Cosmetologist in Kansas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for KS
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.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Kansas
| Detail | Kansas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Kansas Board of Cosmetology |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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
Cosmetologist Salary in Kansas
The median cosmetologist salary in Kansas is $34,740 per year, which is 1.4% below the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $16,220 |
| 25th | $24,840 |
| 50th (median) | $34,740 |
| 75th | $46,290 |
| 90th (experienced) | $70,180 |
Kansas employs approximately 2,340 cosmetologists.
Cosmetologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Cosmetologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Cosmetologist in Kansas Worth It?
Factors to consider: Kansas's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.