Cosmetologist in Idaho Falls, ID

The Salary Picture: Where Idaho Falls Stands

If you're a cosmetologist looking at Idaho Falls, you need to start with the numbers. The local market pays less than the national average, but the cost of living is your secret weapon. Let's break down what you can expect to earn.

The median salary for cosmetologists in Idaho Falls is $37,207/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.89/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $38,370/year. However, with a cost of living index of 89.9 (100 being the national average), your dollar stretches further here than in most U.S. cities.

Here’s how experience impacts your earning potential in the local market:

Experience Level	Expected Salary Range (Idaho Falls)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $32,000	Often starts in commission-based roles at salons like The Studio or Supercuts. Building a client base is critical.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$34,000 - $40,000	Solid client retention. May see a shift to booth rental or higher commission splits. This is near the local median.
Senior (8-15 years)	$41,000 - $48,000	Specialized skills (e.g., color correction, extensions) and a loyal clientele. Often leads to management or owner tracks.
Expert/Master (15+ years)	$50,000+	Can include salon ownership, high-end independent suites, or educational roles with brands like Redken or L'Oréal.

Insider Tip: Many cosmetologists in Idaho Falls supplement their income by working at events like the Eastern Idaho State Fair or offering mobile services for weddings in areas like Ammon and Rigby. The 10-year job growth for the metro area is projected at 8%, which is steady but not explosive, meaning competition for prime salon chairs exists.

When you compare Idaho Falls to other cities in the state, the picture becomes clearer. While Boise's median salary is higher (around $42,000), its rent and cost of living are significantly steeper. A cosmetologist in Boise might bring home more gross pay, but their net take-home after rent could be less. Idaho Falls offers a balance: a lower salary ceiling but a much higher floor for quality of life.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. Earning the median salary of $37,207/year (about $3,100/month gross), your take-home pay after federal and state taxes will be closer to $2,500 - $2,600/month.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a cosmetologist earning the median salary in Idaho Falls:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Insights
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$903	The city average. For less, look in older areas like the North Side; for more, new complexes in Ammon.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, gas, water, and trash. Winter heating bills can spike.
Groceries	$300 - $350	Shopping at Albertsons or Smith's. Local farmers markets (May-Oct) can help save.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300 - $400	Essential. Public transit is limited; you'll drive to clients.
Healthcare	$150 - $250	Varies if you have employer benefits. Many salons are small and may not offer insurance.
Supplies & Continuing Ed	$100 - $150	Products, tools, and classes. A non-negotiable for staying competitive.
Discretionary/Savings	$200 - $400	This is your quality-of-life buffer. Tight, but manageable.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Idaho Falls is around $325,000. With a 20% down payment ($65,000), a monthly mortgage (with taxes/insurance) would be roughly $1,800. This is tight on a single cosmetologist's income. The common path is dual-income households or saving aggressively for 5-7 years. However, the lower cost of living makes this goal more attainable here than in national hotspots.

Insider Tip: Many salons, like Radiance Hair Studio, offer a product commission bonus. This can add $200-$400/month to your income if you're a strong retail performer. Factor this into your potential budget.

Where the Jobs Are: Idaho Falls's Major Employers

Idaho Falls' beauty industry is a mix of established chains, boutique salons, and a growing network of independent suite rentals. The job market has 135 active positions for cosmetologists in the metro area. Hiring trends show a steady demand for stylists proficient in balayage, men's grooming, and keratin treatments.

Here are the major employers you should know:

1. The Studio Salon & Spa: A high-end, full-service salon in downtown Idaho Falls. They cater to a professional clientele and are known for investing in advanced training. They often hire mid to senior-level stylists and offer a commission-based structure with a solid base.
2. Supercuts / Great Clips: National chains with multiple locations (e.g., on 17th Street, in Ammon). These are excellent for building speed and a broad client base as a new stylist. They typically offer hourly wage + commission and are consistent hirers.
3. Radiance Hair Studio: A well-regarded, independent salon with a focus on color and cuts. They have a strong local reputation and often look for stylists with 3+ years of experience. Booth rental options are sometimes available for established professionals.
4. Salon Suites (e.g., Sola Salon Studios, local independents): This is a growing trend. You rent your own suite (a small room) and run your own business within a larger salon framework. It requires more upfront cost but offers higher profit potential. Ideal for stylists with a dedicated client following.
5. The Eastern Idaho State Fair: While not a full-time job, the fair (held each September) is a major event hiring cosmetologists for 10 days. It's a great networking opportunity and can bring in an extra $800-$1,200.
6. Resorts & Hotels: The nearby Yellowstone region (Island Park) and local hotels like the Destination Inn or Hilton Garden Inn hire for their spa/salon services, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and ski season).
7. Spas within Medical Facilities: Places like Mountain View Hospital or Beehive Regional Hospital sometimes have attached spas or contract with mobile cosmetologists for patient services (e.g., post-chemo hair loss counseling).

Hiring Trend Insight: There's a noticeable shift towards stylists who are skilled in "lived-in" color and men's grooming. Salons are also more frequently offering benefits like paid time off and continuing education stipends to attract and retain talent.

Getting Licensed in ID

Idaho's licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The governing body is the Idaho Board of Cosmetology.

Requirements:

• Education: You must complete 1,600 hours at a state-licensed cosmetology school. In Idaho Falls, the primary option is Idaho Beauty College (part of the Idaho State University system). Their program typically takes 10-12 months of full-time study.
• Exams: After graduation, you must pass both the written (theory) and practical exams from the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
• Application: Submit your application, proof of education, and exam scores to the Idaho Board. The license fee is $50.

Timeline & Costs:

• Schooling: 10-12 months.
• Tuition & Fees: At Idaho Beauty College, expect to pay between $12,000 - $16,000 for the full program, including supplies and kits.
• Exams & Licensing: Approximately $200-$300 for exam fees and the state license.
• Total Time: From starting school to holding your license, plan for 12-14 months.

Insider Tip: Idaho is a member of the Endorsement Compact for cosmetology, which can simplify licensure if you're already licensed in another state. Check the Idaho Board of Cosmetology website for the most current reciprocity rules. You must be at least 16 years old to apply.

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Where you live affects your commute, client perception, and lifestyle. Idaho Falls is a commuter city, so neighborhood choice is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Cosmetologists
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, artsy, near cafes and boutiques. Central to most salons.	$950 - $1,100	Prestige clientele. Easy walk to The Studio or other downtown salons. Great for building a professional image.
Ammon (East Side)	Growing, family-friendly, with new shopping centers.	$900 - $1,000	Home to many salon suites and chains. Good for balancing work and life. Commute to downtown is 10-15 minutes.
North Side / Anderson Corner	More affordable, established neighborhoods.	$750 - $850	Lower rent frees up budget for supplies or savings. A short drive to downtown and many residential clients.
South Idaho Falls / Taylorview	Suburban, quiet, convenient to the interstate.	$800 - $950	Easy access to resorts in Island Park for side gigs. Good for families. Commute is manageable.
Rigby / Rexburg (Nearby Towns)	Small-town feel, lower rents, a 20-30 minute commute.	$650 - $800	Less competition, a chance to be the go-to stylist in a smaller community. Many clients from here already work in Idaho Falls.

Insider Tip: If you're an independent stylist, consider renting a suite in Ammon. The rent is comparable to a 1BR apartment, but it's a business expense that can be written off. Clients from the growing residential areas in Ammon and Taylorview are often loyal and high-spending.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career in cosmetology in Idaho Falls is about specialization and business savvy. The 10-year job growth of 8% means steady opportunity, but you must differentiate yourself.

Specialty Premiums:

• Master Colorist: With advanced training in balayage, blonding, and corrective color, you can charge 20-30% more than a generalist. This is the most lucrative specialization in the area.
• Extension Specialist (Hand-tied, tape-in): High demand, especially for formal events. Training costs are steep ($1,500-$3,000), but the service can double your hourly rate.
• Men's Grooming/Barbering: Completing a barbering cross-over course (additional 200-400 hours) opens up a dedicated, growing clientele.
• Bridal & Event Styling: Building a portfolio for weddings is key. Partner with local photographers and venues like the Museum of Idaho or Teton Springs Lodge.

Advancement Paths:

1. Stylist → Senior Stylist: At a salon like The Studio, this usually comes with a higher commission split (e.g., 50/50 vs. 40/60) and a dedicated clientele.
2. Stylist → Salon Manager: Requires strong business and people skills. Salons like Radiance or larger chains may promote from within.
3. Stylist → Suite Owner: The independent route. You manage your own books, marketing, and taxes. This is where income potential skyrockets, but so do risks.
4. Stylist → Educator: Partner with Idaho Beauty College or local product lines (like Redken or Aveda) to teach classes. This provides a stable income stream alongside your client work.

10-Year Outlook: The market will likely see more demand for multi-service stylists (e.g., a hair stylist who can also do lashes or brows). Advanced, certified specialties will command the highest premiums. The rise of social media as a marketing tool means investing in a professional Instagram presence is no longer optional—it's your digital storefront.

The Verdict: Is Idaho Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Your salary goes further. Homeownership is a realistic long-term goal.	Lower Salary Ceiling: The median $37,207/year is below national; high-earners may find more potential in larger cities.
Steady, Growing Market: 135 jobs and 8% growth offer stability.	Limited High-End Market: While there are affluent clients, the ultra-luxury market is smaller than in Boise or tourist hubs like Sun Valley.
Quality of Life: Safe, family-friendly, with access to outdoor recreation (Yellowstone, Snake River).	Career Specialization Limits: Fewer niche product lines and advanced training options locally; may require travel to Boise or Salt Lake City.
Community Networking: A tight-knit beauty community. Easier to build a reputation and cross-refer clients.	Seasonal Fluctuations: Tourism can affect business; slower winters may require financial planning.

Final Recommendation:
Idaho Falls is an excellent choice for cosmetologists who prioritize work-life balance, stability, and a lower cost of living over maximizing gross income. It's ideal for:

• New graduates looking to build a solid foundation without the financial pressure of a major city.
• Mid-career stylists seeking a change of pace and a community-oriented environment.
• Entrepreneurial spirits who want to build a business in a supportive, less-saturated market.

If your primary goal is to work at the absolute highest-paying salons in the country or in a dense, competitive urban scene, Idaho Falls may feel limiting. But if you want to build a sustainable, respected career where your take-home pay supports a comfortable lifestyle, this eastern Idaho city is a compelling destination.

FAQs

Q: Can I make a six-figure income as a cosmetologist in Idaho Falls?
A: It's challenging but possible. You would likely need to be a salon owner with multiple stylists, a top-tier suite renter with a massive clientele (50+ clients/week), or a highly specialized educator. The median salary is $37,207, so reaching six figures is an entrepreneurial endeavor, not a standard career path.

Q: How competitive is the job market for new cosmetologists?
A: Moderately competitive. With 135 jobs in the metro, there's steady demand, but salons want stylists who are client-ready. New grads should be prepared to start in commission or hourly roles at chains like Supercuts to build speed and a portfolio. Having a strong social media presence before graduation can set you apart.

Q: Is Idaho Falls a good place for an independent stylist?
A: Yes, particularly in the suite rental model. The cost of renting a salon suite (e.g., in Ammon) is often $400-$600/week, which is manageable if you have a dedicated clientele. The lower competition compared to Boise allows you to capture a local market more easily. However, you must be savvy in marketing yourself.

Q: What's the winter business like?
A: It can be slower, especially January-February. Many salons see a dip after the holiday rush. Smart cosmetologists use this time for continuing education, inventory organization, and marketing. Some also pick up side gigs, like wedding styling for winter events or mobile services for busy professionals.

Q: Do I need to know Spanish to work as a cosmetologist in Idaho Falls?
A: While not a requirement, it's a significant advantage. The Hispanic community in the area is growing, and being able to communicate with a broader client base can increase your marketability and client retention. Many salons appreciate bilingual staff.