Personal Care & Fitness Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

Esthetician Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median esthetician salary in Iowa City, IA is $36,290 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$36,290
vs State Avg
+$2,292
vs National
$-1,910
Cost of Living
95%

Esthetician Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median esthetician salary of $36,290, which is $2,292 above the Iowa state average of $33,998. Compared to the national median of $38,200, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for estheticians in Iowa City spans from $22,800 at the 10th percentile to $61,750 at the 90th percentile — a $38,950 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,700, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,900. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Esthetician Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level esthetician earns around $24,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,700
$-1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,050
$-1,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,900
$-3,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $22,800
25th Percentile $28,500
Median (50th) $36,290
75th Percentile $49,400
90th Percentile $61,750

Esthetician Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Esthetician in Iowa City

Education

Most esthetician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Iowa City and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SkincareFacial TreatmentsProduct KnowledgeClient ConsultationSanitationAnatomy

Job Outlook

Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Iowa City may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Esthetician Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open esthetician positions in Iowa City, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician Salary in Iowa City

How much does a Esthetician make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median esthetician salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $36,290 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $38,200. Salaries range from $22,800 (10th percentile) to $61,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Esthetician make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,290, a esthetician in Iowa City earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for esthetician pay? ▼
Iowa City's median esthetician salary of $36,290 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $33,998. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a esthetician salary of $36,290 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esthetician in Iowa City? ▼
Most esthetician positions in Iowa City require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Skincare, Facial Treatments, Product Knowledge, Client Consultation. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.