How to Become A Cosmetologist in Iowa
Iowa employs approximately 2,930 cosmetologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $35,700 1. 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 Iowa, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Cosmetologist in Iowa
How do I become a cosmetologist in Iowa? Iowa requires credentials such as Cosmetologist License. The licensing authority is the Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences 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 Iowa? Yes. Iowa has licensing or registration requirements for cosmetologists. The Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do cosmetologists earn in Iowa? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Iowa is $35,700 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $26,650 and experienced professionals can earn $56,250 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: Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences
- Median wage (Iowa): $35,700 per year 1
- Exam requirement: State exam required
Cosmetologist License Requirements in Iowa
The Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences oversees cosmetologist licensing in Iowa 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Cosmetologist License | A cosmetologist shampoos, cuts, colors, singes, bleaches, curls, styles, chemically curls and straightens hair for men, women and children. |
Additional Requirements
- Exam: State exam required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Cosmetologist Wages by Metro Area in Iowa
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Wages by Metro Area in Iowa
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists wages in Iowa vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | 1,220 | $36,390 | $46,900 | $28,080 | $75,130 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | 870 | $35,640 | $39,680 | $28,350 | $56,250 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 420 | $33,580 | $40,210 | $26,780 | $59,460 |
| Cedar Rapids | 260 | $35,770 | $42,440 | $28,270 | $61,920 |
| Iowa City | 240 | $35,950 | $42,960 | $27,720 | $55,910 |
| Ames | 170 | $36,170 | $41,640 | $23,670 | $58,410 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls | 160 | $35,360 | $39,140 | $27,280 | $53,780 |
| Dubuque | 110 | $35,360 | $40,450 | $23,560 | $55,940 |
| Sioux City | 100 | $30,330 | $33,870 | $23,330 | $48,450 |
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 Iowa
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cosmetologist employment within Iowa according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | 870 | $35,640 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 420 | $33,580 |
| Cedar Rapids | 260 | $35,770 |
| Iowa City | 240 | $35,950 |
| Ames | 170 | $36,170 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cosmetologists in Iowa? Iowa currently employs approximately 2,930 cosmetologists 1. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a cosmetologist in Iowa with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Iowa? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Iowa.
How much do cosmetologists earn in Iowa compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Iowa is $35,700, which is $450 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing - Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences - Licensing Information: https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/barbering-cosmetology ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
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) |