Cosmetology Schools in South Dakota

If you're considering attending cosmetology school in South Dakota, now could be the perfect time. The number of jobs is growing at a faster rate than the national prediction, and the state's cosmetologists earn a significantly higher median salary than those across the country as well.

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.

Cosmetology Schools Near Me

Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in South Dakota have to offer.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in South Dakota

South Dakota Cosmetology Careers At a Glance
  • 2,100 education hours are required to become licensed.
  • You must renew your license every year.
  • 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
  • The median salary for cosmetologists in South Dakota is $49,050. This is higher than the national median of $35,250.
  • There is a predicted 10% job increase between 2023-2033 for cosmetologists. This is higher than the expected national growth of 7%.

People go to great lengths to look their best, and when you become a cosmetologist, you can help them reach their goals.

From new hair coloring options like ombre and balayage to modern haircuts that use a whole slew of tools, cosmetologists make it all happen.

State License Requirements

2,100 Education Hours

Required to earn a cosmetology license

When you make it to the end of your training, it's time to make all your hard work pay off with a beauty license. The South Dakota Cosmetology Commission verifies your training hours and allows you to schedule your written and practical exams. After passing exams and paying an $80 licensing fee, you can become a cosmetologist.

Education Details

A solid career begins with the right education, which is why it is so important to find a South Dakota beauty school that meets your needs. Accredited programs offer programs of at least 2100 hours. During this time, you have to get sufficient training in specific subject areas, listed below.

Subjects Taught at Cosmetology Schools in SD

  • Infection control and safety procedures
  • Chemistry, bacteriology, anatomy, and physiology
  • Tinting, bleaching, highlighting, and tipping
  • Chemical hair relaxing
  • Haircuts
  • Hairstyling, wave shaping, thermal curling, pin curling, and wig styling
  • Shampooing
  • Braiding
  • Scalp care
  • Permanent waving
  • Nail technology
  • Massage of the scalp
  • Esthetics and facials
  • Business practices

Practical experience is a significant priority in beauty school. You start with mannequin heads to develop your technique and get comfortable working with hair. After completing a set amount of hours, you can work with clients under the supervision of instructors.

License Renewal

1 Year

License renewal period

0 Hours

Continuing education required

Cosmetology license renewal in South Dakota happens annually. You must renew your license by your birthday each year to keep your license valid. Cosmetology instructors are required to get 12 hours of cosmetology continuing education per year; most other cosmetology licenses do not currently have any continuing education requirements. You will have to complete CEUs if you want to offer microdermabrasion or electric nail filing services. Personal beauty practitioner licenses cost $20 to renew and instructor licenses cost $25 to renew.

South Dakota Cosmetology Careers

$49,050

Median yearly salary for cosmetology in South Dakota

According to CareerOneStop, job openings for cosmetologists are expected to increase 10% between 2023 and 2033. South Dakota cosmetologists earn a median of $49,050 per year as of 2024. Your salary may depend on what type of salon you work at and how well you meet clients' needs, since tips often make up a significant part of a cosmetologist's income.

Career options vary all over South Dakota. In large cities like Sioux Falls, you may find a wide range of salons, spas, and eclectic beauty shops. Smaller areas are often home to nail salons, family salons, and privately owned salons.

Contact the South Dakota State Board of Cosmetology

South Dakota Cosmetology Commission

By some accounts, cosmetology is resurging in South Dakota. With that future in mind, many take advantage of these resources to get their careers started.

International SalonSpa Network
Professional Beauty Association

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Cosmetology
South Dakota

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Your State

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