Cosmetologist in North Dakota
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for ND
How to Become a Cosmetologist in North Dakota
To become a licensed cosmetologist in North Dakota, applicants must complete 1500 hours of training from a board-approved cosmetology school. They must then pass three examinations: the NIC National Cosmetology Written Exam, the North Dakota Cosmetology Laws, Rules, and Regulations Exam, and the North Dakota State Cosmetology Practical Exam. The application fee for an initial license is $50, and licenses must be renewed annually with 4 hours of board-approved continuing education. North Dakota offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet comparable requirements and pass the state's laws and rules exam.
Cosmetologist Requirements in North Dakota
| Detail | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1500 hours of school training (effective August 1, 2021) |
| Exam | NIC National Cosmetology Written Exam, North Dakota Cosmetology Laws, Rules, and Regulations Exam, and North Dakota State Cosmetology Practical Exam ($140) |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 4.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age: 16 years old. High school diploma or GED is required. Background check may be required if charged or convicted of an offense other than a minor traffic violation in the past 5 years. |
Cosmetologist Salary in North Dakota
The median cosmetologist salary in North Dakota is $33,870 per year, which is 3.9% below the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $23,100 |
| 25th | $29,140 |
| 50th (median) | $33,870 |
| 75th | $51,140 |
| 90th (experienced) | $77,630 |
North Dakota employs approximately 930 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 North Dakota Worth It?
Factors to consider: North Dakota's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.