Cosmetology Schools in Arizona
Are you considering becoming a cosmetologist in Arizona? Now may be the perfect time! Cosmetologists in the state earn a higher-than-average salary, and the number of jobs is growing at more than double the national rate.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Arizona, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Arizona
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410 East Bell Road Suite G100
Phoenix, AZ 85022
9945 West McDowell Road Suite 112
Avondale, AZ 85323
2978 North Alma School Road 1-3
Chandler, AZ 85224
2727 West Glendale Avenue 200
Phoenix, AZ 85051
3030 East Speedway Boulevard
Tucson, AZ 85716
2081 North Arizona Avenue Suite 121
Chandler, AZ 85225
5127 West Indian School Road Suite 125
Phoenix, AZ 85031
Canyon De Chelly School of Cosmetology – Accredited
Chinle, AZ 86503
Charles of Italy Beauty College - Bullhead City – Accredited
Bullhead City, AZ 86442
Charles of Italy Beauty College - Lake Havasu City – Accredited
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Eastern Arizona College Cosmetology Academy – Accredited
Safford, AZ 85546
Gila Academy of Cosmetology - Canyon Globe – Accredited
Canyon Globe, AZ 85501
Nation of Barbers and Beauty Academy - Phoenix – Accredited
Phoenix, AZ 85006
The Studio Academy of Beauty - Chandler – Accredited
Chandler, AZ 85224
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Cosmetology Schools Near Me
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Arizona have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Arizona
To become a cosmetologist in Arizona, you need to earn a cosmetology license in the state. This requires you to meet specific demographic, educational, and other requirements.
- Cosmetology School Hours: 1500
- Renewal Years: 2
- Continuing Education Hours: 0
- Average Salary: $36,810
- Predicted Job Growth (2022-2032): 13%
To become a cosmetologist in Arizona, you must:
State License Requirements
Required to earn a cosmetology license
You need to complete at least 1500 hours of an approved cosmetology program to become a cosmetologist in Arizona. Every cosmetology school is required to provide a combination of theory and hands-on training, and you can expect to put not just your nail, hair, and skin care skills to the test but also practice skills related to health, sanitation, and other sciences and ideas.
Subjects you'll study and practice include:
Theory Coursework
Theory and Practical Coursework
Every school is required to allow students to provide cosmetology services to paying members of the public, and you can expect to have access to a workstation during your in-salon hours. Beyond the workstation, the school needs to supply a variety of tools and implements like shampoo basins and chemical hair straighteners, though sharing may be required.
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Arizona?
You can earn your Arizona license through a cosmetology apprenticeship. While some states have minimum required hours for their apprentices, Arizona only requires you to complete your training at an approved location. While the work is predominantly hands-on, you still must learn everything a cosmetology school student needs to study.
Apprentices are considered full-time employees of their apprenticeship workplace and must be paid. However, you may only be paid about 40% to 50% of a licensed cosmetologist's wage when you start. Pay might go up as you continue your training.
Arizona Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
To qualify for your AZ cosmetology license, you need to complete an approved program or apprenticeship, meet age and high school education requirements, and pass exams.
Age and academic requirements can be a bit complicated. At the most basic level, AZ requires cosmetology licensure applicants to have completed at least two years of high school or the equivalent, plus be at least 16 years old. In practice, this means:
Arizona uses the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) exams as part of the cosmetology licensure process. Before taking the tests, you need to register via Professional Credential Services. The theory exam is $100, and the written practical is $77. You can pay for both at the same time.
After your exam registration has been reviewed and accepted, you'll receive an Eligibility Confirmation email. This allows you to schedule your tests via Prometric. If you need to reschedule your test, you have to do so at least five days in advance. Any closer to the test date will result in you losing your exam fee.
If you need accommodations for a disability, you can submit an ADA Request form and medical documentation for approval.
On the day of your exam, you need to bring your admission letter and a government photo ID with a signature. Otherwise, you should come empty-handed—no food, drinks, electronics, notebooks, or bags allowed. You should show up at least 30 minutes before the test starts, and no latecomers will be allowed to enter.
The written practical exam is a multiple-choice test where you explain how services are done. It replaces the practical demonstration required by many states. You have 120 minutes to complete the test, which covers scientific concepts, hair care and services, skin care and services, and nail care and services.
The theory exam is also a multiple-choice test, but it focuses more on the ideas behind the cosmetology topics covered in the written practical exam. It consists of 110 questions, 100 of which are scored.
It will take at least five days for you to receive your official exam scores via email. You need at least a 75 on each test. PCS will send you a report explaining your strengths and weaknesses so you can target your studying for your next attempt. If you pass, the company alerts the State board that you're ready for the next steps.
Arizona Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
You may be eligible for cosmetology licensure by reciprocity in AZ if you have a cosmetology license that's in good standing in another state or country. Arizona only allows "license-for-license" reciprocity, meaning you need a full license in your current state, not a registration or certification. If you're moving to Arizona from another country, your cosmetology licensure training must be substantially similar to the state's requirements.
Cosmetology Specialties in Arizona
Arizona has a ton of great beauty careers available. Perhaps you want to look in a totally different direction, or maybe you want to just add some new services to your resume. Depending on what your goals are, you may be able to work in your chosen cosmetology specialty without any formal training or with a whole other Arizona beauty license. Some popular cosmetology specialties in AZ are:
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
You need to renew your cosmetology license in AZ every two years, by your birthday. Renewal costs $60, and you can complete the process online.
Currently, Arizona does not require continuing education hours to renew your license. However, taking additional classes and learning new skills is one of the best ways to learn new techniques and expand your service offerings.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Arizona
Average salary for cosmetologists in Arizona
Arizona is already a pretty great place to start your cosmetology career, but the state's higher-than-average pay and astronomical potential job growth put it over the top!
Cosmetologists in Arizona earn an average of $36,810 per year ($17.70 per hour). Meanwhile, the national average pay is $35,790 – a difference of over $1000 per year! In AZ, the lowest-paid cosmetologists make around $31,050 or less, and the highest-paid earn about $57,790 or more. Your actual cosmetology pay is affected by a lot of factors, including how long you've worked as a cosmetologist, the types of services you offer, your exact workplace, and the area you work in.
Wondering how much cosmetologists near you earn? Check out this table showing the salaries for beauticians in different parts of Arizona:
| Location in AZ | 2025 Salary Range |
| Tucson, AZ Metro Area | $30,580–$61,620 (Median: $38,590) |
| Flagstaff, AZ Metro Area | $33,310–$44,740 (Median: $37,390) |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ Metro Area | $31,340–$56,890 (Median: $36,810) |
| Yuma, AZ Metro Area | $30,580–$44,450 (Median: $34,970) |
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ Metro Area | $31,280–$48,730 (Median: $34,710) |
| Arizona Balance of State | $30,990–$58,170 (Median: $34,280) |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ Metro Area | $30,580–$44,660 (Median: $33,810) |
Source: CareerOneStop (2026)
The number of cosmetology jobs in Arizona is expected to grow by 13% between 2022 and 2032. That's more than double the national projection! Because of this, now may be the perfect time to start cosmetology school and earn your license in AZ.
Contact the Arizona State Board of Cosmetology
- 1740 West Adams Suite #4400, Phoenix, AZ 85007
- Website: Barbering and Cosmetology Board
- Contact Form: Contact the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board
- Call: 480-784-4539