Cosmetologist in Kansas

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KS. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$34,740

trending_down -1.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Kansas.

engineering

2,340

Jobs (KS)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$185

Licensing fees

schedule

9-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Kansas

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Kansas, individuals must complete a 1500-hour training program at a board-approved cosmetology school and hold a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must pass both a written and practical examination with a score of 75% or higher. The application fee is $60, and the combined exam cost is $125. Kansas does not offer direct reciprocity, but individuals licensed in other states can apply for licensure by submitting an out-of-state application and potentially taking a 20-question open-book exam or the full written and practical exams. Cosmetologists must be at least 17 years old and complete 5 hours of continuing education in infection control and blood-borne pathogens every two-year renewal cycle, with 8 hours required for initial licensure.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $16,220

25th percentile $24,840

50th (median) $34,740

75th percentile $46,290

90th (experienced) $70,180

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Kansas. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Kansas requirements

Licensing body	Kansas Board of Cosmetology
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program and High school diploma or GED
Exam	NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($125)
Application fee	$60
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	5.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 17 years old. Requires a high school diploma or GED. Initial licensure requires applicants to submit eight hours of continuing education in infection control and blood-borne pathogens. A background check may be required.

Source: Kansas Board of Cosmetology

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

75,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

575,200

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.68/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleKansas license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a cosmetologist in Kansas? expand_more

To become a cosmetologist in Kansas, you need to complete the required education (1500-hour training program and High school diploma or GED), pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($60 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a cosmetologist in Kansas? expand_more

Kansas mandates state licensure for cosmetologists. Kansas Board of Cosmetology oversees the process, which includes passing the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams.

What is the average cosmetologist salary in Kansas? expand_more

The median cosmetologist salary in Kansas is $34,740 per year. — within a few percent of the $35,250 national figure. New cosmetologists start around $16,220; seasoned professionals can reach $70,180.

How expensive is cosmetologist licensing in Kansas? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($125) and application fee ($60). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become a cosmetologist in Kansas? expand_more

Most candidates in Kansas complete the process in 9-24 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

What's required to renew a cosmetologist license in Kansas? expand_more

License renewal in Kansas requires completing 5.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.