Cosmetologist in Montana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MT. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Montana.
Jobs (MT)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cosmetologist in Montana
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Montana, applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. They need to complete a 2000-hour training program from a Montana Board-approved cosmetology school. After completing the education, candidates must pass both the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams with a minimum score of 75% and submit an application with an $80 fee to the Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. Montana does not have reciprocity agreements; out-of-state licensees must apply by examination and may need to complete additional training hours if their previous state's requirements are not equivalent. Continuing education is not required for cosmetologists to maintain their licenses in Montana.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Montana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Montana requirements
| Licensing body | Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 2000-hour training program and High school diploma or GED |
| Exam | NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($169) |
| Application fee | $80 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Montana does not have reciprocity; applicants must apply by examination and pass national NIC exams.Reciprocal states: Montana does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. Applicants licensed in other states may apply for licensure by examination, and their application will be considered under the 'out-of-state' licensing rule. They must pass the national NIC exams and may be required to get additional training hours if their home state's requirements are not comparable to Montana's 2000-hour requirement. |
| Notes | Minimum age of 18. Applicants must pass the NIC National Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams with at least 75% proficiency. Continuing education is not required for cosmetologists to maintain their licenses in Montana. However, cosmetology teachers are required to complete 30 hours of CE per 2-year cycle. |
Source: Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Montana? See whether Montana recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Cosmetologist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleMontana license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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