Cosmetologist in Minnesota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Minnesota employs 5,320 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $39,170 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Minnesota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Minnesota (May 2025)
- Minnesota median pay
- $39,170 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $23,590
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $59,300
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $78,880
- Employed in Minnesota
- 5,320
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Minnesota markets:
- Sioux Falls
- $50,500 (320 employed)
- Minneapolis
- $46,310 (3,920 employed)
- Rochester
- $39,460 (190 employed)
- St. Cloud
- $35,310 (220 employed)
- Duluth
- $35,080 (270 employed)
- Fargo
- $34,910 (350 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Minnesota
Prices in Minnesota run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $39,170 median stretches to roughly $39,726 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Minnesota (2024–2034)
Minnesota is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +2.5%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,900 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Minnesota License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners.
- Complete 1,550 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners.
Official requirements: Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners →
Training in Minnesota
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Minnesota include:
- Avalon School of Cosmetology — Certificate
- Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis — Certificate
- Century College — Certificate / Associate
- Empire Beauty School-Bloomington — Certificate
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 Minnesota?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Minnesota is $39,170 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $23,590, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $78,880. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Minnesota?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners. Complete 1,550 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Minnesota?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Minnesota metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Minnesota metro areas, Sioux Falls leads at $50,500, followed by Minneapolis ($46,310), Rochester ($39,460). 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 Minnesota?
Real Minnesota options include Avalon School of Cosmetology, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis, Century College. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Minnesota?
Minnesota projects cosmetologists employment to change +2.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,900 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), Minnesota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners (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 Minnesota wages · Minnesota 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.