Personal Care & Fitness Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

Cosmetologist Salary in Minnesota

The median cosmetologist salary in Minnesota is $34,028 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $35,080.

Median Salary
$34,028
vs National
$-1,052
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Cosmetologist Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for cosmetologist compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for cosmetologist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $34,028 per year, cosmetologists in Minnesota earn $1,052 less than the national median of $35,080.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning cosmetologist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: cosmetologists at the 10th percentile earn $21,340, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $56,260 — a $34,920 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $36,834.

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for cosmetologists across the country.

Cosmetologist Salary in Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $23,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,350 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,280
$-720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,920
$-1,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,350
$-1,650 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $21,340
25th Percentile $26,190
Median (50th) $34,028
75th Percentile $44,620
90th Percentile $56,260

Cosmetologist Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for cosmetologists in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Minnesota

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Minnesota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook in Minnesota

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Minnesota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Minnesota? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Minnesota is $34,028 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $21,340 (10th percentile) to $56,260 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,028, a cosmetologist in Minnesota earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for cosmetologists? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for cosmetologist pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level cosmetologists earn $23,280, while senior professionals earn $53,350.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for cosmetologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for cosmetologists is Hawaii at $59,636. Minnesota's median of $34,028 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($34,378) and Arizona ($34,028).
What is the entry-level cosmetologist salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level cosmetologist in Minnesota earns approximately $23,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $34,920. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $53,350.
What city in Minnesota pays cosmetologists the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for cosmetologists, with a median salary of $36,834. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.