How to Become A Cosmetologist in North Dakota
North Dakota employs approximately 870 cosmetologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $34,850 1. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 75,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a cosmetologist in North Dakota, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Cosmetologist in North Dakota
How do I become a cosmetologist in North Dakota? North Dakota requires credentials such as Cosmetology Instructors, Cosmetologists, Master Cosmetologist. The licensing authority is the ND State Board of Cosmetology 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in North Dakota? Yes. North Dakota has licensing or registration requirements for cosmetologists. The ND State Board of Cosmetology oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do cosmetologists earn in North Dakota? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in North Dakota is $34,850 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $24,130 and experienced professionals can earn $77,800 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: ND State Board of Cosmetology
- Median wage (North Dakota): $34,850 per year 1
- Exam requirement: No exam required
Cosmetologist License Requirements in North Dakota
The ND State Board of Cosmetology oversees cosmetologist licensing in North Dakota 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology Instructors | For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority. |
| Cosmetologists | For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority. |
| Master Cosmetologist | For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
- Exam: No exam required
- Experience: No experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Cosmetologist Wages by Metro Area in North Dakota
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Wages by Metro Area in North Dakota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists wages in North Dakota vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | 350 | $34,910 | $43,430 | $26,560 | $76,910 |
| Bismarck | 260 | $34,680 | $42,730 | $23,580 | $77,730 |
| Minot | 90 | $32,030 | $39,050 | $24,130 | $76,660 |
| Grand Forks | 80 | $31,620 | $36,290 | $24,130 | $53,360 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Cosmetologists in North Dakota
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cosmetologist employment within North Dakota according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo | 350 | $34,910 |
| Bismarck | 260 | $34,680 |
| Minot | 90 | $32,030 |
| Grand Forks | 80 | $31,620 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cosmetologists in North Dakota? North Dakota currently employs approximately 870 cosmetologists 1. Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 5.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a cosmetologist in North Dakota with an out-of-state license? Contact the ND State Board of Cosmetology for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in North Dakota? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in North Dakota.
How much do cosmetologists earn in North Dakota compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cosmetologists in North Dakota is $34,850, which is $400 below the national median of $35,250 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
ND State Board of Cosmetology - Licensing Information: http://www.ndcosmetology.com ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |