Cosmetologist in Iowa
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IA
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Iowa
To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Iowa, applicants must complete a 2100-hour training program at a board-approved school and hold a high school diploma or GED. They must then pass both the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams with a score of 75% or higher. The licensing body is the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, and the application fee is $60. Licenses must be renewed every two years, requiring 6 hours of continuing education per cycle. Applicants must be at least 17 years old at the time of examination, and a background check may be conducted. Iowa offers licensure by endorsement for those licensed in other states with similar requirements and active licensure for at least 12 of the past 24 months, along with Iowa-specific continuing education.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Iowa
| Detail | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 2100-hour training program and High school diploma or GED |
| Exam | NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($120) |
| Application Fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 6.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age: 17 years old at the time of examination. A background check may be reviewed. Cosmetologists licensed after July 1, 2005, are not eligible for certification in chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser, or IPL services. Must pass NIC written and practical exams with a score of 75% or higher. |
Cosmetologist Salary in Iowa
The median cosmetologist salary in Iowa is $37,850 per year, which is 7.4% above the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $23,340 |
| 25th | $28,080 |
| 50th (median) | $37,850 |
| 75th | $49,590 |
| 90th (experienced) | $67,520 |
Iowa employs approximately 2,870 cosmetologists.
Cosmetologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Cosmetologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.68/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Cosmetologist in Iowa Worth It?
Factors to consider: Iowa's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.