Cosmetology Schools in South Dakota

If you live in South Dakota and love all things beauty, attending cosmetology school might be right for you! And there's no time like the present, especially since cosmetology careers

in the state are expected to grow much more quickly than the national projection. The state's average pay is also higher than the national average.

Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in South Dakota, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.

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Lake Area Technical Institute – Accredited

1201 Arrow Avenue
Watertown, SD 57201

Paul Mitchell The School Rapid City – Accredited

333 Omaha Street Suites 6 and 7
Rapid City, SD 57701

Stewart School – Accredited

604 West Avenue North
Sioux Falls, SD 57104

The Salon Professional Academy - Rapid City – Accredited

937 East North Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
Accredited School

You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in South Dakota

South Dakota Cosmetology Careers At a Glance
  • Cosmetology School Hours: 1500
  • Renewal Years: 1
  • Continuing Education Requirements: 0
  • Median Cosmetologist Salary (2024): $49,050
  • Projected Job Growth (2022 – 2032): 10%

What to Expect from a Cosmetology Program in South Dakota

1500 Hours

Time to Complete a Cosmetology Program in South Dakota

South Dakota cosmetologists can provide a wide range of hair, nail, skincare, and hair removal services. Any state-approved program has to cover all of these subjects—and more—to prepare students for licensure. The curriculum must include, at a minimum:

  • General Infection Control and Professional Standards: 150 hours
  • Relevant Science:200 hours
  • General Hair and Scalp Treatments and Services (including wigs): 300 hours
  • Chemical Hair Services: 280 hours hours
  • Esthetics and Skin services: 200 hours hours
  • Nail Technology: 120 hours hours
  • Individualized Study: 250 hours hours

Of the mandatory 1500 hours, at least 250 need to be theory classes. A school can go above 1500 hours, but the required curriculum must be met first.

Can I Become a Cosmetologist in South Dakota Through an Apprenticeship?

Yes, you can become a cosmetologist through an apprenticeship in South Dakota! Your cosmetology apprenticeship needs to last for at least 1500 consecutive hours. This means you can't take time off from your apprenticeship without a written request that shows good cause. You can opt to take your apprenticeship full-time (40+ hours per week) or part-time (a minimum of 20 hours per week). If you want to change from full- to part-time, you need to let the commissions know at least 15 days before you start working those hours.

You need to have a license to work as an apprentice, and the salon you work in can't have more than eight apprentices, with no more than two apprentices per instructor. Your trainers must provide all required educational materials, including textbooks, at no cost to you. In fact, your apprenticeship needs to be free altogether – your work is the only compensation they can receive.

If you start an apprenticeship and want to change to a cosmetology school (or vice versa), you may be able to apply your completed hours to the new program. Your school or apprenticeship supervisor just needs to sign off.

How to Get Your Cosmetology License in South Dakota

To get your South Dakota cosmetology license, you need to pass your 1500-hour school or apprenticeship program, pass a cosmetology theory and state law exam, be at least 18, submit a license agreement form, and pay the related fee. The initial license fee is $120.

South Dakota Cosmetology Exams

South Dakota requires a passing score on a written cosmetology and state law exam, which you'll take simultaneously—no practical exam needed! Until 2026, you could only take the exam remotely. However, Prov—which administers the tests—has set up exam locations in Brookings, Rapid City, and Watertown. The expectations are essentially the same as for the remote exam (which is still an option), except you aren't responsible for setting up the entire space.

If you go the remote route, you need to create a distraction-free, well-lit environment with reliable internet. There will be a video of you taking the test, so you need to have a computer (Mac, PC, or compatible Chromebook – no tablets or phones). You can't have extra people or unnecessary items, including things like a hoodie or any electronics. If you have a disability that requires examination accommodations, fill out an ADA Form as early as possible so you can have your needs met.

You need to pre-register for your exam, at which time you'll pay your exam fee. Registering for the exam can be a bit complicated, so the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission has created a registration instructions document to help you out. But one important thing to know is that you will pay the $100 exam fee up front, and if you register for the wrong exam, you will need to register for the correct one and pay the fee again. So be careful!

The National-Interstate Cosmetology Commission (NIC) exam lasts 90 minutes and comprises 110 questions. Of those, 100 are scored. The test breaks down into sections:

  • Scientific Concepts: 35%
  • Hair Care and Services: 45%
  • Skin Care and Services 10%
  • Nail Care and Services: 10%

You need to score at least 75% on your cosmetology exams. If you don't pass the first time, you don't need the Commission's permission to try again.

The test covering state laws and rules is taken at the same time as the NIC test, and it covers the current cosmetology rules in the state.

South Dakota Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity

If you're currently a licensed cosmetologist in another state, you might not need to take classes or pass the NIC exam in South Dakota. Reciprocity may be available if you meet these qualifications:

  • Your state has similar license requirements to South Dakota
  • You have an active license in that state, validated by your state via email or mail
  • You have passed the state laws and rules exam
  • You've submitted a reciprocity application and paid a $120 fee

Cosmetology Specialties in South Dakota

Cosmetology allows you to practice a wide range of treatments, but what if you want to narrow your focus? Or maybe you want to add a specific skill to your repertoire. The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission regulates cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology, as well as additional certifications in lash extension, microdermabrasion, and the use of electric nail files. Certifications are only available to licensed professionals who would be operating within their scope if they used them, so cosmetologists are eligible for all of them. Each of these options requires unique training.

If you work as a natural hair braider in South Dakota, you don't need to get a license. You must restrict your services to licensed services, so no chemical treatments are permitted.

Cosmetology Licensure Renewal in South Dakota

1 Year

License renewal period

0 Hours

Continuing education required

To keep practicing cosmetology in South Dakota, you need to renew your license by your birthdate every year. You can apply to renew your license online or by mail. Either option comes with a $45 renewal fee. Late renewal incurs a $30 penalty, and you may face disciplinary action if your license has lapsed for more than 60 days.

Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in South Dakota

$49,050

Median Cosmetology Pay in South Dakota

The future is bright for cosmetologists in South Dakota! The number of cosmetology jobs in the state is expected to grow by 10% between 2022 and 2032. Meanwhile, the national projection is only 6%! But the possibility of job openings isn't the only thing that could make cosmetology a great career field to enter right now: the median pay is nearly $14,000 higher than the national median! In South Dakota, cosmetology pay ranges from $32,670 or less to $61,900 or more, with a median salary of $49,050. Nationally, the range is $24,580 or less to $70,220 or more, and the median is $35,250. How much you could earn as a cosmetologist is influenced by several factors, including the services you offer, how many years you've been working, and your location.
Area 2024 Pay Range
West South Dakota Balance of State $37,440–$66,180 (Median: $52,250)
East South Dakota Balance of State $35,120–$71,360 (Median: $48,780)
Rapid City, SD Metro Area $23,620–$59,330 (Median: $48,590)
Sioux Falls, SD-MN Metro Area $30,330–$62,350 (Median: $48,140)
Sioux City, IA-NE-SD Metro Area $22,320–$52,200 (Median: $29,020)

Source: CareerOneStop (2026). Pay is arranged from the highest median amount to the lowest.

Contact the South Dakota State Board of Cosmetology

South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
Commercial_Combo_Program-Career-Geo
Cosmetology
South Dakota

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