Cosmetology schools in California
Looking for cosmetology schools in California? There are 119, including 27 public colleges and 92 private career schools. Cosmetologists in California earn a median $38,660 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 119
- Public colleges
- 27
- Median pay in CA
- $38,660
- Cities with schools
- 70
24 cosmetology schools
School results
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Asian-American International Beauty College
Westminster, CA · Private
- Cosmetology
- Esthetician
- Nail technician
Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education
Baldwin Park, CA · Public
- Cosmetology
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- +5
Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy
Santa Fe Springs, CA · Private
- Cosmetology
- Esthetician
- Nail technician
California College of Barbering and Cosmetology
Stockton, CA · Private
- Cosmetology
- Barbering
- Esthetician
- +1
Citrus College
Glendora, CA · Public
- Cosmetology
- Automotive technician
- Diesel & heavy equipment mechanic
- +5
Cosmetology schools by city
- Los Angeles (29 within 30 mi)
- San Diego (9 within 30 mi)
- San Jose (4 within 30 mi)
- Fresno (6 within 30 mi)
- Sacramento (9 within 30 mi)
- Long Beach (34 within 30 mi)
- Oakland (11 within 30 mi)
- Anaheim (33 within 30 mi)
- Stockton (4 within 30 mi)
- Riverside (11 within 30 mi)
- Irvine (23 within 30 mi)
- Santa Clarita (12 within 30 mi)
- Fremont (8 within 30 mi)
- San Bernardino (9 within 30 mi)
- Modesto (4 within 30 mi)
- Glendale (29 within 30 mi)
- Rancho Cucamonga (18 within 30 mi)
- Oceanside (4 within 30 mi)
- Roseville (8 within 30 mi)
- Corona (27 within 30 mi)
- Salinas (3 within 30 mi)
- Pomona (34 within 30 mi)
- Visalia (5 within 30 mi)
- Fullerton (37 within 30 mi)
- Torrance (32 within 30 mi)
- Pasadena (34 within 30 mi)
- Simi Valley (9 within 30 mi)
- Concord (10 within 30 mi)
- Vallejo (11 within 30 mi)
- Fairfield (4 within 30 mi)
- Menifee (9 within 30 mi)
- Temecula (4 within 30 mi)
- Ventura (3 within 30 mi)
- Downey (36 within 30 mi)
- West Covina (36 within 30 mi)
- San Mateo (12 within 30 mi)
- Hesperia (6 within 30 mi)
- Tracy (4 within 30 mi)
- Norwalk (36 within 30 mi)
- Indio (4 within 30 mi)
- Whittier (38 within 30 mi)
- Livermore (6 within 30 mi)
- Upland (25 within 30 mi)
- Chino Hills (33 within 30 mi)
- Apple Valley (3 within 30 mi)
- Turlock (5 within 30 mi)
- Camarillo (4 within 30 mi)
- Madera (4 within 30 mi)
- Lodi (3 within 30 mi)
- Brentwood (4 within 30 mi)
- Woodland (9 within 30 mi)
- San Clemente (10 within 30 mi)
- Santa Cruz (6 within 30 mi)
- Encinitas (8 within 30 mi)
- Hanford (5 within 30 mi)
- Gilroy (6 within 30 mi)
- San Rafael (10 within 30 mi)
- Beaumont (6 within 30 mi)
- Petaluma (3 within 30 mi)
- Huntington Park (38 within 30 mi)
- Brea (40 within 30 mi)
- Oakley (5 within 30 mi)
- Palm Springs (5 within 30 mi)
- Stanton (37 within 30 mi)
- Atwater (3 within 30 mi)
- Saratoga (4 within 30 mi)
- Reedley (9 within 30 mi)
- Imperial Beach (7 within 30 mi)
- Truckee (6 within 30 mi)
- Sherman Oaks (23 within 30 mi)
What cosmetologists earn in California
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
Cosmetologist salary in CaliforniaHow to become a cosmetologist
- Median pay
- $38,660
- $18.59 an hour
- Typical range
- $35,360–$68,640
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in CA
- 27,080
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +7.7%
- 73,400 openings a year (U.S.)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.
Hear from the best fits near California
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Frequently asked questions
How many cosmetology schools are in California?
We list 119 schools in California with cosmetology programs: 27 public colleges and 92 private career schools. Campuses are in Sacramento, Los Angeles, Garden Grove, San Diego, and Modesto.
Are there community college cosmetology programs in California?
Yes. 27 public colleges in California offer cosmetology. Public programs often cost less and are usually eligible for federal financial aid. Confirm costs and aid with each school.
How much does cosmetology school cost in California?
Among the 112 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $536 to $36,880. That figure covers the whole school, not just this program, so ask each school for the program's total cost.
How much do cosmetologists make in California?
The median pay for cosmetologists in California is $38,660 a year, and most earn between $35,360 and $68,640, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a cosmetology school in California?
Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.
Other programs in California
- Medical assistant schools (152)
- Criminal justice programs (109)
- Auto mechanic schools (83)
- Dental assistant schools (83)
- LPN programs (83)
- IT schools (83)
- Esthetician schools (76)
- HVAC schools (71)
- Welding schools (69)
- Barber schools (68)
- Pharmacy technician schools (66)
- Medical billing and coding schools (63)
- Industrial maintenance schools (60)
- Electrician schools (58)
- Fire science programs (57)
- Construction schools (56)