Cosmetology Schools in Minnesota
Hair tutorials on YouTube, makeup tips via TikTok, and nail art trends on Instagram—if glam-obsessed social media is any indication, the beauty industry is booming. Ready to join the craze and become a cosmetologist? Minnesota may be an ideal place to earn your cosmetology license.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Minnesota, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
We researched all the cosmetology schools that Minnesota has to offer and found the cream of the crop. View our list of the best cosmetology schools in Minnesota.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Minnesota
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400 Central Avenue Southeast
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Cosmetology Careers Unlimited College of Hair, Skin, and Nails – Accredited
Duluth, MN 55802
Federal Correctional Institution Waseca – Accredited
Waseca, MN 56093
Minnesota State Community and Technical College – Accredited
Wadena, MN 56482
Minnesota West Community and Technical College – Accredited
Pipestone, MN 56164
You must attend school in the state you want to practice in. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited school. Learn more about the requirements in your state.
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:
Cosmetology Schools Near Me
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Minnesota have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Minnesota
- 1,550 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 3 years.
- 8 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for cosmetologists in Minnesota is $36,340.
- There is a predicted 3% job increase between 2018–2028 for cosmetologists.
A cosmetologist is a beauty professional who provides services meant to enhance a client’s appearance, such as hair cutting and styling, hair removal, nail care, skin care, and makeup application.
To become a cosmetologist in Minnesota, you first need to fulfill certain requirements, which include:
Minnesota Cosmetology Careers
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Minnesota
On average, cosmetologists in Minnesota earned $36,340 annually or $17.47 per hour in 2021. The top 10% of cosmetologists in the state made $52,350 or more.
While the projected job growth for cosmetologists in Minnesota isn’t as high as nationwide figures, employment opportunities are expected to grow by 3% from 2018 to 2028 in the state.
Salaries vary based on various factors, including the type of services offered, level of experience, and geographic location. The highest-paying metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas for cosmetologists in Minnesota are:
| Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Areas | 2021 Median Salary |
| Rochester, MN | $29,860 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $29,730 |
| Northwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | $29,670 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $29,390 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $29,220 |
| Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | $28,640 |
| Southwest Minnesota nonmetropolitan area | $28,590 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $28,560 |
Table information sourced from O*Net (2022)
State License Requirements
Required to earn a cosmetology license
Before taking the required cosmetology exams, you’ll need to complete 1,550 hours of training at a board-approved school. The curriculum must include the entire nail technician course, the full esthetician course, and hair services training.
The first 240 hours of your cosmetology education should comprise cosmetology theory related to anatomy, dermatology, trichology, manicuring, and chemistry. It must also include instruction on electricity and light, infection control, safety procedures, and Minnesota Statutes and rules related to the practice of cosmetology.
Each cosmetology program varies but should include the following coursework:
Overall, total skill hours should total 1,130 hours, and related theory and lecture should amount to 420 hours. While students may be able to take theory-based classes online, their practical classes will be in person.
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Minnesota?
Minnesota doesn’t currently offer an apprenticeship program for cosmetology.
Minnesota Cosmetology Licensing Requirements
You can take the required cosmetology licensing exams after completing your 1,550 training hours. You will register for these exams online through Minnesota’s testing vendor, PSI.
To earn your cosmetology license, you must pass the written theory, written practical, and state exams. A passing score is 75% or higher for each. You can take these tests as a combination exam—lasting five hours—or separately. The cost of the combination exam is $85.
The written theory exam has 100 scored items. You have two hours to complete the test, and the testing fee is $33.
The written theory exam includes:
- Safety and Infection Control (25%)
- Client Consultation and Professional Conduct (4%)
- Hair, Skin, and Nail Anatomy (8%)
- Shampooing, Conditioning, and Scalp Care (5%)
- Hairstyling (7%)
- Haircutting (12%)
- Hair Coloring (12%)
- Chemical Texture Services (11%)
- Esthetics (8%)
- Nails (8%)
The written practical exam contains 60 scored items. You have two hours to complete the exam, and the testing fee is $28.
The practical exam contains the following:
- Safety and Infection Control (15%)
- Shampooing, Conditioning, and Scalp Care (12%)
- Hairstyling (10%)
- Hair Coloring (13%)
- Permanent Waving (7%)
- Chemical Relaxing (7%)
- Hair Cutting (13%)
- Skin Care (8%)
- Hair Removal (5%)
- Nail Care (7%)
- Nail Enhancements (3%)
Minnesota’s cosmetology exam comprises 30 scored items, and you have one hour to complete it. The exam fee is $24. The state exam includes:
- General Information (15%)
- Licensing (25%)
- Practice Requirements (45%)
- Enforcement (15%)
On the test day, candidates must bring two forms of valid identification and can take the examinations in Vietnamese, Spanish, or English. You will receive your scores immediately after you’ve completed the exams.
If you require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you can apply online with the relevant documentation detailing your condition, requested accommodations, and medical authority’s information.
Minnesota Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
License reciprocity is available in Minnesota. In order to transfer your license, you need to fill out a license transfer application, and your training hours must meet or exceed Minnesota’s cosmetology education requirement of 1,550 hours.
If your license is active and hasn’t expired, you only need to submit the transfer application. If your license isn’t active or has expired, then you must complete a Skills Course through a Minnesota course provider and submit your certificate along with your application.
If your license hasn’t been active for three years, then you’ll need to attend a Minnesota cosmetology school as a transfer student and complete all remaining hours and requirements (including passing the practical exam). Once done, submit your transfer course certificate along with your license transfer application.
Active members of the military, their spouses, or veterans of two years or less can apply for a temporary license if licensed in another state. This license is valid for one year and is not eligible for renewal.
Cosmetology Specialties in Minnesota
Licensed cosmetologists in Minnesota can apply for licensure as advanced practice estheticians. The curriculum consists of 500 training hours and will teach you how to perform chemical peels, advanced facial treatments, and electrical energy services.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Minnesota cosmetologists must renew their license every three years before the last day of their birth month. To renew your license, you need to submit a renewal application, pay the $100 renewal license fee and $15 application fee, and complete eight hours of continuing education before the expiration date.
The continuing education requirements consist of eight hours total.
Four continuing education hours must comprise core continuing education including one hour related to state cosmetology laws and rules, and three hours related to health, safety, and infection control.
The other four hours of professional practice continuing education must cover one or more of the following topics:
Contact the Minnesota State Board of Cosmetology
- 1000 University Avenue West Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55104
- Website: Minnesota Board of Cosmetology
- Email: cosmetology@state.mn.us
- Call: 651-201-2742
- Fax: 651-649-5702
Minnesota has shown rapid development with regards to the beauty industry. More are finding their niche in cosmetology’s multi-dimensional appeal. To that end, many start their journey by beginning the process through these organizations.
Minnesota Board of Cosmetology
The state board is responsible for overseeing the rules and regulations related to the practice of cosmetology in the state of Minnesota. The website includes information on licensing requirements, FAQs, applications, and more.
Beauty Certified Education Association
This non-profit offers a variety of continuing education classes for beauty professionals in Minnesota.