Cosmetologist in Kansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Kansas employs 2,190 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $29,710 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Kansas (May 2025)
- Kansas median pay
- $29,710 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $21,910
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $48,010
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $77,790
- Employed in Kansas
- 2,190
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Kansas markets:
- Kansas City
- $31,520 (2,220 employed)
- Manhattan
- $29,700 (130 employed)
- Topeka
- $29,160 (140 employed)
- St. Joseph
- $28,730 (40 employed)
- Joplin
- $28,600 (130 employed)
- Wichita
- $28,340 (460 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas
Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $29,710 median stretches to roughly $32,974 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)
Kansas is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +1.3%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 560 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kansas License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology.
- Complete 1,500 clock-hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Kansas Board of Cosmetology.
Official requirements: Kansas Board of Cosmetology →
Training in Kansas
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kansas include:
- Bellus Academy — Certificate
- Cowley County Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Crave Beauty Academy — Certificate
- Dodge City Community College — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who are creative, social, and want a licensed practice with real self-employment potential once they build a clientele.
Think twice if: Standing all day, chemical exposure, irregular booth-rental income, and state-mandated training hours of 1,000–1,600 sound like barriers.
Why it's resilient: Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
First Steps
Check your state's required hours, compare licensed school costs, and ask about job placement rates before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cosmetologists make in Kansas?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Kansas is $29,710 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $21,910, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,790. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Kansas?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. Complete 1,500 clock-hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Kansas?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Kansas metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Kansas metro areas, Kansas City leads at $31,520, followed by Manhattan ($29,700), Topeka ($29,160). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Cosmetologist in Kansas?
Real Kansas options include Bellus Academy, Cowley County Community College, Crave Beauty Academy. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Kansas?
Kansas projects cosmetologists employment to change +1.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 560 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Kansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Kansas Board of Cosmetology (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Kansas wages · Kansas licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.