Last Updated: April 8, 2026
Ulta Beauty Application Guide : How to Apply for a Job Online
Quick Answer: Ulta Beauty accepts job applications at ulta.com/careers. Beauty Advisors earn $13–$16/hr plus a 25% employee discount on all products. The minimum age is 18. The online application takes 15–20 minutes. Ulta also operates licensed hair salons inside most stores, with stylist positions paying $14–$22/hr plus commissions and tips.
Ulta Beauty is the largest specialty beauty retailer in the United States, operating over 1,400 stores in all 50 states. The company employs approximately 45,000 people and offers a unique retail model that combines prestige, professional, and drugstore beauty brands under one roof, alongside full-service salon services. For beauty enthusiasts seeking retail employment, Ulta offers product knowledge training, access to leading brands, and one of the best employee discount programs in specialty retail.
By the Numbers
| Metric | Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Store Locations | 1,400+ | Ulta Beauty Annual Report |
| Total Employees | ~45,000 | Ulta Beauty Official |
| Entry-Level Pay (Beauty Advisor) | $13–$16/hr | Glassdoor, Indeed 2024–2025 |
| Salon Stylist Pay | $14–$22/hr + commission/tips | Glassdoor, Indeed 2024–2025 |
| Minimum Age | 18 | Ulta Beauty Careers |
| Employee Discount | 25% | Ulta Beauty Benefits |
| Application Method | Online (ATS portal) | ulta.com/careers |
How to Apply at Ulta Beauty
To apply at Ulta Beauty, submit your application online through the Ulta Beauty careers portal. All positions are listed online; Ulta does not accept in-store applications. Applications for salon stylist positions are reviewed separately from retail floor positions and may involve a skills demonstration.
Step 1: Visit the Ulta Beauty Careers Page
Go to ulta.com/careers and search by position type (Retail, Salon, Corporate, Distribution) and your ZIP code. Filter by employment type (full-time or part-time) and shift preference.
Step 2: Create an Account and Apply
Create an account in the Ulta careers portal or log in with your existing account. Complete the application form with your work history, education, and availability. For Beauty Advisor and retail roles, allow 15–20 minutes. For Prestige Counter Manager or salon positions, allow 25–30 minutes.
Step 3: Complete the Application Questionnaire
Ulta’s application includes screening questions about your experience with beauty products, customer service situations, and availability (including evenings and weekends). Honest, specific answers perform better than generic ones — if you have experience recommending specific product lines or brands, mention them.
Step 4: Phone Screen or Direct Interview Invitation
Qualified candidates typically receive a call or email from a Store Manager within 5–10 business days of applying. Some stores skip the phone screen and invite candidates directly to an in-store interview. Response time varies by store hiring urgency.
Step 5: In-Store Interview
The Ulta interview is typically one round, 30–45 minutes, with the Store Manager or an Assistant Store Manager. It focuses on customer service scenarios, product knowledge, and your passion for beauty. Salon stylist candidates may be asked to demonstrate a service or bring a portfolio of their work.
Step 6: Background Check and Offer
A standard background check is required for all Ulta Beauty hires. Offers are typically extended within 1–2 weeks of the final interview. Onboarding includes product knowledge training and point-of-sale system training before your first shift.
Ulta Beauty Job Positions & Pay Rates
Ulta’s retail positions are split between the main floor (beauty retail) and the in-store salon. Floor positions focus on product sales, customer service, and stocking. Salon positions require active cosmetology or esthetics licensure and pay hourly plus commission and tips.
| Position | Pay Range | Employment Type | Min. Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beauty Advisor | $13–$16/hr | Full-time / Part-time | 18 |
| Prestige Beauty Advisor | $14–$18/hr | Full-time / Part-time | 18 |
| Benefit Brow Artist | $15–$20/hr | Part-time | 18 |
| Salon Stylist (Licensed) | $14–$22/hr + tips + commission | Full-time / Part-time | 18 |
| Salon Manager | $18–$26/hr | Full-time | 18 |
| Assistant Store Manager | $18–$24/hr | Full-time | 18 |
| Store Manager | $50,000–$75,000/yr | Full-time | 18 |
Ulta Beauty Application Requirements
- Minimum age: 18 for all positions
- Education: No formal education requirement for Beauty Advisor or retail roles
- Licensure: Active cosmetology, esthetics, or nail technician license required for all salon positions
- Beauty knowledge: Familiarity with skincare, haircare, and makeup brands is preferred but not required
- Customer service: Prior retail or customer-facing experience is preferred
- Availability: Evenings and weekend availability required
- Physical requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods; light lifting (up to 25 lbs)
Ulta Beauty Interview Process
The Ulta Beauty interview is typically a single in-store conversation with the Store Manager, lasting 30–45 minutes. It is behavioral and passion-focused — managers want to hire people who genuinely love beauty products and enjoy helping customers discover new items.
Common Ulta Beauty Interview Questions
- “What is your skincare routine? What products do you love?”
- “Tell me about a time you helped a customer find the perfect product for their needs.”
- “How do you stay current with beauty trends and new product launches?”
- “Describe a situation where you went above and beyond for a customer.”
- “How would you approach a customer who is overwhelmed by the number of product options?”
Interview Tips
- Come to the interview wearing makeup or styled hair — Ulta managers want to see that you represent the brand authentically
- Know 2–3 specific product recommendations across both prestige and mass market categories
- Reference the Ultamate Rewards loyalty program and how you would use it to build customer relationships
- For salon positions, bring a portfolio or photos of your best work
Ulta Beauty Employee Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Employee Discount | 25% off all Ulta Beauty products, services, and branded merchandise — effective from day 1 |
| Health Insurance | Medical, dental, and vision for full-time employees (30+ hours/week) |
| 401(k) Plan | Company match for eligible employees |
| Paid Time Off | Accrued PTO for full-time employees |
| Product Gratis | Periodic complimentary product samples from vendor partners |
| Flexible Scheduling | Part-time schedules available |
| Training & Education | Product training, beauty seminars, and brand education events |
Ulta Beauty Career Development
| Role | Typical Timeline | Pay Range |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty Advisor | Entry level | $13–$16/hr |
| Prestige Beauty Advisor | 6–18 months | $14–$18/hr |
| Lead Beauty Advisor | 1–2 years | $15–$19/hr |
| Assistant Store Manager | 2–4 years | $18–$24/hr |
| Store Manager | 4–7 years | $50,000–$75,000/yr |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ulta Beauty Application
Does Ulta Beauty hire without beauty experience?
Yes. Ulta hires Beauty Advisors without prior professional beauty experience. The company provides comprehensive product training for new hires. What Ulta prioritizes is genuine passion for beauty and customer service instinct.
What is the Ulta Beauty employee discount?
Ulta Beauty employees receive a 25% discount on all products and services sold at Ulta, effective from the first day of employment. This includes prestige brands, professional haircare, salon services, and the Ulta Beauty private label collection.
Does Ulta Beauty hire part-time?
Yes. A significant portion of Ulta’s workforce is part-time. Part-time Beauty Advisor positions are commonly available, especially ahead of holiday hiring seasons.
Do you need a cosmetology license to work at Ulta?
No — a cosmetology license is not required for Beauty Advisor or retail floor positions. A valid state license is only required for Ulta salon positions (stylist, colorist, skin therapist, nail tech).
How often does Ulta Beauty do seasonal hiring?
Ulta ramps up hiring significantly for the holiday season (October–November) and again in early spring (February–March). Seasonal associates may be converted to permanent status based on performance.
What do Ulta Beauty salon stylists earn?
Ulta salon stylists earn $14–$22/hr base plus commission (typically 25–30% of service revenue) and tips. A full-time stylist with a strong client book can earn $40,000–$65,000+ annually.