Esthetician in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
North Dakota employs 190 estheticians, with a statewide median of $58,160 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)
- North Dakota median pay
- $58,160 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $35,710
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $65,000
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $89,270
- Employed in North Dakota
- 190
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major North Dakota markets:
- Bismarck
- $58,520 (40 employed)
- Fargo
- $52,950 (90 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 $58,160 median stretches to roughly $65,348 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)
North Dakota is projected to grow estheticians employment +3.9%, slower than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Dakota License and Certification Requirements
Esthetician license — regulated by the North Dakota Board of Cosmetology.
- Complete 600 hours at a licensed 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
Medical-spa and dermatology-office roles tend to pay more than traditional spas.
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
- The Hair Academy — Certificate
- The Salon Professional Academy-Fargo — 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 North Dakota?
The median wage for estheticians in North Dakota is $58,160 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,710, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $89,270. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in North Dakota?
Esthetician license, overseen by the North Dakota Board of Cosmetology. Complete 600 hours at a licensed school.
Is being an Esthetician a good career in North Dakota?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which North Dakota metros pay estheticians the most?
Among North Dakota metro areas, Bismarck leads at $58,520, followed by Fargo ($52,950). 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 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 estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Esthetician a growing career in North Dakota?
North Dakota projects estheticians employment to change +3.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 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 39-5094. 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.