Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NE Board of Personal Care
Cosmetologist Licensing in Nebraska
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for cosmetologist in Nebraska, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Cosmetologist in Nebraska
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Behavioral Health & Consumer Services • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Behavioral Health & Consumer Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$39,190 median (11% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#13 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Nebraska eligibility requirements for Cosmetologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 4. Submit the application to Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services~Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Behavioral Health & Consumer Services~Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Behavioral Health & Consumer Services and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Nebraska
With a median salary of $39,190, Cosmetologists in Nebraska earn 11% above the national median of $35,250. Nebraska ranks #13 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,157Median annual salary
$39,190Hourly estimate
$18.8411% above national median
Difference: +$3,940
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCosmetologist Salary Ranking
#13 of 50 statesfor Cosmetologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $58,920 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $52,000 |
| #3 | Vermont | $49,640 |
| #4 | South Dakota | $49,050 |
| #5 | Maine | $48,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
Cosmetologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $39,190 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $49,050 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $37,850 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $30,390 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $34,740 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $43,680 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $32,400 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Missouri | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kansas | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Colorado | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Behavioral Health & Consumer Services • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Behavioral Health & Consumer Services
P.O. Box 94986, 301 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln, NE, 68509
Phone: 4022242117
Related Careers in Nebraska
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barber | $38,960 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Esthetician | $52,010 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Massage Therapist | $55,080 | Varies by state board | 1-19 years |
| Nail Technician | $36,560 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Cosmetologist in Nebraska?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Cosmetologist salary in Nebraska?
The median annual salary for Cosmetologists in Nebraska is $39,190. Salaries range from $24,960 (10th percentile) to $60,100 (90th percentile).
How does the Cosmetologist salary in Nebraska compare to the national average?
Cosmetologists in Nebraska earn 11% above the national median of $35,250, with a state median of $39,190.
How many Cosmetologists work in Nebraska?
Nebraska employs approximately 1,950 Cosmetologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Nebraska from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Cosmetologists in Nebraska?
The licensing agency is Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services / Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Behavioral Health & Consumer Services / Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Behavioral Health & Consumer Services. Review agency details at https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/pages/professions-and-occupations.aspx.
How often do you renew a Cosmetologist license in Nebraska?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.