CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by ND Board of Personal Care

Esthetician Licensing in North Dakota

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for esthetician in North Dakota, 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 North Dakota

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: No experience required
  • Background Check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
  • Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    ND State Board of Cosmetology

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $52,510 median (26% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 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 North Dakota

With a median salary of 52,510, Estheticians in North Dakota earn 26% above the national median of $41,560. North Dakota ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,258

Median annual salary

$52,510

Hourly estimate

$25.25
26% above national median

Difference: +$10,950

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$36,760
  • P2525th percentile$45,060
  • P50Median$52,510
  • P7575th percentile$58,160
  • P9090th percentile$81,850

State vs National Median

State: $52,510
National: $41,560

Total employment: 140 | Annual openings: N/A

Esthetician Salary Ranking

#4 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
North Dakota$52,510Specific course requiredState exam required6-24 months
Minnesota$35,410Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
South Dakota$31,930Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Montana$39,620Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 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
North Dakota54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Montana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

ND State Board of Cosmetology

4719 Shelburne St Ste 1, Bismarck, ND, 58503

Phone: 7012249800

Related Careers in North Dakota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Barber$34,100Specific course required6-24 months
Cosmetologist$33,870Specific course required6-24 months
Massage Therapist$70,720Specific course required6-24 months
Nail Technician$30,920Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Esthetician in North Dakota?

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 North Dakota?

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

What education do you need to become a Esthetician in North Dakota?

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

What is the typical Esthetician salary in North Dakota?

The median annual salary for Estheticians in North Dakota is 52,510. Salaries range from $36,760 (10th percentile) to $81,850 (90th percentile).

How does the Esthetician salary in North Dakota compare to the national average?

Estheticians in North Dakota earn 26% above the national median of $41,560, with a state median of 52,510.

How many Estheticians work in North Dakota?

North Dakota employs approximately 140 Estheticians according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Esthetician license to North Dakota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Estheticians in North Dakota?

The licensing agency is ND State Board of Cosmetology. Review agency details at http://www.ndcosmetology.com/.