How to Become A Cosmetologist in Utah
Utah employs approximately 2,810 cosmetologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $35,140 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 Utah, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Cosmetologist in Utah
How do I become a cosmetologist in Utah? Utah requires credentials such as BARBER, COSMETOLOGIST HAIR STYLIST. The licensing authority is the Utah Department of Commerece - Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing 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 Utah? Yes. Utah has licensing or registration requirements for cosmetologists. The Utah Department of Commerece - Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do cosmetologists earn in Utah? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Utah is $35,140 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $21,810 and experienced professionals can earn $75,860 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: Utah Department of Commerece - Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing
- Median wage (Utah): $35,140 per year 1
Cosmetologist License Requirements in Utah
The Utah Department of Commerece - Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing oversees cosmetologist licensing in Utah 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| BARBER | Provide services related to head and facial hair; shampoo, cut and style hair, trim beards or give shaves. |
| COSMETOLOGIST HAIR STYLIST | Cosmetologists - barbers cut, style, and advise patrons on how to care for their hair. They may straighten, permanent wave, or color hair. Give manicures, scalp and facial treatments. |
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Cosmetologist Wages by Metro Area in Utah
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Wages by Metro Area in Utah
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists wages in Utah vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City-Murray | 1,270 | $40,720 | $47,570 | $22,230 | $80,410 |
| Provo-Orem-Lehi | 750 | $31,720 | $38,330 | $21,810 | $58,890 |
| Ogden | 360 | $30,080 | $36,040 | $21,190 | $52,220 |
| St. George | 170 | $30,200 | $37,710 | $20,920 | $61,670 |
| 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 Utah
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cosmetologist employment within Utah according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City-Murray | 1,270 | $40,720 |
| Provo-Orem-Lehi | 750 | $31,720 |
| Ogden | 360 | $30,080 |
| St. George | 170 | $30,200 |
| Logan | 90 | $30,560 |
Explore More Trades in Utah
- Electrician in Utah
- Plumber in Utah
- HVAC Technician in Utah
- Welder in Utah
- Carpenter in Utah
- Solar Installation Technician in Utah
- Auto Mechanic in Utah
- CNC Machinist in Utah
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Utah
- Medical Assistant in Utah
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cosmetologists in Utah? Utah currently employs approximately 2,810 cosmetologists 1. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a cosmetologist in Utah with an out-of-state license? Contact the Utah Department of Commerece - Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Utah? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Utah.
How much do cosmetologists earn in Utah compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in Utah is $35,140, which is $110 below 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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Utah Department of Commerece - Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing - Licensing Information: https://dopl.utah.gov/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
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) |