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
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6322 University Avenue
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
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:
Nail Technology Schools Near Me
Check out the Nail Technology schools these cities in Iowa have to offer.
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
- 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
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
License Renewal
License renewal period
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
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
- 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