How to Become a Licensed Cosmetologist in North Dakota (2026)

Overview

Cosmetologists provide hair, skin, and nail services. All 50 states require a license. Requirements include completing a state-approved program and passing written and practical exams.

1,650 program hours. NIC exams.

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License tiers and what each allows

License	What you can do	Exam required
Cosmetology Student	Training level. Work under supervision. No independent work.	Registration only
Licensed Cosmetologist	Install, repair, and maintain systems under supervision or independently in most states.	Yes. State licensing exam (~$60 fee)
Cosmetology Instructor	Full independent work, supervise others, pull permits, design systems.	Yes. Advanced state exam

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Step-by-step path

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Fee summary

Item	Fee
Apprentice registration	Varies (check board)
Journeyman exam	$60
Journeyman license	$55
License renewal (annual)	$55

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Salary by experience level

Wages vary by license level, metro area, and union status. The estimates below reflect typical ranges nationally; North Dakota wages are approximately $33,870/yr at journeyman level (BLS May 2024 median).

Stage	Typical range	Notes
Apprentice	$12–$17/hr	Supervised training period; wage increases each year
Journeyman	$15–$25/hr	After licensure; independent work authorized
Master / Contractor	$25–$50/hr	Supervisory authority, permit rights, contractor eligibility

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Realistic timeline: start to licensed

Here is a realistic calendar for someone starting from scratch with no prior experience.

Phase	Duration	What happens
Cosmetology school enrollment	1–2 weeks	Apply to a state-approved, NACCAS-accredited cosmetology program.
Complete required training hours	1–2 years	Complete 1,000–1,800 supervised training hours (varies by state) at an approved school.
State board exam — written	1–4 weeks to schedule	Pass the written theory exam covering anatomy, chemistry, sanitation, and state law.
State board exam — practical	Same period	Pass the practical skills demonstration before an examiner.
License application processing	2–4 weeks	Submit application with school transcript, exam results, and application fee.

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Union vs. independent path

Cosmetology does not have a traditional union apprenticeship model. Licensing requires completing an accredited school program rather than employer-supervised hours. Both paths lead to the same state license — the difference is in how you accumulate your hours and the employment benefits you receive during training.

	Union (No major union; independent salon ownership common)	Non-union / independent
Training path	Accredited cosmetology school (required)	Apprenticeship programs exist in a few states as alternative
Program length	1,000–1,800 hours (1–2 years)	Same hour requirement, different delivery
Cost	$6,000–$20,000 tuition (financial aid available)	Lower cost in states that allow apprenticeships
Job placement	School placement programs, salon recruiting	Salon that sponsors apprenticeship often hires graduates
Licensing exam	State written + practical board exam	Same exam regardless of training path
Career path	Employee stylist → independent booth renter → salon owner	Same career ladder

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Transferring your license from another state

Cosmetology license reciprocity is more available than most trades. Many states have endorsement processes where you can apply for a license if you hold an active license in another state and your training hours meet minimum requirements. The National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) administers exams in most states, which aids portability.

If you currently hold a cosmetologist license in another state and want to work in North Dakota, contact the North Dakota Secretary of State / trade-specific boards directly before applying. Bring documentation of your current license, your work history, and your exam scores — many boards will expedite review for out-of-state applicants with equivalent credentials.

North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology official site ^ Top

Frequently asked questions