The Cosmetologist's Career Guide to Orem, Utah

As a career analyst who’s lived and worked in Utah County for years, I’ve watched the cosmetology scene in Orem grow from the ground up. It’s not the flashiest market, but it’s steady, practical, and deeply connected to the community. If you’re considering a move here, you’re likely looking for a balance between cost of living, opportunity, and quality of life. This guide is built on hard data and local insight to help you make that call.

The Salary Picture: Where Orem Stands

Orem’s cosmetology market is defined by stability, not high-end luxury. It’s a family-oriented city with a strong service economy, and that’s reflected in wages. The median salary for a Cosmetologist in Orem is $37,794/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.17/hour. This is just below the national average of $38,370/year, meaning Orem pays slightly less than the typical U.S. market, but the lower cost of living can offset that difference.

The job market is modest but consistent, with 191 jobs available in the metro area. Over the past decade, the 10-year job growth is 8%, indicating a slow but steady expansion as the population grows.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salaries typically scale with experience in the Orem market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$28,000 - $33,000/year	Often starts with commission or booth rent. Focus is on building a clientele.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$34,000 - $42,000/year	Established clientele, may specialize in cuts or color. Steady income.
Senior	8-15 years	$40,000 - $52,000/year	Expertise in niche services (e.g., bridal, extensions). May manage a suite.
Expert/Owner	15+ years	$50,000+ (varies widely)	Salon owner, educator, or high-volume independent stylist. Highly variable based on business acumen.

Insider Tip: In Orem, the jump from mid-level to senior often comes from specializing. A stylist who becomes the go-to for balayage or curly hair cuts can command higher rates and tips, pushing their income above the median.

Comparison to Other Utah Cities

Orem sits in a middle ground compared to other Utah metros. It’s more affordable than Salt Lake City but offers more opportunities than smaller rural towns.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Size
Orem	$37,794	95.0	191 jobs
Salt Lake City	$42,100	110.5	1,200+ jobs
Provo	$36,800	98.0	150 jobs
St. George	$39,500	102.0	90 jobs
Logan	$35,200	91.0	60 jobs

Data Source: Salary figures are based on aggregated data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state labor market reports for metropolitan areas.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. With a median salary of $37,794/year, your monthly take-home pay after taxes (assuming a single filer with standard deductions) is approximately $2,450/month. The average 1BR rent in Orem is $1,093/month, leaving you with about $1,357/month for all other expenses.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Cosmetologist

Here’s a realistic look at where your money goes:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,093	This is the city average. You can find cheaper in older complexes or shared housing.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150 - $200	Varies by season. Summer AC is a factor.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Utah has good grocery prices. WinCo and Harmons are local staples.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300 - $500	Orem is car-dependent. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	If not provided by employer. Marketplace options are available.
Supplies & Continuing Ed	$50 - $150	Shears, products, classes. Crucial for career growth.
Miscellaneous (Food, Entertain.)	$200 - $300
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,243 - $2,953
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	-$503 to $207	Tight but manageable with a roommate or strict budgeting.

Insider Tip: Many cosmetologists in Orem live with roommates or in shared housing, especially in the first few years, to keep housing costs below $800/month. This frees up cash for savings or investing in your business (like a mobile nail station or hair extension certification).

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

With the median salary, buying a home in Orem is a significant challenge. The median home price in Orem is around $475,000. A 20% down payment is $95,000. With your estimated take-home pay, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would consume over 50% of your monthly income, which is not sustainable.

Verdict: Homeownership is generally not feasible on a median cosmetology salary in Orem without a dual-income household or substantial savings from a previous market. Focus on building credit and saving aggressively for the first 5-7 years.

Where the Jobs Are: Orem’s Major Employers

Orem’s beauty industry is fragmented but deeply rooted in the community. You won’t find many corporate chains; instead, it’s a landscape of local salons, suite rentals, and independent stylists. Here are the key players:

1. Salon 7 (Multiple Locations): A well-established local chain with a strong reputation. They often hire both commission and booth-rent stylists. They focus on a family-friendly environment and are known for training new talent. Hiring trends show a preference for stylists who are comfortable with a fast-paced, high-volume atmosphere.

2. The Hair Loft: A mid-sized salon in the heart of Orem that caters to a mix of clients. They are known for their color specialists and have a collaborative team environment. They often post openings for experienced mid-level stylists who can bring a small clientele with them.

3. Suite Rentals at The Shops at Riverwood & University Mall: The trend in Orem is moving toward suite rentals. Landlords like The Shops at Riverwood and University Mall (in neighboring Provo) offer individual suites for rent. This is a popular path for senior stylists looking to build their own brand. Insider Tip: Suite rental rates in Orem range from $400-$800/month, depending on location and amenities. This is a key step toward the "Expert/Owner" level.

4. Independent Booth Renters (Many): The bulk of Orem’s market. You’ll find them in strip malls along State Street (US-89) and 1300 East. Networking is key here. Join local Facebook groups like "Utah County Beauty Professionals" to find openings. Hiring is often informal, based on word-of-mouth.

5. Bridal & Event Specialists: Orem’s proximity to Provo and the wedding industry creates a niche. Stylists who specialize in bridal updos and event styling can find work with local wedding planners or through platforms like The Knot. This is a premium service that can boost income significantly.

6. Medical Spas (e.g., Spa Vérité, Skincentric Aesthetics): While not traditional cosmetology, these spas in Orem and Lehi often hire licensed estheticians and sometimes cosmetologists for lash extensions, brow tinting, and basic makeup services. This is a growing sector with higher pay potential.

7. Corporate Salons (e.g., Ulta Beauty, JCPenney Salon): Located in the Provo/Orem border area (like the Riverwoods). These offer benefits (health insurance, 401k) but often have lower commission splits and a more restrictive environment. Good for stability when starting out.

Hiring Trends: The market is saturated at the entry-level but has openings for experienced stylists who can bring a clientele. The biggest demand is for colorists and specialists who can work efficiently in a booth rental or suite model.

Getting Licensed in Utah

Utah’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) oversees this.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Education: Complete a 1,600-hour cosmetology program at a licensed Utah school.
2. Exams: Pass both the National-Interstate Council (NIC) written exam and the NIC practical exam. Utah does not have a separate state board exam.
3. Application: Submit an application to DOPL with proof of education, exam scores, and a fee.
4. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required.

Costs & Timeline:

Step	Estimated Cost	Timeline
Cosmetology School (1,600 hrs)	$15,000 - $22,000	12-18 months (full-time)
State Licensing Fees	$120 (exam + license fee)	1-2 months after graduation
Total Investment	$15,120 - $22,120	13-20 months

Insider Tip: Utah schools like Paul Mitchell The School Provo or Aveda Institute Provo (just south of Orem) are popular choices. Many offer financial aid and job placement assistance. Pro Tip: Some salons offer tuition reimbursement if you commit to working for them for 1-2 years after graduation. Ask about this during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Orem is divided by major roads (I-15, 800 North, 1200 West). Your choice of neighborhood will depend on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

1. North Orem (Near 500 S & 800 N):

   • Commute: Easy access to I-15, close to Provo and the business corridor. 10-15 min drive to most salons.
   • Lifestyle: Family-oriented, quiet, with good parks. Mix of older homes and newer apartments.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300/month for a 1BR. More affordable than central Orem.

2. Central Orem (State Street Corridor):

   • Commute: Walkable to many strip-mall salons. Central for errands.
   • Lifestyle: Busy, commercial. Great if you want a short commute and don’t mind traffic.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month. Slightly higher due to location.

3. South Orem / Provo Border (Near University Pkwy):

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Provo’s salon scene and University Mall.
   • Lifestyle: Younger, near BYU. More apartment complexes. Socially active.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,350/month.

4. East Orem (Foothills):

   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to central Orem. More driving required.
   • Lifestyle: Scenic, quieter, with older, established homes. Less rental inventory.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,250/month (if you can find a rental).

5. Orem’s West Side (Near 1200 W):

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to I-15. Growing area with new complexes.
   • Lifestyle: More affordable, mix of ages. Less character than east side.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200/month.

Insider Tip: North Orem is often the sweet spot for cosmetologists—it’s more affordable than central, has a good commute, and is close to the Orem Public Library (a great place for clients to wait) and Mount Timpanogos Park (for networking walks).

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Orem, career growth isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about building your reputation and service menu.

Specialty Premiums:

• Bridal & Special Occasion Hair: Can add $20-$50 per service on top of your base rate. High demand during wedding season (May-September).
• Hair Extensions (Tape-in, Fusion): Certification costs $1,000-$2,000, but can increase your average ticket by 30-50%.
• Lash Extensions & Microblading: Requires additional licensing (esthetics or permanent makeup). Can open doors to med-spas and boost income significantly.
• Men’s Grooming & Clippers: A growing niche, especially with Orem’s young professional and student population.

10-Year Outlook:

The 8% job growth is modest but positive. The key drivers are population growth (Orem’s metro is nearing 100,000) and the trend toward self-employment. In 10 years, the market will likely have:

• More suite rentals and fewer traditional commission salons.
• Increased demand for specialized skills (e.g., curly hair, texture services).
• Stable but competitive entry-level—new grads will need to hustle to build a book.

Insider Tip: The most successful cosmetologists in Orem diversify. They might rent a suite 3 days a week and do freelance bridal work on weekends. Or they combine salon work with teaching at a local school. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

The Verdict: Is Orem Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living (Index 95.0) vs. national average.	Lower Wages than national average and Salt Lake City.
Stable Job Market with 191 jobs and 8% growth.	Limited High-End Market—few luxury salons or wealthy clientele.
Strong Community and networking opportunities.	Car-Dependent—need a reliable vehicle.
Great for Building a Clientele in a loyal, local market.	Saturation at Entry-Level—competition for new clients is high.
Proximity to Provo for broader opportunities.	Limited Public Transit—commutes require driving.

Final Recommendation: Orem is an excellent choice for cosmetologists who value work-life balance, community, and a lower cost of living. It’s ideal for mid-career stylists looking to build a loyal clientele and potentially move into suite rental. It’s not ideal for those seeking the highest possible salary right out of school or who prefer a fast-paced, luxury salon environment. If you’re willing to be patient, specialize, and network actively, Orem can be a rewarding and sustainable place to build a career.

FAQs

1. Can I make a good living as a booth renter in Orem?
Yes, but it takes time. Initially, you’ll need to build a clientele. Many booth renters in Orem start at $500-$700/month for rent. Once you have a steady stream (20-25 clients a week), you can earn $45,000-$60,000/year after expenses. It’s all about consistency and marketing yourself on social media.

2. What’s the market like for men’s grooming?
Growing. Orem has a mix of young professionals, students, and families. Many salons offer men’s cuts, but there’s room for a dedicated barbershop or a stylist specializing in modern men’s grooming. It’s a less crowded niche than women’s color and cuts.

3. Do I need a car?
Absolutely. Orem’s public transit (UTA) covers main corridors but is infrequent for reaching the many strip-mall salons. Most cosmetologists drive to work. A reliable car is a non-negotiable investment.

4. How competitive is the market for new graduates?
Very competitive at the entry-level. Most salons will hire you on commission or as an assistant first. Insider Tip: To stand out, complete your school hours and pass your state board exam before you graduate. Start networking with local salons 3 months before you finish school. Offer to shadow or assist for free to get your foot in the door.

5. Are there opportunities for continuing education in Orem?
Yes. While Orem itself has fewer large-scale events, you