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Cosmetologist in Indiana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Licensed local services

Indiana employs 5,920 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $32,830 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Indiana licensing picture, and where to train.

What Cosmetologists Earn in Indiana (May 2025)

Indiana median pay: $32,830 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $23,890
Experienced (75th percentile): $44,910
Top earners (90th percentile): $58,620
Employed in Indiana: 5,920
U.S. median (for comparison): $36,110 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Indiana markets:

Indianapolis: $34,380 (2,240 employed)
South Bend: $30,770 (310 employed)
Fort Wayne: $29,950 (470 employed)
Evansville: $29,700 (270 employed)
Terre Haute: $28,280 (90 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Indiana

Prices in Indiana run about 7% below the national average (cost-of-living index 93.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $32,830 median stretches to roughly $35,188 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Indiana (2024–2034)

Indiana is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +5.9%, about in line with the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,390 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Indiana License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Cosmetologist — regulated by the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA).

Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at an Indiana Board-approved cosmetology school, covering hair cutting and coloring, chemical services, skin care, nail care, and Indiana cosmetology law.
Pass the Indiana Board written and practical state board examinations for cosmetology.
Apply to the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (IPLA) for your cosmetologist license. Renew every two years.

Official requirements: Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) →

Training in Indiana

Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and South Bend have active salon markets. Indiana's 1,500-hour requirement is typical nationally. Great Clips, Smart Style (Walmart-based), and independent salons are the primary employers. Indianapolis's growing affluent suburbs (Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville) support premium salon markets with above-average tipping culture.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Indiana include:

Aveda Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis — Certificate
Christina and Company Education Center — Certificate
Denmark College — Certificate
Don Roberts School of Hair Design — Certificate / Associate

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 Indiana?

The median wage for cosmetologists in Indiana is $32,830 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $23,890, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $58,620. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Indiana?

Licensed Cosmetologist, overseen by the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). Complete 1,500 hours of cosmetology training at an Indiana Board-approved cosmetology school, covering hair cutting and coloring, chemical services, skin care, nail care, and Indiana cosmetology law.

Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Indiana?

Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.

Which Indiana metros pay cosmetologists the most?

Among Indiana metro areas, Indianapolis leads at $34,380, followed by South Bend ($30,770), Fort Wayne ($29,950). 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 Indiana?

Real Indiana options include Aveda Fredric's Institute-Indianapolis, Christina and Company Education Center, Denmark College. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Indiana?

Indiana projects cosmetologists employment to change +5.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,390 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), Indiana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) (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 Indiana wages · Indiana 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.