Cosmetologist in Nebraska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NE. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Nebraska.
Jobs (NE)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become a cosmetologist in Nebraska
To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Nebraska, individuals must complete 1800 hours of training from a board-approved cosmetology school and possess a high school diploma or GED. Applicants must be at least 17 years old and pass the NIC National Written Exam, a Practical Exam, and a Nebraska Jurisprudence Exam. Nebraska offers reciprocity for licensees from other states if their training and examination requirements are equivalent or greater than Nebraska's, with provisions for work experience to cover hour deficiencies.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Nebraska. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Nebraska requirements
| Licensing body | Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services - Cosmetology |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 1800 hours of training from a board-approved cosmetology school and a high school diploma or GED |
| Exam | NIC National Written Exam, Nebraska Jurisprudence Exam, and a Practical Exam ($170) |
| Application fee | $95 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 8.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Nebraska grants licenses if hours are equivalent and prior exam passed; otherwise, the NIC exam is required.Reciprocal states: Granted to applicants who have completed equivalent or greater hours required by Nebraska (1800 hours) and passed a written exam. Work experience (100 hours per month of full-time practice) may be considered for hour deficiencies. If a written exam was not required in the previous jurisdiction, the NIC examination must be taken. |
| Notes | Minimum age of 17 years old. Applicants must be lawfully present in the United States. A criminal conviction may disqualify an applicant. |
Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services - Cosmetology
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Nebraska? See whether Nebraska 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_circleNebraska license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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