Cosmetologist in South Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
South Dakota employs 690 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $49,800 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in South Dakota (May 2025)
- South Dakota median pay
- $49,800 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $32,090
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $56,200
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $61,900
- Employed in South Dakota
- 690
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major South Dakota markets:
- Sioux Falls
- $50,500 (320 employed)
- Rapid City
- $48,440 (170 employed)
- Sioux City
- $30,330 (100 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in South Dakota
Prices in South Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 88.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $49,800 median stretches to roughly $56,208 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in South Dakota (2024–2034)
South Dakota is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +7.5%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 130 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
South Dakota License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (DLR).
- Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (DLR).
Official requirements: South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (DLR) →
Training in South Dakota
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Dakota include:
- Lake Area Technical College — Certificate
- National American University-Rapid City — Associate
- Paul Mitchell the School-Rapid City — Certificate
- Stewart School — 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 South Dakota?
The median wage for cosmetologists in South Dakota is $49,800 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $32,090, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $61,900. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in South Dakota?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (DLR). Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in South Dakota?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which South Dakota metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among South Dakota metro areas, Sioux Falls leads at $50,500, followed by Rapid City ($48,440), Sioux City ($30,330). 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 South Dakota?
Real South Dakota options include Lake Area Technical College, National American University-Rapid City, Paul Mitchell the School-Rapid City. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in South Dakota?
South Dakota projects cosmetologists employment to change +7.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 130 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), South Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (DLR) (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 South Dakota wages · South 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.