Esthetician in Minnesota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Minnesota employs 920 estheticians, with a statewide median of $44,430 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Minnesota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in Minnesota (May 2025)
- Minnesota median pay
- $44,430 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $23,990
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $62,530
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $79,520
- Employed in Minnesota
- 920
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major Minnesota markets:
- Rochester
- $57,420 (40 employed)
- Fargo
- $52,950 (90 employed)
- Duluth
- $46,940 (40 employed)
- Minneapolis
- $36,610 (730 employed)
- St. Cloud
- $34,260 (40 employed)
- Sioux Falls
- $31,580 (90 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 $44,430 median stretches to roughly $45,061 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Minnesota (2024–2034)
Minnesota is projected to grow estheticians employment +3.7%, slower than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 190 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Minnesota License and Certification Requirements
Esthetician license — regulated by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners.
- Complete 600 hours at a licensed 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
600 hours is a relatively short path. Medical-spa and dermatology-office roles tend to pay more than traditional spas.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Minnesota include:
- Avalon School of Cosmetology — Certificate
- Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis — Certificate
- Century College — Certificate
- Empire Beauty School-Bloomington — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who enjoy beauty, wellness, and client relationships and want a licensed practice with a realistic path to self-employment.
Think twice if: Standing all day, irregular income as a booth renter, and licensing hours that vary wildly by state sound difficult.
Why it's resilient: Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
First Steps
Check your state's required training hours — they range from 260 to 1,500 hours — and find an accredited esthetics school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do estheticians make in Minnesota?
The median wage for estheticians in Minnesota is $44,430 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $23,990, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $79,520. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in Minnesota?
Esthetician license, overseen by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners. Complete 600 hours at a licensed school.
Is being an Esthetician a good career in Minnesota?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which Minnesota metros pay estheticians the most?
Among Minnesota metro areas, Rochester leads at $57,420, followed by Fargo ($52,950), Duluth ($46,940). 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 an Esthetician in Minnesota?
Real Minnesota options include Avalon School of Cosmetology, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Minneapolis, Century College. Most estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Esthetician a growing career in Minnesota?
Minnesota projects estheticians employment to change +3.7% 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), Minnesota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5094. 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.