Healthcare trades
cosmetologist salary in North Dakota
The median cosmetologist in North Dakota earns $34,850 a year based on the latest BLS wage release. That is 3% below the national median of $35,790, and the top 10% in the state earns more than $77,800.
STATE MEDIAN
$34,850
Per year, 2025
TOP 10 PERCENT
$77,800
Per year
WORKERS IN STATE
870
Reported employment
VS NATIONAL
-3%
Below national median
What do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn in North Dakota?
These percentile cuts show how pay spreads from entry level earnings to top-end specialists in the state.
10TH PERCENTILE
$24,130
Lower end of the pay range
25TH PERCENTILE
$30,510
Early career benchmark
MEDIAN
$34,850
Middle of the market
75TH PERCENTILE
$53,480
Experienced worker benchmark
90TH PERCENTILE
$77,800
Top earning range
How does North Dakota compare to national earnings?
North Dakota pays 3% below the national median for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. That makes cost discipline more important, especially if you are choosing between a free apprenticeship path, a community college certificate, and a private program.
North Dakota
$34,850
State median annual wage
National median
$35,790
BLS national median wage
How do you train as a cosmetologist in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, most hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists start through community college, certificate programs, and employer-linked clinical or salon training. Compare tuition, required hours, licensing steps, and how quickly the program gets you into paid work. North Dakota typically regulates cosmetology training hours and the state licensure exam. Program length, required hours, and apprentice options vary by state board.
Lowest debt path
Apprenticeship, community college, or employer-sponsored training usually keeps borrowing pressure lowest. That matters more than raw starting pay if you are comparing a free path against a private program.
What to verify before enrolling
Check tuition, licensing hours, exam pass rates, employer placement, and how quickly the program gets you to a paid job in North Dakota.
What is the debt-to-income reality in North Dakota?
The 8% rule says a monthly student loan payment should ideally stay below 8% of gross monthly income.
For a community college style path with an illustrative $10,000 of training debt, a simple 10-year repayment schedule lands near $83 a month. Against a median gross monthly income of $2,904 in North Dakota, that works out to about 2.9%.
This is an illustrative midpoint between a free apprenticeship path and a higher-cost private program. Your exact result depends on tuition, grants, and how long you stay in school.
What else should you read next?
Healthcare trades guide
Read the full healthcare trades guide for training paths, debt ranges, and employer context.
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Trade comparison methodology
See how CollegeLens sources BLS wages, training-cost ranges, and debt-to-income examples.
Common questions about cosmetologist pay in North Dakota
What is the average cosmetologist salary in North Dakota?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $34,850 for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in North Dakota, with the top 10% above $77,800.
Is cosmetologist a good career in North Dakota?
North Dakota currently has 870 reported jobs in this trade. The path can work well when training cost stays reasonable relative to a median income of $34,850.
How do you become a cosmetologist in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, most hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists start through community college, certificate programs, and employer-linked clinical or salon training. Compare tuition, required hours, licensing steps, and how quickly the program gets you into paid work. North Dakota typically regulates cosmetology training hours and the state licensure exam. Program length, required hours, and apprentice options vary by state board.
Where does North Dakota rank for cosmetologist earnings?
North Dakota is below the national median for this trade. State median: $34,850. National median: $35,790.
What does cosmetologist training cost in North Dakota?
Training cost depends on the path. Apprenticeship can be near $0 out of pocket while you earn. Community college programs often land in the low thousands. Private trade school and certificate routes can be much higher. Always compare program cost against expected earnings in North Dakota.