Cosmetologist in Iowa: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Iowa employs 2,930 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $35,700 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Iowa licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Iowa (May 2025)
- Iowa median pay
- $35,700 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $26,650
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $48,580
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $56,250
- Employed in Iowa
- 2,930
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Iowa markets:
- Omaha
- $36,390 (1,220 employed)
- Iowa City
- $35,950 (240 employed)
- Cedar Rapids
- $35,770 (260 employed)
- Des Moines
- $35,640 (870 employed)
- Waterloo
- $35,360 (160 employed)
- Davenport
- $33,580 (420 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Iowa
Prices in Iowa run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $35,700 median stretches to roughly $40,661 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Iowa (2024–2034)
Iowa is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +6.8%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 710 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Iowa License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Iowa Board of Barbering & Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (DIAL).
- Complete 2,100 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the NIC written and practical exams (75% to pass).
- Apply to the Iowa Board of Barbering & Cosmetology Arts & Sciences.
Official requirements: Iowa Board of Barbering & Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (DIAL) →
Training in Iowa
Iowa's 2,100-hour requirement is among the highest in the country — budget time and money accordingly. Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails).
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Iowa include:
- American Hair Academy — Certificate
- Aveda Institute-Des Moines — Certificate
- Capri College-Cedar Rapids — Certificate
- Capri College-Davenport — 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 Iowa?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Iowa is $35,700 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $26,650, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $56,250. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Iowa?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Iowa Board of Barbering & Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (DIAL). Complete 2,100 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Iowa?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Iowa metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Iowa metro areas, Omaha leads at $36,390, followed by Iowa City ($35,950), Cedar Rapids ($35,770). 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 Iowa?
Real Iowa options include American Hair Academy, Aveda Institute-Des Moines, Capri College-Cedar Rapids. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Iowa?
Iowa projects cosmetologists employment to change +6.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 710 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), Iowa statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Iowa Board of Barbering & Cosmetology Arts & Sciences (DIAL) (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 Iowa wages · Iowa 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.