North Dakota Hair School and Requirements

If you’re interested in a hairstylist career in North Dakota, securing a cosmetology license is the key to unlocking your beauty career. Still, you likely have some questions about how to make that happen.

Throughout this page, we highlight some of the essential details you should know about hairstyling and cosmetology licensing in North Dakota. Browse our directory of hair design schools in North Dakota, or skip ahead to learn about the state's hair design licensing requirements and job outlook.

Cosmetology School for North Dakota Hairdressers

Accredited cosmetology schools in North Dakota offer a comprehensive curriculum in multiple areas of the beauty industry, from hair care to salon management. Standout programs typically blend theoretical classroom study with extensive hands-on instruction.

For aspiring hairdressers and hairstylists, a cosmetology program introduces many foundational techniques, including hair cutting, styling, braiding, and coloring. While learning how to provide services is essential to your education, the best programs also highlight the soft skills and business know-how that could help if you want to start your own business.

Your cosmetology program in North Dakota may cover topics spanning from chemical services to health and safety regulations. Most of the required 1,500 hours of training occurs in a real-world salon setting. Requirements vary slightly between schools, but most cosmetology programs take about a year to complete.

READ MORE: Learn More About Cosmetology School in North Dakota

Getting a License To Do Hair in North Dakota

To begin your hair-centric career in North Dakota, securing a cosmetology license is required. After completing a 1,500-hour, accredited training program, you must pass the state’s two-part licensing exam. The exams cost $130, and you must earn a minimum score of 75% to secure your license.

North Dakota Hairstylist Salary

Before you enroll in a cosmetology program, general knowledge about job prospects and earning potential in the state might prove helpful. While salary data is challenging to pin down for freelancers, these earning numbers can at least give you an idea.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in North Dakota earned a mean hourly wage of $19.68 ($40,940 per year) as of 2023—above the national average of $16.06. ZipRecruiter reports that the average hourly rate for hairstylists in North Dakota is $22 as of April 2024, but this number can fluctuate based on recent job postings.

Contact the North Dakota State Board of Cosmetology