Cosmetology Schools in Utah
If you love the beauty industry and are seeking a career with a bright future and tremendous growth potential, attending one of the many cosmetology schools in Utah may be a perfect career opportunity.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Utah, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
We researched all the cosmetology schools that Utah has to offer and found the cream of the crop. View our list of the best cosmetology schools in Utah.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Utah
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3695 South Redwood Road
West Valley City, UT 84119
Bonnie Joseph Academy of Cosmetology & Barbering – Accredited
Heber City, UT 84032
Forum Academy of Cosmetology & Aesthetics – Accredited
American Fork, UT 84003
You must attend school in the state you want to practice in. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited school. Learn more about the requirements in your state.
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 Utah have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Utah
- 1,600 education hours or 2,500 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for cosmetologists in Utah is $28,920.
- There is a predicted 36% job increase between 2020-2030 for cosmetologists.
Cosmetologists in Utah are trained and licensed to style, dress, curl, cleanse, color, cut, and treat hair. They may also apply eyelash or eyebrow extensions, tint or arch eyebrows, or remove hair.
You can apply for a cosmetologist license online in Utah. The requirements to become a cosmetologist in Utah include:
Note: In Utah, completing 1,600 hours of training in an approved program enables you to apply for a cosmetologist/barber license. People who just want a barber license can enroll in a 1,000-hour barbering training program.
Applying for a Cosmetology License in Utah With a Criminal Record
If you have a criminal conviction, you must submit information about your record for consideration and a $50 fee, as certain criminal history may keep you from applying for licensure in Utah. You can submit the criminal history determination application form before applying for licensure or before you complete your education.
You must report any:
Make sure to include every charge, even if it has been dismissed. You don't need to report juvenile records, minor traffic offenses like parking or speeding violations, and legally expunged or sealed incidents. The DOPL issues a determination letter based on the information you provide within 30 days to let you know if you qualify for licensure.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Utah
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Utah
Cosmetologist jobs in Utah are projected to grow by 36% through 2028, which is much higher than the national average of 19%.
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in Utah earned an average salary of $28,920 per year or $13.91 per hour in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This pay is less than the $35,990 average annual wage that cosmetologists earned nationwide.
However, salaries can vary widely based on location and industry. For example, cosmetologists in motion picture and video-related industries earn the highest wages, while those who work in health and personal care stores earn the lowest salaries.
Median salaries for cosmetologists in several metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in Utah are:
| Metropolitan or Nonmetropolitan Area | 2021 Median Salary |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $28,550 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | $23,670 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | $23,570 |
| Eastern Utah nonmetropolitan area | $22,970 |
| St. George, UT | $22,950 |
| Central Utah nonmetropolitan area | $22,740 |
Table information sourced from O*Net (2022)
State License Requirements
Required to earn a cosmetology license
To become a licensed cosmetologist, contact the Utah Division of Professional Licensing. They verify that you've completed at least 1,600 hours of cosmetology training at an accredited facility. You must pay the $87 examination fee before taking your written test and your skills test. After passing both tests, you may become licensed.
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Utah, you must complete 1,600 hours of training from an approved school. Any school in Utah that meets these training requirements can be recognized as a cosmetology school if the curriculum includes the following subjects:
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Utah?
Required to earn a cosmetology license
Another option to become a cosmetologist in Utah is participating in an apprenticeship. Instead of completing a formal beauty school education, an apprenticeship allows you to receive on-the-job training while learning your craft.
Utah requires 2,500 hours of apprenticeship training under a direct supervisor licensed by the state. The supervisor must record your training hours daily, including whether the instruction is theoretical or practical and the type of services performed.
Before you apply for licensure through an apprenticeship, you must register with the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Expect to submit a form listing your training hours and pay a fee. Then you must complete the apprenticeship and take the exams within five years.
Utah Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
In Utah, you must pass the written and practical examinations from the National Interstate Council of State Boards (NIC). Register, schedule, and pay for your tests online through the testing center, Prov. The theory exam costs $86, while the practical is $88.
Applicants take the written or theory exam via computer at any of Prov's 19 testing centers in Utah. The practical exam is available at four locations. When you register, select your location and language preference for the test. Utah only issues the practical exam in English, but students can take the theory exam in English, Spanish, Korean, or Vietnamese. You must cancel or reschedule at least three days before your scheduled test date.
On the test day, you must have a government-issued photo ID. Electronics and personal items are prohibited from the testing center. Test administrators may also ask you to remove any bulky clothing or hats.
You can request Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations by calling Prov at 877-228-3926. Prov asks for written documentation from a licensed physician to document your disability and any requested accommodations.
You must pass the exams with a score of at least 70%. Students receive unofficial results at the testing center immediately following the exam, but official results come in the mail within four days.
Utah Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
If you're licensed as a cosmetologist in another state, territory, or U.S. district for at least a year, you can qualify for licensure by endorsement in Utah.
To apply, you must meet the education requirements and pass the NIC theory and practical examinations, and your license must be active and in good standing. Submit your application online with official verification of your license, the fees, and any additional requirements on your application questionnaire.
Even if you don't meet the minimum requirements for endorsement in Utah, you may be able to use your current license to meet some of the licensing requirements.
Cosmetology Specialties in Utah
A cosmetologist license covers a range of services, but you can also pursue other beauty specialties in Utah, such as hair design, esthetics, electrology, nail technology, and barbering.
Cosmetology License Renewal in Utah
License renewal period
Continuing education required
In Utah, you must renew your license every two years. Licenses expire on September 30 of each odd year, and any license that's not renewed before that date automatically expires. Expect to receive a notice in the mail 60 days before your renewal date. You must submit an online renewal application with the $52 renewal fee and documentation showing proof of any completed continuing education.
Continuing education is not required to remain licensed as a cosmetologist in Utah. However, continuing education units (CEUs) are important to remain current in the industry.
If you don't renew your license before the expiration date, you have two years to reinstate your license. For reinstatement, you must re-apply and pay both the renewal fee and a reinstatement fee in addition to the standard requirements.
Contact the Utah State Board of Cosmetology
- 160 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84114
- Website: Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
- Email: b2@utah.gov
- Call: 801-530-6628
National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC)
The NIC's website provides references, language guides, and theory and practical candidate information bulletins to help you prepare for your cosmetology exams.
Prov Exam
Prov testing centers administer your written and practical exams in Utah, so you can use their website to learn more about and schedule the tests.