How to Become A Cosmetologist in Idaho
Idaho employs approximately 2,250 cosmetologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $35,480 1. The state’s concentration of cosmetologist jobs is 1.34x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 75,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a cosmetologist in Idaho, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Cosmetologist in Idaho
How do I become a cosmetologist in Idaho? Idaho requires credentials such as Cosmetologist - Instructor, Cosmetologists, Barber - Stylists. The licensing authority is the The Idaho State Board of Cosmetologists - Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Idaho? Yes. Idaho has licensing or registration requirements for cosmetologists. The The Idaho State Board of Cosmetologists - Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do cosmetologists earn in Idaho? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Idaho is $35,480 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $22,810 and experienced professionals can earn $48,000 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: The Idaho State Board of Cosmetologists - Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses
- Median wage (Idaho): $35,480 per year 1
- Exam requirement: State exam required
Cosmetologist License Requirements in Idaho
The The Idaho State Board of Cosmetologists - Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses oversees cosmetologist licensing in Idaho 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Cosmetologist - Instructor | cosmetology instructors must be licensed in the State of Idaho. In order to obtain a license, an applicant must: 1) Complete twelve (12) semester college credit hours or equivalent of required instruc… |
| Cosmetologists | Anyone that practices cosmetology, nail technology, haircutting, esthetics, or electrology must be licensed in the State of Idaho. |
| Barber - Stylists | Stylists must be licensed by the State Bureau of Occupational Licenses. |
| Haircutter | Haircutters must be licensed by the Idaho State Board of Cosmetology. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Exam: State exam required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Cosmetologist Wages by Metro Area in Idaho
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Wages by Metro Area in Idaho
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists wages in Idaho vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City | 1,250 | $35,890 | $35,800 | $22,860 | $47,190 |
| Coeur d'Alene | 240 | $36,620 | $37,740 | $25,070 | $48,120 |
| Idaho Falls | 180 | $33,080 | $32,280 | $21,540 | $45,800 |
| Lewiston | 100 | $37,820 | $38,450 | $22,710 | $51,210 |
| Pocatello | 90 | $33,760 | $33,660 | $22,380 | $46,650 |
| Logan | 90 | $30,560 | $35,650 | $20,680 | $59,980 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Cosmetologists in Idaho
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cosmetologist employment within Idaho according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Boise City | 1,250 | $35,890 |
| Coeur d’Alene | 240 | $36,620 |
| Idaho Falls | 180 | $33,080 |
| Lewiston | 100 | $37,820 |
| Pocatello | 90 | $33,760 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cosmetologists in Idaho? Idaho currently employs approximately 2,250 cosmetologists 1. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a cosmetologist in Idaho with an out-of-state license? Contact the The Idaho State Board of Cosmetologists - Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Idaho? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Idaho.
How much do cosmetologists earn in Idaho compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Idaho is $35,480, which is $230 above the national median of $35,250 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
The Idaho State Board of Cosmetologists - Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses - Licensing Information: http://ibol.idaho.gov/IBOL/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |