Esthetician in Idaho: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Idaho employs 720 estheticians, with a statewide median of $34,130 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Idaho licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in Idaho (May 2025)
- Idaho median pay
- $34,130 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $21,630
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $43,880
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $55,560
- Employed in Idaho
- 720
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major Idaho markets:
- Coeur d'Alene
- $34,700 (140 employed)
- Boise City
- $34,200 (320 employed)
- Idaho Falls
- $32,810 (50 employed)
- Twin Falls
- $32,240 (50 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 $34,130 median stretches to roughly $35,738 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Idaho (2024–2034)
Idaho is projected to grow estheticians employment +15.7%, faster than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 160 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Idaho License and Certification Requirements
Esthetician license — regulated by the Idaho Barber & Cosmetology Services Licensing Board (DOPL).
- Complete the required esthetics hours at a licensed school (about 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
Medical-spa and dermatology-office roles tend to pay more than traditional spas.
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 enjoy beauty, wellness, and client relationships and want a licensed practice with a realistic path to self-employment.
Think twice if: Standing all day, irregular income as a booth renter, and licensing hours that vary wildly by state sound difficult.
Why it's resilient: Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
First Steps
Check your state's required training hours — they range from 260 to 1,500 hours — and find an accredited esthetics school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do estheticians make in Idaho?
The median wage for estheticians in Idaho is $34,130 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $21,630, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $55,560. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in Idaho?
Esthetician license, overseen by the Idaho Barber & Cosmetology Services Licensing Board (DOPL). Complete the required esthetics hours at a licensed school (about 600 hours; confirm current requirement).
Is being an Esthetician a good career in Idaho?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which Idaho metros pay estheticians the most?
Among Idaho metro areas, Coeur d'Alene leads at $34,700, followed by Boise City ($34,200), Idaho Falls ($32,810). 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 an Esthetician in Idaho?
Real Idaho options include Austin Kade Academy, Aveda Institute-Boise, Aveda Institute-Twin Falls. Most estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Esthetician a growing career in Idaho?
Idaho projects estheticians employment to change +15.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 160 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 39-5094. 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.