Cosmetology schools in Iowa
Looking for cosmetology schools in Iowa? There are 18, including 3 public colleges and 15 private career schools. Cosmetologists in Iowa earn a median $35,700 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 18
- Public colleges
- 3
- Median pay in IA
- $35,700
- Cities with schools
- 3
Cosmetology schools by city
- Des Moines (4 within 30 mi)
- Ames (3 within 30 mi)
- Spirit Lake (3 within 30 mi)
What cosmetologists earn in Iowa
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
- Median pay
- $35,700
- $17.17 an hour
- Typical range
- $26,650–$56,250
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in IA
- 2,930
- 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 Iowa
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Frequently asked questions
How many cosmetology schools are in Iowa?
We list 18 schools in Iowa with cosmetology programs: 3 public colleges and 15 private career schools. Campuses are in Davenport, Fort Dodge, Mount Pleasant, West Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids.
Are there community college cosmetology programs in Iowa?
Yes. 3 public colleges in Iowa 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 Iowa?
Among the 18 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $4,522 to $20,938. 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 Iowa?
The median pay for cosmetologists in Iowa is $35,700 a year, and most earn between $26,650 and $56,250, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a cosmetology school in Iowa?
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 Iowa
- Welding schools (16)
- Auto mechanic schools (15)
- Criminal justice programs (15)
- Industrial maintenance schools (15)
- LPN programs (15)
- Massage therapy schools (14)
- Medical assistant schools (14)
- Esthetician schools (13)
- IT schools (13)
- Carpentry schools (12)
- EMT and paramedic schools (12)
- HVAC schools (11)
- Drafting schools (10)
- Diesel mechanic schools (10)
- Radiology tech schools (10)
- Dental assistant schools (9)
Cosmetology schools in other states
- Texas (136)
- California (119)
- Florida (104)
- Illinois (64)
- North Carolina (63)
- Pennsylvania (55)
- Ohio (48)
- Oklahoma (45)
- Tennessee (43)
- Georgia (42)
- Michigan (41)
- New York (34)
- Louisiana (32)
- Puerto Rico (32)
- Arkansas (30)
- Wisconsin (30)