Cosmetologist in Montana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Montana employs 690 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $38,000 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Montana (May 2025)
- Montana median pay
- $38,000 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $22,160
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $59,900
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $75,440
- Employed in Montana
- 690
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Montana markets:
- Great Falls
- $42,450 (60 employed)
- Billings
- $40,950 (130 employed)
- Helena
- $38,160 (70 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Montana
Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $38,000 median stretches to roughly $40,169 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Montana (2024–2034)
Montana is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +2.1%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 200 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Montana License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Montana DLI — Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists.
- Complete about 2,000 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Montana Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists (DLI).
Official requirements: Montana DLI — Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists →
Training in Montana
Montana's 2,000-hour requirement is among the highest in the country. Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails).
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:
- Academy of Cosmetology Inc — Certificate
- Aveda Institute Montana — Certificate
- Crevier's Academy of Cosmetology Arts — Certificate
- Montana Academy of Salons — 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 Montana?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Montana is $38,000 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $22,160, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $75,440. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Montana?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Montana DLI — Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists. Complete about 2,000 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Montana?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Montana metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Montana metro areas, Great Falls leads at $42,450, followed by Billings ($40,950), Helena ($38,160). 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 Montana?
Real Montana options include Academy of Cosmetology Inc, Aveda Institute Montana, Crevier's Academy of Cosmetology Arts. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Montana?
Montana projects cosmetologists employment to change +2.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 200 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), Montana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Montana DLI — Board of Barbers & Cosmetologists (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 Montana wages · Montana 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.