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Verified by MO Board of Personal Care

Esthetician Licensing in Missouri

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for esthetician in Missouri, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Esthetician in Missouri

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Specific course required
  • Examination: State exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,410 median (19% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #8 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Missouri

With a median salary of 49,410, Estheticians in Missouri earn 19% above the national median of $41,560. Missouri ranks #8 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$49,410

Hourly estimate

$23.75
19% above national median

Difference: +$7,850

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$35,570
  • P2525th percentile$40,660
  • P50Median$49,410
  • P7575th percentile$69,790
  • P9090th percentile$98,370

State vs National Median

State: $49,410
National: $41,560

Total employment: 900 | Annual openings: N/A

Esthetician Salary Ranking

#8 of 50 statesfor Esthetician median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Maine73,500
#2Washington64,880
#3Vermont61,060
#4North Dakota52,510
#5Nebraska52,010

Nearby States Comparison

Esthetician licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Missouri$49,410Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Iowa$44,400Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Illinois$38,580Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Kentucky$26,360Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Tennessee$36,090Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arkansas$37,250Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Oklahoma$36,320Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Kansas$36,240Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Nebraska$52,010Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Missouri50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Kentucky54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 1062, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-1062

Phone: 5737511052ext8007352966

Related Careers in Missouri

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$44,390Degree required6-24 months
Cosmetologist$30,390Degree required6-24 months
Massage Therapist$66,870Specific course required6-24 months
Nail Technician$38,950No educational requirements6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Esthetician in Missouri?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Estheticians in Missouri?

Missouri lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Estheticians.

What education do you need to become a Esthetician in Missouri?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Esthetician licensure in Missouri.

What is the typical Esthetician salary in Missouri?

The median annual salary for Estheticians in Missouri is 49,410. Salaries range from $35,570 (10th percentile) to $98,370 (90th percentile).

How does the Esthetician salary in Missouri compare to the national average?

Estheticians in Missouri earn 19% above the national median of $41,560, with a state median of 49,410.

How many Estheticians work in Missouri?

Missouri employs approximately 900 Estheticians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Esthetician license to Missouri from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Estheticians in Missouri?

The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/cosbar.asp.