Esthetician Schools in Iowa
If you're an Iowan who enjoys helping people look and feel their best, a career as an esthetician may be right for you. On average, Iowa estheticians make about $13,000 more than the average earnings for all personal care careers in the state. And Iowa esthetician school training is shorter than those for many other jobs!
Browse our directory of esthetician schools in Iowa, or skip ahead to learn about the state's esthetician licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Esthetician Schools in Iowa
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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:
Esthetician Schools Near Me
Check out the Esthetics/Skin Care schools these cities in Iowa have to offer.
How to Become a Esthetician in Iowa
- 600 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 6 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- Average salary for estheticians in Iowa is $42,210.
- There is a predicted 13% job increase between 2018-2028 for estheticians.
An esthetician in Iowa is a beauty professional providing services related to skincare, massage, hair removal, and makeup. Before receiving your esthetician license, you must first fulfill the following requirements:
Esthetician Salary and Projected Job Growth in Iowa
Average yearly salary for esthetics in Iowa
Estheticians, also called skincare specialists, in Iowa earn an annual mean wage of $42,210 or $20.29 per hour. Typically, salaries range from $19,470 to $60,800, which often depends on location, hours worked, or services provided.
The esthetician career in Iowa is expected to grow by 13% from 2018-2028. However, this estimate doesn't factor in job openings left by turnover.
The highest-paying metro areas for estheticians in Iowa are:
| Metro Area | 2021 Median Salary |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa | $38,180 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, Nebraska-Iowa | $30,540 |
Table information sourced from the O*Net (2022). Note: Median is often less than mean because it means right in the middle instead of all salaries averaged together.
State License Requirements
Required to earn a esthetics license
Estheticians in Iowa must complete the required 600 training hours before obtaining licensure. It's recommended to receive your education from a state-approved beauty school.
An esthetics curriculum consists of:
Estheticians in Iowa can't perform pedicures, microdermabrasion, or services using a certified laser product or an intense pulsed light (IPL) device without additional training.
For an Iowa beauty school to remain licensed, it has to:
Can I Apprentice as an Esthetician in Iowa?
Iowa doesn't offer esthetician apprenticeships. Prospective new estheticians in the state can only earn their licenses through approved schooling and examination.
Iowa Esthetician Licensing Requirements
After completing the mandated 600 esthetics training hours, you must pass the state board esthetics exams with a 75% or higher score.
You can sign up for the test online through Iowa's testing provider, PSI. It costs $58 to take and is administered via computer at the testing center site.
Individuals needing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations can apply and send a request to PSI using the form listed on the Candidate Information Bulletin. Exams can be taken in Korean, Vietnamese, and Spanish.
On the day of the test, you should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time and bring two forms of valid, signature-bearing identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or social security card.
The written practical examination lasts 120 minutes and includes 60 graded items consisting of:
Scientific concepts, which counts for 35% and includes: basic chemistry, function and composition of the hair, infection control, safety procedures, and skin disorders and diseases.
Skincare and services topics, which count for 65%. These include:
The written theory exam comprises 100 graded items and takes 90 minutes to complete. The test covers:
Scientific concepts (55%), which includes: basic chemistry, function and composition of the hair, histology and anatomy of the skin, human physiology and anatomy, infection control, microbiology, safety procedures, and skin disorders and diseases.
Skincare and services (45%), which includes the following topics:
You will receive your scores on-site immediately following exam completion.
Iowa Esthetician Licensure Reciprocity
Esthetician licensure by endorsement is available in Iowa to any applicant from another state, country, or the District of Columbia as long as the esthetician has held an active license for at least 12 months during the past 24 months.
Applicants must submit an esthetician application, provide the board with license verification, and pay the $60 licensure fee.
Applicants who graduated from a cosmetology school before January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing the written and practical exams in the state they're originally licensed in.
Those who graduated after January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing their state's theory exam. The board will determine if the exams suffice or if the candidate should take the National Interstate Council exam before obtaining licensure in Iowa.
Esthetician Specialties in Iowa
With additional training, estheticians in Iowa can also be certified to offer microdermabrasion, laser, and IPL hair removal services.
An esthetician license in Iowa allows you to earn other cosmetology-related licenses faster. This is because you can transfer the core life sciences and theory credits acquired during your esthetician training to the disciplines of cosmetology, nail technology, and electrology.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Esthetician licenses must be renewed every two years before March 31, and renewal costs $60. You can renew your license up to 60 days before expiration, and the process can be done online.
To renew, estheticians must complete four hours of continuing education classwork in esthetics and two hours in Iowa cosmetology law and rules and sanitation.
Contact the Iowa State Board of Esthetics
- 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319
- Website: Iowa Department of Public Health
- Email: PLPublic@idph.iowa.gov
- Call: 515-281-7689
- Fax: 515-281-3121
Cosmetologists and Barbers of Iowa
This salon professional association offers continuing education classes, networking opportunities, and advocates for legislation on behalf of the beauty industry.
Cosmetology Guild of Iowa
This association brings beauty professionals in Iowa for networking, education, and advice together.