Cosmetology Schools in Indiana
Now may be a great time to become a cosmetologist in Indiana, especially after recent efforts to deregulate the state’s beauty industry failed. In early 2021, Indiana representatives proposed House Bill 1364, which would have allowed individuals to provide cosmetology services for pay without a state license. An outcry from industry professionals made sure the bill never got a hearing.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Indiana, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Indiana
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5750 A Crawfordsville Road
Speedway, IN 46224
1681 North College Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47404
9725 Crosspoint Commons
Indianapolis, IN 46256
833 Ferry Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
J. Michael Harrold Beauty Academy - Terre Haute – Accredited
Terre Haute, IN 47807
Kenny's Academy of Barbering - East Campus – Accredited
Indianapolis, IN 46226
Kenny's Academy of Barbering - South Campus – Accredited
Indianapolis, IN 46227
PJ's College of Cosmetology - Clarksville – Accredited
Clarksville, IN 47129
PJ's College of Cosmetology - Indianapolis – Accredited
Indianapolis, IN 46203
PJ's College of Cosmetology - Jeffersonville – Accredited
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Rudae's School of Beauty Culture – Accredited
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
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 Indiana have to offer.
Cost of Cosmetology School Across IN
| Metro | Average Tuition |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $19,166 |
| Indianapolis | $17,437 |
| Evansville | $16,333 |
| Fort Wayne | $15,990 |
| Louisville | $15,033 |
| Terre Haute | $13,845 |
| South Bend / Elkhart | $13,600 |
Comparing Program Costs in IN
| Cosmetology School Costs |
|---|
| Highest range: $14,825 - $20,550 |
| Lowest range: $9,100 - $14,825 |
| Average: $16,848 |
| Esthetics/Skin Care School Costs |
| Highest range: $11,749 - $16,000 |
| Lowest range: $7,497 - $11,749 |
| Average: $11,316 |
| Barbering School Costs |
| Highest range: $18,375 - $20,000 |
| Lowest range: $16,750 - $18,375 |
| Average: $18,410 |
| Nail Technology School Costs |
| Highest range: $8,025 - $11,000 |
| Lowest range: $5,050 - $8,025 |
| Average: $7,961 |
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Indiana
- 1,500 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 4 years.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for cosmetologists in Indiana is $31,320.
- There is a predicted 18% job increase between 2020–2030 for cosmetologists.
In Indiana, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists provide beauty services like cutting, coloring, and styling hair. They may also offer scalp treatments and massages, shampooing, makeup application, wig dressing, hair removal, or skin care and nail services.
To become a cosmetologist in Indiana, you must:
With the application, you have to answer background questions. If you answer yes to any question, you must include a statement explaining the details of the violation and submit copies of court documents. You may also need to submit documentation for any legal name changes.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Indiana
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Indiana
The average annual salary for cosmetologists in Indiana was $31,320 in 2021, which was an average of $15.06 per hour. Pay in the state ranged from $20,860 to $59,070 annually, but salaries vary widely based on location and industry. For example, performing arts companies tend to pay the highest wages on average.
Job growth for cosmetologists is promising in the Hoosier State. As of 2021, the number of hairdresser, hairstylist, and cosmetologist jobs in Indiana is projected to increase by 18% between 2020 and 2030.
The highest-paying metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas for cosmetologists in Indiana are:
| Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Areas | 2021 Median Salary |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $36,530 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $30,100 |
| Bloomington, IN | $29,680 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $29,540 |
| Kokomo, IN | $29,460 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $29,220 |
| Southern Indiana nonmetropolitan area | $29,100 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $29,000 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | $28,880 |
| Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area | $28,490 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $28,360 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | $28,350 |
| Muncie, IN | $27,930 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | $27,470 |
| Terre Haute, IN | $26,650 |
Table information sourced from O*Net (2022)
What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Indiana
Required to earn a cosmetology license
To become a cosmetologist in Indiana, you must attend a beauty school approved by the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Approved cosmetology schools in Indiana agree to provide a minimum of 1,500 training hours, including training in the following subjects:
Due to the pandemic, many cosmetology schools offer remote programming options, but students are still required to attain the same number of total training hours.
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Indiana?
Indiana does not offer apprenticeship programs for cosmetologists. However, the state accepts apprenticeship hours from another state as a part of its reciprocity agreements.
Indiana Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
To earn your license, you first have to complete 1,500 hours of training at an approved cosmetology school in Indiana. You have one year after graduation to pass the exam and apply for licensure, and you must pass the written test through PSI with a score of 75% or higher.
Your school pre-approves you to take the exam and provides PSI with your information. Once you receive an email confirmation, you can register and schedule your exam online. There are 14 testing center locations available across the state. On the day of your exam, arrive at the testing center 30 minutes early to sign in and bring two forms of signature-bearing identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, student ID, Social Security card, or birth certificate.
The written exam typically takes 120 minutes and consists of 100 questions. Students pay a non-refundable fee when scheduling, which is $48 for cosmetologists and $44 for barbers. The exam is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Simplified Chinese and covers:
All exam centers provide access per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Registered applicants with disabilities may request alternative arrangements through PSI by submitting documentation from their beauty school or doctor for verification.
Your beauty school must also complete a Beauty Culture Education Certification form that you upload when applying for the exam. After passing the test, you should receive an examination pass notice, which you then submit to the board with your licensure application.
Your score is available immediately following the exam. If you fail, you have unlimited opportunities to retest within a year of graduation. Applicants who don’t pass the exam within a year must re-start the process.
Indiana Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
Reciprocity is available in Indiana with at least 1,500 training hours and verification from each state, territory, or country in which you have held a license.
To apply for a cosmetology license by reciprocity, you must meet the standard requirements (above) and pay the $40 application fee. If the state your earned licensure in did not require 1,500 hours of training, each year of practice may replace 100 hours of education if you have a minimum of 1,000 training hours and at least a 70% passing score on your written and practical exams.
Applicants with experience in a jurisdiction that does not require a license can apply for a provisional license and work under supervision. If your state does not meet Indiana’s minimum reciprocity requirements, you may transfer training hours from an out-of-state school and complete your education at an approved beauty school in Indiana and take the written exam.
Cosmetology License Renewal in Indiana
License renewal period
Continuing education required
You must renew your Indiana cosmetology or barbering license every four years. You can renew your license online or by paper by printing and mailing a renewal form with your $40 renewal fee. If your license has been expired for less than three years, you incur a $50 late fee. Renewal after three years of expiration comes with a $40 reinstatement fee in addition to the late and renewal fees.
There are no continuing education hours required for cosmetologist license renewal in Indiana.
Contact the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology
- 402 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
- Website: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
- Email: pla12@pla.in.gov
- Call: 317-234-3031
- Fax: 317-233-4236
Cosmetology is integral to the fabric of communities in Indiana. It has become an intriguing pathway for individuals to find themselves. With more looking to join their ranks, a key step is to consult administrators at the following groups.
Indiana State Board of Barber and Cosmetology Examiners
MyLicense.IN.gov
American Association of Cosmetology Schools
Professional Beauty Association