If you’ve ever thought about going to beauty school, chances are you’ve asked yourself the big question: “Is it really worth it?”
On one hand, you might hear people say, “It’s too expensive. You’ll never make that money back.” Or maybe you’ve been told, “You don’t need a license to do hair, nails, or makeup — just start working and save the cost of school.”
But here’s the truth: beauty school is an investment that pays off. When you look past the myths and actually break down the numbers, you’ll see that licensed professionals not only make more money, but also enjoy more career options, stability, and long-term earning potential.
Let’s dive in — myth by myth — and talk about why a beauty education can be one of the smartest career moves you can make.
Myth #1: “Beauty school is too expensive.”
Yes, beauty school is an investment. Depending on the program, tuition in Utah can range from around $10,000–$20,000 (similar to what you’d spend on a used car). That number might sound big, especially if you’re comparing it to skipping school and “just starting to work.”
But here’s the thing:
- Licensed professionals earn more. Licensed cosmetologists, barbers, and estheticians in Utah earn an average of $30,000–$50,000 per year, with top earners bringing in more — and that’s before tips.
- Unlicensed work is risky. Without a license, you’re limited in what you can legally do. You may have to charge much less and risk fines for offering services without proper training or certification.
When you spread the cost of school across a career that can last 30+ years, the math is simple: the investment is small compared to the lifetime earning potential.
Think of it like this: if you spend $15,000 on school and end up earning even $10,000 more per year than someone without a license, you make that back in less than two years. After that, it’s all profit.
Myth #2: “I’ll never pay off my student loans.”
A lot of students worry about debt — and rightfully so. But beauty school loans are often much smaller than those of a traditional four-year college.
- The average student loan debt in the U.S. is over $37,000.
- Beauty school graduates often borrow half that (or less).
Additionally, most graduates begin working immediately after they’re licensed, allowing them to start repaying their investment quickly. With financial aid, grants, and scholarships available, many students can lower their costs even further.
Myth #3: “I can make the same money without a license.”
This one might be the most common myth. Let’s be clear: while some people might hustle by doing unlicensed work, it’s not the same.
Here’s why:
- Licensed pros can charge more. Clients are willing to pay premium prices to someone they know is trained and certified.
- More career paths open up. Without a license, you’re locked out of jobs at salons, spas, medical spas, resorts, cruise ships, and many other opportunities.
- Legal protection matters. If you’re unlicensed and a client gets hurt (say, a chemical burn or infection), you can face lawsuits, fines, and career-ending consequences. Licensed professionals are covered under state regulations and can often carry liability insurance.
Simply put: having a license gives you freedom, security, and higher earning potential.
The Real Numbers: Licensed vs. Unlicensed
- Invests ~$15,000 in beauty school.
- Earns $40,000–$60,000 per year (plus tips, product sales, and potential bonuses).
- Has the ability to grow into salon ownership, education, medical esthetics, brand representation, or independent suite rental.
- Lifetime earning potential: well into six figures, even millions, over a career.
- Spends little to nothing on training.
- Struggles to find legal, consistent work.
- May charge $20–$40 for services that others legally charge $80–$200 for.
- Faces risks of fines, shutdowns, and limited growth.
- Lifetime earning potential: significantly lower.
Myth #4: “Stylists and estheticians don’t make good money.”
This one is outdated. Today’s beauty industry is booming. People are investing more than ever in self-care, wellness, and personal image — and licensed beauty pros are reaping the benefits.
In Utah especially, the demand is high. Between 2023 and 2033, the cosmetology field is expected to grow by 7% — much faster than the average for other careers.
And let’s not forget about tips: for many stylists, estheticians, and barbers, gratuities add 10–25% more to their income. A stylist making $50,000 a year could actually bring home closer to $60,000 when tips are included.
Myth #5: “Beauty careers don’t have room to grow.”
Many people imagine stylists stuck behind a chair forever, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Licensed beauty professionals can grow their careers in countless ways:
- Salon ownership: Build your own brand and hire a team.
- Independent suite rental: Be your own boss and keep more of what you earn.
- Education: Teach the next generation of professionals.
- Product sales & brand representation: Work with major beauty brands as an artist or educator.
- Medical esthetics: Partner with dermatologists and med spas for advanced treatments.
- Creative work: Fashion shows, film, editorial shoots, and more.
Each of these paths comes with higher earning potential, creative freedom, and the chance to build a career that fits your life.
How Qnity Helps Professionals Thrive
One of the biggest differences between licensed professionals and those who skip school is financial literacy.
That’s where Qnity comes in. Qnity partners with beauty schools and professionals to teach practical money skills — like budgeting, tracking income, setting savings goals, and creating a plan for financial freedom.
Their system is simple: break down numbers visually, make them easy to understand, and help beauty pros take control of their financial future. This kind of training ensures that when you graduate, you’re not just prepared to cut hair or apply skincare — you’re ready to build a sustainable, profitable business.
So, Is Beauty School Worth It?
At the end of the day, beauty school isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in yourself. The myths about beauty school being “too expensive” or “not worth it” don’t hold up when you look at the bigger picture. Licensed professionals not only earn more over time, but they also gain access to safer working conditions, more opportunities, and long-term career stability.
If you’re passionate about beauty and ready to turn that passion into a paycheck, don’t let fear of the upfront cost stop you. With financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment options, beauty school is more accessible than you think. And once you’re licensed, the doors it opens—to better earnings, flexible schedules, and creative freedom—make the journey more than worth it.
Ready to take the first step? Connect with an accredited Utah beauty school through the Utah Beauty School Association (UBSOA) to explore programs, learn about financial aid, and start building a career you’ll love. Your future in beauty starts now.
