Cosmetology Schools in Wyoming

Subjects your cosmetology program will cover include:

• Science of Hair, General Hairstyling, and Chemical Services: 850 hours
• Science of Esthetics and General Esthetics: 450 Hours
• Science of Nail Technology and General Nail Technology: 330 hours

Those hours are the broad strokes of what classes cosmetology students in Wyoming take. Each topic is broken into many specific subjects, such as professional development, relevant disorders and diseases, electricity and chemistry, and more.

Unlike many states, Wyoming's cosmetology program requires students to undergo training in braiding, wigs, and hair additions as part of their hairstyling coursework. This helps ensure that those who want these types of services have easier access to trained professionals, which may be harder to find in rural areas.

If you go to take the shorter Wyoming hairstyling licensure route, you will also learn about these topics.

Another unique aspect of Wyoming's cosmetology training is that students may complete discretionary hours outside their school, provided they are supervised by a teacher. Up to 2% of your required 1,600 hours can be earned in this way. You may also earn any of your theory (not hands-on) hours remotely, which may be beneficial if you live far away from the nearest cosmetology school!

Can I Become a Cosmetologist via an Apprenticeship in Wyoming?

No, you can't become a cosmetologist in Wyoming by completing an apprenticeship.

Wyoming Cosmetology License Requirements

Cosmetology licensure in Wyoming requires completing cosmetology school and passing two exams, or applying for licensure by endorsement if moving from another state.

Cosmetology Exams in Wyoming

Before earning your cosmetology license, you need to pass theory and written-practical exams. The tests are administered by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). Over half of the states use tests created by NIC, meaning there's a lot of study materials available. NIC also offers "Exam Bulletins," which provide detailed information about what exactly to expect on the tests.

The theory (written) test has 110 questions, 100 of which count toward your final score. It's set up similarly to standardized tests you may have taken in school, where you answered questions on a computer. This test focuses on the concepts and theories behind cosmetology rather than practical skills.

Meanwhile, the written-practical test focuses on the skills you learned in cosmetology school.

Wyoming Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

Wyoming offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists moving from another state. To transfer a cosmetology license to Wyoming, you must have:

• An active license
• An Official Certification of Records from your current state
• Completed a licensed cosmetology program or approved apprenticeship
• Passed approved exams
• Provide translated documents (if relevant)

You'll also need to fill out an application, provide proof of identity, and pay a fee.

Cosmetology Specialties in Wyoming

Cosmetology is a broad topic, so you can perform a wide variety of services. However, you may want to spend your time focusing on one or two! For this, you could consider taking continuing education courses to improve your skills in those areas. However, if you know that you really want to do something specific, you could consider getting licensed in something else. A couple of other licensure options in Wyoming are:

• Esthetician: 600 hours
• Hairstylist: 600 hours
• Manicurist: 400 hours

You don't need a license to work as a natural hair braider or makeup artist. However, the state recommends taking safety and infection control courses before beginning one of those careers.

Cosmetology License Renewal in Wyoming

You need to renew your cosmetology license every two years. For this, you need to submit an application (on paper or online) and pay a $96 licensure fee (as of 2025). Be prepared to disclose disciplinary action, criminal convictions, and other relevant circumstances as part of this application.

Continuing education hours are not required for cosmetology license renewal in Wyoming. However, taking classes to hone your skills is always advisable.

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Wyoming

As of 2025, cosmetologists in Wyoming earned a median salary of $32,400 per year, with pay ranging from $17,720 or less to $62,400 or more. This is a little lower than the national average, but factors like cost of living affect pay.

Four areas of Wyoming reported cosmetology pay in 2024.

Source: CareerOneStop (2026); data arranged by median pay

The number of cosmetology jobs in Wyoming is expected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032. This is on par with the national projection.

Contact the Wyoming State Board of Cosmetology