Cosmetologist in Missouri

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

Median annual salary

$30,390

trending_down -13.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering

5,470

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$171

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in Missouri

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Missouri, you must complete 1500 hours of training at a Board-approved cosmetology school or 3000 hours as an apprentice. After completing your education, you need to pass both the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Examinations, administered by Prov. Finally, submit your application along with a $25 fee to the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Reciprocity is available for those licensed in other states with similar requirements or two years of experience, provided they meet specific documentation and testing criteria.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $26,600

25th percentile $28,570

50th (median) $30,390

75th percentile $43,580

90th (experienced) $73,050

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

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing body	Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
State license	Required
Education	1500 hours of training from a Board-approved school or 3000 hours as an apprentice. Must be at least 17 years old and have a 10th-grade education or GED.
Exam	NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Examinations (administered by Prov) ($146)
Application fee	$25
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age is 17 years old. A 10th-grade education or GED is required. Apprenticeship of 3000 hours is an alternative to the 1500 school hours. No continuing education is required for renewal.

Source: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber 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_circleMissouri 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

How do you get certified as a cosmetologist in Missouri? expand_more

To become a cosmetologist in Missouri, you need to complete the required education (1500 hours of training from a Board-approved school or 3000 hours as an apprentice. Must be at least 17 years old and have a 10th-grade education or GED.), pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Examinations (administered by Prov), and submit your application ($25 fee).

Does Missouri require cosmetologist licensure? expand_more

Missouri mandates state licensure for cosmetologists. Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners oversees the process, which includes passing the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Examinations (administered by Prov).

What is the average cosmetologist salary in Missouri? expand_more

cosmetologists in Missouri earn a median of $30,390 annually. — 14% under the $35,250 national average. Wages range from $26,600 (10th percentile) up to $73,050 (90th percentile).

What are the fees to become a cosmetologist in Missouri? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($146) and application fee ($25) plus your education and training.

How many months or years does cosmetologist certification take in Missouri? expand_more

The typical timeline in Missouri is 9-12 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.