Idaho options include Austin Kade Academy, Aveda Institute-Boise, Aveda Institute-Twin Falls. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Idaho?
Idaho projects cosmetologists employment to change +12.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 610 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Idaho statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Idaho Barber & Cosmetology Services Licensing Board (DOPL) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Idaho wages · Idaho licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.