Cosmetologist in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
North Dakota employs 870 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $34,850 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)
- North Dakota median pay
- $34,850 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $24,130
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $53,480
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $77,800
- Employed in North Dakota
- 870
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major North Dakota markets:
- Fargo
- $34,910 (350 employed)
- Bismarck
- $34,680 (260 employed)
- Minot
- $32,030 (90 employed)
- Grand Forks
- $31,620 (80 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota
Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $34,850 median stretches to roughly $39,157 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)
North Dakota is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +1.2%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 190 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Dakota License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the North Dakota Board of Cosmetology.
- Complete 1,800 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the North Dakota Board of Cosmetology.
Official requirements: North Dakota Board of Cosmetology →
Training in North Dakota
North Dakota's 1,800-hour requirement is on the higher end. Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails).
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Dakota include:
- Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body-Fargo — Certificate
- Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body-Grand Forks — Certificate / Associate
- The Hair Academy — Certificate
- The Salon Professional Academy-Fargo — 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 North Dakota?
The median wage for cosmetologists in North Dakota is $34,850 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $24,130, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,800. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in North Dakota?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the North Dakota Board of Cosmetology. Complete 1,800 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in North Dakota?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which North Dakota metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among North Dakota metro areas, Fargo leads at $34,910, followed by Bismarck ($34,680), Minot ($32,030). 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 North Dakota?
Real North Dakota options include Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body-Fargo, Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body-Grand Forks, The Hair Academy. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in North Dakota?
North Dakota projects cosmetologists employment to change +1.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 190 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), North Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the North Dakota 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 North Dakota wages · North Dakota 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.