Nail Technology Schools in Iowa

Browse our directory of nail technology schools in Iowa, or skip ahead to learn about the state's nail technology licensing requirements and job outlook.

Browse All Nail Technology Schools in Iowa

For School Owners

Don't see your school listed? Want to discuss becoming a featured school in the directory? Contact us to learn more.

4444 1st Avenue Northeast 12
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Teacher Training

6322 University Avenue
Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Teacher Training

5205 North Brady Street
Davenport, IA 52806

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy, Nail Technology, Teacher Training

2419 5th Avenue South
Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Teacher Training

8805 Chambery Boulevard
Johnston, IA 50131

Programs:
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, Massage Therapy, Teacher Training
Ad

Find Cosmetology Schools Near You

Capri College – Accredited

2323 Crossroads Boulevard
Waterloo, IA 50702

Capri College - Davenport – Accredited

2540 East 53rd Street
Davenport, IA 52807

Iowa School of Beauty - Sioux City – Accredited

3320 Line Drive
Sioux City, IA 51106

Iowa School of Beauty - Urbandale – Accredited

3305 70th Street
Urbandale, IA 50322

La James College of Hairstyling – Accredited

24 Second Street Northeast
Mason City, IA 50401

World of Beauty Academy - Des Moines – Accredited

3409 Southeast 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50320
Accredited School

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.

Nail Technology Schools Near Me

Cost of Nail Technician School Across IA

Metro Average Tuition
Cedar Rapids / Waterloo / Iowa City / Dubuque $4,961
Des Moines / Ames $4,961

Comparing Program Costs in IA

Cosmetology School Costs
Highest range: $20,219 - $26,988
Lowest range: $13,450 - $20,219
Average: $19,810
Nail Technology School Costs
Highest range: $3,981 - $4,961
Lowest range: $3,000 - $3,981
Average: $4,382

How to Become a Manicurist in Iowa

Iowa Nail Technology Careers At a Glance
  • 325 education hours are required to become licensed.
  • You must renew your license every 2 years.
  • 8 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The average salary for manicurists in Iowa is $20,780 ($9.99/hour). This is lower than the national average of $25,770 ($12.39/hour).
  • There is a predicted 12% job increase between 2016-2026 for manicurists. This is higher than the expected national growth of 10%.

If you are crazy about all things beauty, it's time to find out if a career in cosmetology could help you find a job that you look forward to every day.

When you pick a specialty like nail technology, you can focus on learning about manicures, pedicures, natural nails, and artificial nails, all of which can make you a valuable asset to Iowa spas and salons.

State License Requirements

325 Education Hours

Required to earn a nail technology license

All licensing goes through the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. First, they evaluate your education and ensure that you have at least 325 hours of training. Second, they collect a fee of $115 and allow you to take your licensing exams. Passing these exams permits you to begin working.

Education Details

With the training you get from a licensed nail technician program, you can feel confident when you step into a nail salon for your first day of work. Under the supervision of your instructors, you can master techniques on mannequin hands, tweak your skills with real clients, and to use the nail technology that nail technicians use every day. Licensed schools have to teach mandatory topics in their curricula.

Courses at Iowa Nail Schools

  • Nail machines, equipment, and tools
  • Manicuring and pedicuring techniques
  • Artificial nail application, repair, and removal
  • Nail art
  • Sculpted nails
  • Nail wraps
  • Nail tips
  • Product chemistry
  • Hand and foot massage

License Renewal

2 Years

License renewal period

8 Hours

Continuing education required

If you want to earn your nail technician license in Iowa, you will need to meet the requirements outlined by the state Board of Cosmetology. After completing a training program with at least 325 hours of practical training, you will need to pass a written exam and pay the initial license fee of $60. From there, you need to renew your nail tech license every two years (in even-numbered years) by December 31st. The fee for renewal is also $60, due when you submit your online renewal.

Iowa Nail Technology Careers

$20,780

Average yearly salary for nail technology in Iowa

How would you like to spend your career? If you are excited to focus on clients, use your creativity on a daily basis, and work with high-end nail technology, you may find exactly what you're looking for in an Iowa salon, spa, nail shop, or hair salon. One of the exciting parts of working in this field is the flexibility. Since nail salons tend to be open days, nights, and weekends, you may have some wiggle room in your schedule. Since there are nail salons all over Iowa, demand is growing in rural, suburban, and urban areas. CareerOneStop anticipates a 12% increase in nail technician job openings through the year 2026 (2020). The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Iowa nail technicians earn an average salary of $20,780 per year (2020).

Contact the Iowa State Board of Nail Technology

Iowa Department of Public Health
Commercial_Combo_Program-Career-Geo
Nail Technology
Iowa

How to Become a Nail Technician in Your State

Select a beauty program and state to view schools