Cosmetology Schools in Minnesota
- 1,550 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 3 years.
- 4 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- Average salary for cosmetology in Minnesota is $30,690.
- There is a predicted 7% job increase between 2016 - 2026.
With fashion-forward college students, a booming fashion industry, and some of the most stylish cities in the Midwest, Minnesota is the obvious choice for your career in cosmetology.
State License Requirements
Required to earn a cosmetology license
Once you make it through your 1,550 hours of training and you get your beauty school diploma, its time to earn your license and put your skills to the test. Through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners, you can take your skills test and your written test. They charge a $195 licensing fee when you submit your application. Upon passing your exams and having your application approved, you can get your license and jump into the workforce.
Education Details
No matter where you live in Minnesota, you are likely close to several MN cosmetology schools that meet or exceed state licensing requirements. At these programs, you can learn how to process the perfect bayalage, shape eyebrows with wax, and give busy customers an on-point angled bob. Approved schools must meet certain standards and teach specific skills.
Required Teaching Topics in Cosmetology
- Shampooing
- Scalp and hair conditioning
- Hair design and shaping
- Chemical hair control
- Hair coloring
- Hairstyling
- Facials and makeup
- Manicures and pedicures
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Beauty licenses are renewed every three years in Minnesota, and your license will expire on the last day of your birth month. Even if you received your license in December, that counts as year one. Operator licenses cost $81 to renew, and manager and cosmetology instructor license cost $114 to renew. A $45 late fee is assessed for any renewal that is not processed by the last date of your birth month. Minnesota requires four continuing education credits per renewal period. At least three of these hours must be in safety and sanitation. The remaining hour must focus on laws and statutes.
Minnesota Cosmetology Careers
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Minnesota
With a license, you may take advantage of recent growth in Minnesotas beauty industry. A 7% increase in job openings is expected between 2016 and 2026 (O*Net, 2019). Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Minnesota cosmetologists claim an average salary of $30,690 per year (2019).
Walk down the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and youll see how huge Minnesotas beauty industry is! The state is full of specialty salons, luxury spas, family beauty salons, and shops that offer specialized services. With a cosmetology license, you can build your skills in several different areas and pick your career path. The Cosmetology Association of Minnesota supports licensed cosmetologists and cosmetology students, giving you ways to stay connected in the industry and learn about new opportunities.
Contact the Minnesota State Board of Cosmetology
- 2829 University Ave. SE, Suite 710 Minneapolis, MN 55414
- Email: bceboard@state.mn.us
- Call: 651-201-2742
- Fax: 612-617-2601
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 Examiners
Beauty Certified Education Association
Professional Beauty Association
Find Other Cosmetology Schools in Minnesota
Check out the Cosmetology schools other cities in Minnesota have to offer.
You must attend school in the state you want to practice in. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited school. Click here to learn more about the requirements in your state.



Bloomington Career & College Academy – Accredited
Bloomington, MN 55431
Cosmetology Careers Unlimited College of Hair, Skin, and Nails – Accredited
Duluth, MN 55802
Federal Correctional Institution Waseca – Accredited
Waseca, MN 56093
Minnesota West Community and Technical College – Accredited
Pipestone, MN 56164