How to Become a Cosmetologist in Minnesota

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Minnesota

Younger generations are dreaming of working in a luxury salon dedicated to giving their clients the full beauty experience.

They are eager to be on the cutting edge of fashion and beauty trends, thus making other people look attractive and beautiful.

It is not a problem for them to spend all day working with all kinds of people and stand on their feet all the time.

But first, they need to acquire fundamental skills and modern techniques for all aspects of the cosmetology industry.

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Job Description

Cosmetologist’s job is to make people’s hair, nails and skin look good, thus improving both the physical and mental state of his/her customers.

For cosmetologists, salons are an excellent place to work, even though they might find jobs in other facilities, such as spas, hotels and beauty centers

Time-management skills, patience, and physical stamina are important to successfully do the job.

You are supposed to help facilitate a warm, calming environment for clients to build a clientèle of people who will always come back to you.

You must be able to work well with your hands and should have a good sense of style.

Cosmetology Programs in Minnesota

In Minnesota, there are laws requiring cosmetologists to finish cosmetology education and possess a renewed license, to legally work.

If you want to become a cosmetologist in Minnesota, you must have a high school diploma or GED and attend 1550 hours of cosmetology training.

The accredited programs are provided at schools such as:

  • Model College of Hair Design
  • Avalon School of Cosmetology – Worthington.
  • Aveda Institute – Minneapolis.
  • CCU College of Hair, Skin, and Nails – Duluth & Hibbing.

Other less famous, but equally appreciated cosmetology schools and programs can be found in:

  • Hibbing
  • Bloomington
  • Duluth
  • Brainerd
  • Park Rapids
  • Rochester
  • Cloud
  • Plymouth
  • Blaine
  • Alexandria

What differs from Minnesota from other states is that some of the BCE-approved schools might ask you to pass an admissions interview and entrance exam.

Once enrolled, your coursework will consist of theory and practice related to the basics of the cosmetology field.

You will learn everything necessary to know linked with shampooing, hair design shaping, hair coloring, infection control, facials, and makeup, among many other things.

The ending of the program makes you eligible to take the examination.

Cosmetology Exams in Minnesota

The Minnesota Cosmetology Exam (MCE) is a written exam which consists of the General and State part.

As the parts are done separately, the scores should be satisfying on both of them,

Before the examination, you will have to pay the total exam fee of $60.

If you are taking only one part, the fees are $35 for the General and $25 for the State exam.

The General part has 155 multiple-choice questions and it lasts three hours, while the State portion has only 35 multiple-choice questions and lasts one hour.

PSI is the exam provider for Minnesota and you can schedule your exam at:

  • Woodbury
  • Thief River Falls
  • Cloud
  • Rochester
  • Moorhead
  • Mankato
  • Lake Elmo
  • Edina
  • Duluth

License application

If your scores are satisfying, then you can apply for the cosmetology license by completing the Initial Operator License Application.

The fee of $139 should be paid to the Board of Cosmetologist Examiners.

You will be asked to send the additional documentation including:

  • Copy of your high school diploma,
  • Original certificate of course completion with 1550 hours of training
  • Original certificate of skills from your BCE-approved cosmetology school
  • Original results showing that you passed the General and State part of the MCE not more than one year ago

This should be sent to the following address:

Board of Cosmetologist Examiners,

2829 University Ave SE, Suite 710,

Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Keeping Your License Current in Minnesota

The fulfilling of all the legal requirements and the achievement of the license is not the end of your cosmetology education in Minnesota.

The cosmetology license has to be renewed every three years, by completing four hours of BCE-approved continuing education.

Further education is related to health, safety, and sanitation, as well as laws and rules.

Continuing education for cosmetologists can be found in:

  • Minneapolis
  • Worthington
  • Brainerd
  • Duluth
  • Shakopee
  • Richfield
  • Mankato
  • Winona
  • Lakeville
  • Pipestone
  • Jackson
  • Bloomington
  • Cloud
  • Thief River Falls
  • Bemidji
  • Brooklyn Park

It is important to renew it 10 weeks before its expiration date online or through the mail using the Operator or Salon Manager Renewal Application and the renewal fee that has to be paid is $81.

Average Annual Cosmetologist Salary in Minnesota

The cosmetology license allows you to look for a job in many premises and the quality of your education and work will make you even more attractive employee.

Besides spas and salons, you can work in nursing homes, health care facilities, resorts and more.

Cosmetologists in Minnesota can find job opportunities in some of the best salons throughout the state:

  • Haus Salon – Minneapolis
  • Beau Monde Salon – Burnsville
  • East 42nd Street Salon – Minneapolis- St. Paul
  • Prefix Salon – Stillwater
  • Tease Salon- St. Paul
  • Etica Salon – Maple Grove
  • Sorella Salon and Spa – Perham

A great thing is that people working in this field can be self-employed.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hairstylists, manicurists, cosmetologists, and estheticians are experiencing job growth and the job prospects will be still increasing.

Finding work is very important, but the salary is also crucial when choosing a working place.

That is why some cosmetologists specialize in advanced skincare so that their salaries can be higher.

According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Duluth and Minnesota are the cities which offer the highest salaries and the largest number of job opportunities in the state.

Nowadays, the annual cosmetologist salary is decent and in Minnesota, it ranges from $ 24 154 in Saint Cloud to $ 27 792 in Minneapolis and Minnetonka.

Annual Salary Range:
$24K
$25K
$27K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Burnsville,MN $27,713
Duluth,MN $24,699
Eden Prairie,MN $27,745
Lakeville,MN $27,619
Minneapolis,MN $27,792
Minnetonka,MN $27,792
Rochester,MN $25,221
Saint Cloud,MN $24,154
Saint Paul,MN $27,792

Regional Salary in Minnesota

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Duluth, MN-WI250$37,360$17.96$58,780$23,890
Mankato-North Mankato, MN120$38,660$18.59$58,660$23,890
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI4,230$41,480$19.94$61,920$22,510
Rochester, MN190$41,380$19.89$59,780$23,270
St. Cloud, MN210$40,540$19.49$60,330$24,180
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists, OCC Code 39-5012, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Summary

It is great that students through classroom and practical experience get the qualifications they need to begin a professional career in the beauty industry and it makes them more favorable candidates once applying for the job and more confident if they decide to start their businesses.

USA Cosmetology by State


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