Nail Technician in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
North Dakota employs 270 nail technicians, with a statewide median of $33,430 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Nail technicians Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)
- North Dakota median pay
- $33,430 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $30,560
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $47,960
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $76,120
- Employed in North Dakota
- 270
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $33,650 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for nail technicians in major North Dakota markets:
- Grand Forks
- $49,290 (30 employed)
- Minot
- $31,130 (30 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 $33,430 median stretches to roughly $37,562 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)
North Dakota is projected to grow nail technicians employment +2.1%, slower than the +7.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 40 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Dakota License and Certification Requirements
Nail Technician license — regulated by the North Dakota Board of Cosmetology.
- Complete 350 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
Short, affordable path. Income depends on clientele and booth-rent vs. commission; specialty/nail-art skills raise rates.
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 want one of the fastest licensed paths to self-employment and enjoy creative, client-facing work.
Think twice if: Chemical fume exposure, the physical posture of nail work, and a low median wage that requires strong tip income to make work sound difficult.
Why it's resilient: Nail services require physical technique, client trust, and in-person presence — immune to automation and consistently in demand.
First Steps
Check your state's required hours (ranging from 150 to 600+) and find a licensed nail technology school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nail technicians make in North Dakota?
The median wage for nail technicians in North Dakota is $33,430 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $30,560, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $76,120. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Nail Technician in North Dakota?
Nail Technician license, overseen by the North Dakota Board of Cosmetology. Complete 350 hours at a licensed school.
Is being a Nail Technician a good career in North Dakota?
Nail services require physical technique, client trust, and in-person presence — immune to automation and consistently in demand.
Which North Dakota metros pay nail technicians the most?
Among North Dakota metro areas, Grand Forks leads at $49,290, followed by Minot ($31,130). 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 Nail Technician 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 nail technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Nail Technician a growing career in North Dakota?
North Dakota projects nail technicians employment to change +2.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40 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 39-5092. 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.