Cosmetologist in Nebraska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NE
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.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Nebraska
| Detail | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services - Cosmetology |
| State License Required | Yes |
| 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 |
| 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
Cosmetologist Salary in Nebraska
The median cosmetologist salary in Nebraska is $39,190 per year, which is 11.2% above the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $24,960 |
| 25th | $29,040 |
| 50th (median) | $39,190 |
| 75th | $47,280 |
| 90th (experienced) | $60,100 |
Nebraska employs approximately 1,950 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 Nebraska Worth It?
Factors to consider: Nebraska's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.