Cosmetologist Salary in Fargo, ND: $32,975 (2026)

Cosmetologist Pay in Fargo: What to Expect (2026)

Fargo offers a median cosmetologist salary of $32,975, which is $1,403 above the North Dakota state average of $31,572. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Fargo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Fargo's cost of living is 94% 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 Fargo spans from $20,680 at the 10th percentile to $54,520 at the 90th percentile — a $33,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,560, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $51,700. With a population of 125,990, Fargo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Fargo by Experience

In Fargo, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $22,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$22,560

$-1,440 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$33,840

$-2,160 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$51,700

$-3,300 vs national

Percentile	Fargo	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$20,680	$19,800	$22,000
25th Percentile	$25,380	$24,300	$27,000
Median (50th)	$32,975	$31,572	$35,080
75th Percentile	$43,240	$41,400	$46,000
90th Percentile	$54,520	$52,200	$58,000

Percentile

Fargo

10th Percentile

$20,680

25th Percentile

$25,380

Median (50th)

$32,975

75th Percentile

$43,240

90th Percentile

$54,520

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Fargo

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Fargo 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 Fargo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Fargo

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Fargo, ND? ▼

The median cosmetologist salary in Fargo, North Dakota is $32,975 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $20,680 (10th percentile) to $54,520 (90th percentile).

How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Fargo? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $32,975, a cosmetologist in Fargo earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fargo compare to the North Dakota state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼

Fargo's median cosmetologist salary of $32,975 is 4.4% above the North Dakota state average of $31,572. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Fargo, ND? ▼

Fargo has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $32,975 in Fargo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Fargo? ▼

Most cosmetologist positions in Fargo 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.

Cosmetologist Salary in Fargo, North Dakota