How to Become An Esthetician in North Dakota
North Dakota employs approximately 190 estheticians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $58,160 1. Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 6.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 14,500 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an esthetician in North Dakota, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming An Esthetician in North Dakota
How do I become an esthetician in North Dakota? North Dakota requires credentials such as Estheticians, Estheticians Instructors, Master Estheticians. 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 estheticians. The ND State Board of Cosmetology oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do estheticians earn in North Dakota? The median annual wage for estheticians in North Dakota is $58,160 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $35,710 and experienced professionals can earn $89,270 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): $58,160 per year 1
- Exam requirement: State exam required
Esthetician License Requirements in North Dakota
The ND State Board of Cosmetology oversees esthetician licensing in North Dakota 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Estheticians | For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority. |
| Estheticians Instructors | For more information about the licensing process, including application and renewal fees, please check with the licensing authority. |
| Master Estheticians | 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: State exam required
- Experience: No experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Esthetician Wages by Metro Area in North Dakota
Skincare Specialists Wages by Metro Area in North Dakota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), skincare specialists 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 | 90 | $52,950 | $53,900 | $35,630 | $88,490 |
| Bismarck | 40 | $58,520 | $57,550 | $36,900 | $92,340 |
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 Estheticians in North Dakota
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest esthetician 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 | 90 | $52,950 |
| Bismarck | 40 | $58,520 |
Explore esthetician programs in Fargo and Bismarck.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for estheticians in North Dakota? North Dakota currently employs approximately 190 estheticians 1. Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 6.7% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as an esthetician 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 estheticians earn in North Dakota compared to the national average? The median annual wage for estheticians in North Dakota is $58,160, which is $16,600 above the national median of $41,560 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) |