Cosmetologist in Utah: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Utah employs 2,810 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $35,140 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Utah licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Utah (May 2025)
- Utah median pay
- $35,140 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $21,810
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $51,130
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $75,860
- Employed in Utah
- 2,810
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Utah markets:
- Salt Lake City
- $40,720 (1,270 employed)
- Provo
- $31,720 (750 employed)
- Logan
- $30,560 (90 employed)
- St. George
- $30,200 (170 employed)
- Ogden
- $30,080 (360 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Utah
Prices in Utah run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $35,140 median stretches to roughly $35,531 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Utah (2024–2034)
Utah is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +16.4%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,020 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Utah License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist/Barber license — regulated by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).
- Complete about 1,600 hours at a licensed cosmetology/barber school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to DOPL.
Official requirements: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) →
Training in Utah
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Confirm current required hours, which Utah has periodically reviewed. Understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Utah include:
- Acaydia School of Aesthetics — Certificate
- Avalon Institute-Layton — Certificate
- Aveda Institute-Provo — Certificate
- Bonnie Joseph Academy of Cosmetology & Barbering — 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 Utah?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Utah is $35,140 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $21,810, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $75,860. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Utah?
Cosmetologist/Barber license, overseen by the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Complete about 1,600 hours at a licensed cosmetology/barber school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Utah?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Utah metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Utah metro areas, Salt Lake City leads at $40,720, followed by Provo ($31,720), Logan ($30,560). 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 Utah?
Real Utah options include Acaydia School of Aesthetics, Avalon Institute-Layton, Aveda Institute-Provo. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Utah?
Utah projects cosmetologists employment to change +16.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,020 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), Utah statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (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 Utah wages · Utah 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.