If you live in Kansas, love all things beauty, and are looking for your next career adventure, going to cosmetology school may be right for you! No matter which of the four corners of the state you're in, you'll find people need help with their hair, skin, or nails.
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.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
What to Expect from a Cosmetology Program in Kansas
1,500 Hours
Time to Complete a Cosmetology Program in Kansas
Your Kansas cosmetology program will run for a minimum of 1500 hours and cover hair, skin, and nail services, as well as business skills, state law, and sanitation. Some of the work will take place through lectures and demonstrations, and you'll spend a lot of time working hands-on.
Cosmetology schools in Kansas are required to follow the following curriculum (at a minimum):
Note: Like many states, Kansas is updating its licensure laws. You can read about a potential new curriculum on the Board's website. As of the time of publication, the curriculum detailed above is still in use.
Can I Become a Cosmetologist in Kansas Via an Apprenticeship?
Kansas considers students enrolled in cosmetology programs to be "apprentices" when they start working with the public. However, "apprentices" are only allowed to work in licensed schools, not shops. So, no, Kansas does not allow cosmetology apprenticeships in the traditional sense.
Despite this, you do need to apply for and pay for an apprentice license before you can start working on customers, even though you will be doing so in your school salon.
How to Get Your Cosmetology License in Kansas
In addition to completing a cosmetology program, you must be at least 17, have completed high school (or the equivalent), pass two exams, and submit a fee and application before getting your license in Kansas.
The Kansas Board of Cosmetology offers a license application checklist to help you on your way.
Kansas Cosmetology License Exams
Kansas requires two cosmetology exams: a written exam and a written practical exam. A written cosmetology test covers the theories behind cosmetology, while a written practical test shows that you understand how to perform procedures without physically showing a test proctor your skills.
Kansas cosmetology exams take place at two different points in your training: The written test occurs once you've completed 1,000 training hours, and you can take the practical test once you've finished at least 1,420 hours.
Both tests last for two hours and are administered on the computer. You don't need to bring anything to your tests; all supplies are provided.
The written test has 120 multiple-choice questions, 100 of which are scored. The portions break down as follows:
Laws, Rules, and Regulations: 25%
Sanitation, Safety, and Infection Control: 40%
Implements, Tools, and Equipment: 2%
Product Knowledge and Chemistry: 4%
Anatomy and Physiology: 2%
Hair Care and Services: 19%
Nail Care and Services: 4%
Skin Care and Services: 4%
The written practical test has 125 questions, which cover the following topics:
Blood Exposure: 3%
Safety and Sanitation: 11%
Set Up: 2%
Thermal Curling: 3%
Haircut: 10%
Hair Coloring: 10%
Chemcial Wave: 7%
Chemical Relaxer: 13%
Manicure: 6%
Pedicure: 6%
Nail Enhancements: 10%
Facials: 10%
Extraction: 2%
Temporary Hair Removal: 8%
You must achieve at least a 75% on each test to apply for licensure. The Kansas Candidate Information Bulletin dives into the nitty-gritty of what to expect on the days you take your tests.
Kansas uses cosmetology tests created by the National Testing Network rather than the more common National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) exams, but the topics are largely the same. Tests are only available in English, so English Language Learners should study accordingly (and never be afraid to ask your teachers for help!).
Before you can apply to take your tests, your school or the Kansas Board of Cosmetology needs to refer you to cosmetologykansas.com. Once that's done, you head to the website and schedule your tests. Each test costs $75, and you must pay $75 for each retake.
Cosmetology license exams occur only on certain dates and in specific locations. Testing centers are in
You have to apply for an exam slot in advance; walk-ins are not permitted. Upcoming exam dates by location are available on the CosmetologyKansas website.
Kansas Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
Until the Cosmetology Compact becomes fully active, Kansas generally does not have a reciprocity agreement with any other state. However, if you're a licensed cosmetologist in another location and want to work in Kansas, you can apply for out-of-state licensure. There are four ways in which someone may qualify for this type of license:
You completed 1500 training hours and have an active license: Take a 20-question open-book test
You completed 1500 training hours, but don't have an active license: Take board exams
You completed fewer than 1500 training hours, but do have an active license: Take board exams
You completed fewer than 1500 training hours and don't have an active license: Take additional courses and pass exams
There are a few situations in which you may qualify for reciprocity, such as being in the military or the spouse of a military servicemember. Years of professional experience may also impact your eligibility for reciprocity.
Cosmetology Specialties in Kansas
Cosmetology school is a great option if you want to provide a variety of services or if you want to check everything out before narrowing your focus. However, if you already know you want to provide specific services only, you could choose to take extra classes in that area, get a different license, or find a field that doesn't require licensure. Some Kansas cosmetology specialties are:
You need a cosmetology or esthetician license to work as a lash artist or makeup artist. Microblading and permanent cosmetics require a tattoo or cosmetic tattoo license.
The Kansas Board of Cosmetology provides a handy FAQ section.
Cosmetology License Renewal in Kansas
2 Years
License renewal period
0 Hours
Continuing education required
You need to renew your Kansas cosmetology license every two years by the last day of the month it was issued. So, if you get your cosmetology license on June 3, 2026, it needs to be renewed by June 30, 2028. You can apply for renewal no more than six weeks before your license expires.
To do this, you fill out an application, pay a fee, and pass a short renewal exam (which you can take at home and submit with your application. If you have been convicted of a felony since you last applied for your license, you need to provide details about that situation.
Cosmetologist Salary and Projected Job Growth in Kansas
According to CareerOneStop, cosmetologists in Kansas earned between $16,220 to $70,180 (median of $34,740) per year as of 2024. Pay is influenced by many factors, including your years of experience, the services you offer, and where you live. In general, the higher the cost of living, the higher the pay.
Area
2024 Salary Range
Manhattan, KS Metro Area
$21,370–$62,410 (Median: $35,480)
Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area
$25,580–$76,570 (Median: $33,180)
Lawrence, KS Metro Area
$16,140–$61,370 (Median: $30,730)
Wichita, KS Metro Area
$15,490–$69,560 (Median: $29,890)
Kansas Balance of State
$15,080–$66,300 (Median: $29,710)
Joplin, MO-KS Metro Area
$25,580–$56,750 (Median: $28,580)
Topeka, KS Metro Area
$17,670–$58,320 (Median: $28,330)
St. Joseph, MO-KS Metro Area
$25,580–$43,910 (Median: $27,430)
Source: CareerOneStop (2026)
The number of cosmetology jobs in Kansas is expected to grow by 2% between 2022 and 2032.
