Cosmetologist in Minnesota

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

Median annual salary

$42,850

trending_up +21.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.

engineering

5,230

Jobs (MN)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$255

Licensing fees

schedule

Approximately 10-14 months for training, plus 4-6 weeks for exam and licensing.

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Minnesota

To become a licensed cosmetologist in Minnesota, individuals must complete 1,550 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school and hold a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must pass the Minnesota Cosmetology Exam, which includes General, State, and Practical sections. The application fee for initial licensure is $195, and the license must be renewed every three years with 8 hours of continuing education. Minnesota offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet the state's training hour requirements and hold a current, valid license.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $24,530

25th percentile $33,670

50th (median) $42,850

75th percentile $57,490

90th (experienced) $62,530

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

checklist Minnesota requirements

Licensing body	Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners
State license	Required
Education	1550 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school and a high school diploma or GED.
Exam	Minnesota Cosmetology Exam (General, State, and Practical sections) ($60)
Application fee	$195
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Continuing education	8.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 17. CE requirement is 4 hours of core topics (safety, infection control, laws & rules) and 4 hours of professional practice. Exam results are valid for one year. Initial training is valid for five years.

Source: Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners

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

psychology

Wondering if a cosmetologist career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a cosmetologist in Minnesota? expand_more

The path to cosmetologist licensure in Minnesota: complete the required education (1550 hours of training at a board-approved cosmetology school and a high school diploma or GED.), pass the Minnesota Cosmetology Exam (General, State, and Practical sections), and submit your application ($195 fee).

Is a cosmetologist license required in Minnesota? expand_more

Yes, Minnesota requires a state license to practice as a cosmetologist. The licensing body is Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners. You must pass the Minnesota Cosmetology Exam (General, State, and Practical sections).

What is the average cosmetologist salary in Minnesota? expand_more

cosmetologists in Minnesota earn a median of $42,850 annually. This exceeds the $35,250 national median by 22%. Wages range from $24,530 (10th percentile) up to $62,530 (90th percentile).

What's the total cost to get cosmetologist certified in Minnesota? expand_more

Between exam fee ($60) and application fee ($195), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How quickly can I become a cosmetologist in Minnesota? expand_more

The typical timeline in Minnesota is Approximately 10-14 months for training, plus 4-6 weeks for exam and licensing.. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do cosmetologists need in Minnesota? expand_more

Yes — cosmetologists in Minnesota must complete 8.0 CE hours every 3.0 years to stay licensed.