Personal Care & Fitness Bismarck, ND Pop. 73,529

Cosmetologist Salary in Bismarck, North Dakota

The median cosmetologist salary in Bismarck, ND is $31,572 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the North Dakota state average.

City Median
$31,572
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-3,508
Cost of Living
90%

Cosmetologist Pay in Bismarck: What to Expect (2026)

Bismarck offers a median cosmetologist salary of $31,572, which is $0 above the North Dakota state average of $31,572. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Bismarck pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Bismarck's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Bismarck spans from $19,800 at the 10th percentile to $52,200 at the 90th percentile — a $32,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,600, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,500. Bismarck is a smaller market (pop. 73,529), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Bismarck by Experience

In Bismarck, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $21,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,500
$-5,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bismarck, ND

Percentile Bismarck
10th Percentile $19,800
25th Percentile $24,300
Median (50th) $31,572
75th Percentile $41,400
90th Percentile $52,200

Cosmetologist Salary in Other North Dakota Cities

Fargo, ND
$32,975
Pop. 125,990
West Fargo, ND
$32,624
Pop. 38,626
Minot, ND
$32,274
Pop. 48,639
Grand Forks, ND
$30,870
Pop. 56,588

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Bismarck

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Bismarck and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Bismarck may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Bismarck

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Bismarck, ND:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Bismarck

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Bismarck, ND? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Bismarck, North Dakota is $31,572 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $19,800 (10th percentile) to $52,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Bismarck? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,572, a cosmetologist in Bismarck earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bismarck compare to the North Dakota state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Bismarck's median cosmetologist salary of $31,572 is 0.0% above the North Dakota state average of $31,572. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bismarck, ND? ▼
Bismarck has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $31,572 in Bismarck has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Bismarck? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Bismarck require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.