Cosmetologist in Nevada: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Nevada employs 1,940 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $33,840 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nevada licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Nevada (May 2025)
- Nevada median pay
- $33,840 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $26,160
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $37,560
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $64,300
- Employed in Nevada
- 1,940
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Nevada markets:
- Reno
- $36,490 (380 employed)
- Carson City
- $35,350 (50 employed)
- Las Vegas
- $30,530 (1,420 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Nevada
Prices in Nevada run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $33,840 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Nevada (2022–2032)
Nevada is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +20.4%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally.
Nevada License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology.
- Complete 1,800 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology.
Official requirements: Nevada State Board of Cosmetology →
Training in Nevada
Nevada's 1,800-hour requirement is on the higher end. Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails); understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nevada include:
- Academy of Hair Design-Las Vegas — Certificate
- Avalon Institute-Las Vegas — Certificate
- Casal Institute of Nevada — Certificate / Associate
- International Academy of Style — 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 Nevada?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Nevada is $33,840 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $26,160, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $64,300. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Nevada?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Nevada State Board of Cosmetology. Complete 1,800 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Nevada?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Nevada metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Nevada metro areas, Reno leads at $36,490, followed by Carson City ($35,350), Las Vegas ($30,530). 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 Nevada?
Real Nevada options include Academy of Hair Design-Las Vegas, Avalon Institute-Las Vegas, Casal Institute of Nevada. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Nevada?
Nevada projects cosmetologists employment to change +20.4% from 2022 to 2032 — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Nevada statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the Nevada State 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 Nevada wages · Nevada 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.