Last updated: May 3, 2026

How to Start a Hair Salon in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota’s salon and cosmetology regulatory framework is established under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 155A and is administered by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners – a separate licensing board within the Health Licensing Boards umbrella, not part of the Department of Commerce or DOLI. Anyone planning to operate a hair salon in Minnesota faces a two-track licensing requirement: individual operator licensure (1,550 hours of cosmetologist training, written and practical exams, Minnesota laws and rules test, $139 initial fee), and separate Salon License for each business location ($230 initial fee, inspection-based).

Minnesota’s training hours are aligned with most Midwest states (Wisconsin’s 1,550 hour cosmetologist, North Dakota’s 1,800 hour) but the licensing structure is distinctive in several ways. Minnesota issues five separate operator license classifications – Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Advanced Practice Esthetician, Nail Technician, and Eyelash Technician – each with its own training hours, scope of practice, and continuing education obligations. The Eyelash Extension Technician license, requiring just 14 hours of training under recent legislation, was created specifically to professionalize lash extension services that had grown rapidly outside any cosmetology framework.

Add to that the Salon Manager license requiring 2,700 hours of documented licensed-salon experience plus a separate test before someone can operate as the licensed manager of a salon, the 3-year renewal cycle with 8 CE hours, the license expiration on the last day of your birthday month, and the operational picture for a Minnesota salon owner is meaningfully different from neighboring Iowa, Wisconsin, or the Dakotas.

Minnesota Salon Licensing at a Glance

Requirement	Source	Cost	Notes
Cosmetologist Training	MN Board-approved school under Minn. Stat. ch. 155A	$15,000-$25,000 typical tuition	1,550 hours; first 240 hrs preclinical theory
Esthetician Training	MN Board-approved school	$5,000-$10,000 typical tuition	600 hours
Nail Technician Training	MN Board-approved school	$3,000-$6,000 typical tuition	350 hours
Eyelash Technician Training	MN Board-approved school	$200-$800 typical	14 hours – distinctive abbreviated track
Operator License Application	MN Board of Cosmetologist Examiners	$139 (license + application + surcharge fees)	3-year initial license
Operator License Renewal	MN Board of Cosmetologist Examiners	$75	Every 3 years; expires last day of birthday month
Continuing Education	Board-approved CE providers	$50-$200 typical for 8-hour course	4 hrs core + 4 hrs professional practice
Salon License (per location)	MN Board of Cosmetologist Examiners	$230 initial ($130 + $100); $150 renewal	Separate license per location
Salon Manager License	MN Board of Cosmetologist Examiners	Application + manager test fee	2,700 hr experience required + Manager test
Workers’ compensation (NCCI 9586)	Minn. Stat. § 176.041	NCCI 9586 (Beauty Parlors) typical	Required from first hire (no minimum threshold)
Sales tax registration	MN DOR e-Services	Free; 6.875% state + local	Salon retail products taxable; services NOT taxable

The Five Minnesota Operator License Classifications

Minnesota’s licensing structure creates five distinct individual operator licenses, each with a different scope of practice, training hours, and exam:

Cosmetologist (1,550 hours)

The Cosmetologist license is Minnesota’s broadest individual classification, authorizing the licensee to perform hair services (cutting, coloring, perming, styling), all esthetician services (facials, makeup, brow shaping, body treatments), and all nail technician services (manicures, pedicures, artificial nails). The 1,550-hour curriculum at a Board-approved school must include the full nail technician course content, the full esthetician course content, and the balance in hair services.

The first 240 hours of cosmetology training must be preclinical theory: anatomy, dermatology, trichology (study of hair), manicuring chemistry, electricity and light theory, infection control, safety procedures, and Minnesota Statutes and rules pertaining to cosmetology practice. After preclinical theory, the remaining 1,310 hours can include practical instruction and supervised practical experience on clients.

Esthetician (600 hours) and Advanced Practice Esthetician

The Esthetician license requires 600 hours of training and authorizes facials, brow shaping, body waxing, makeup application, body treatments, and certain superficial chemical exfoliation services. Estheticians cannot perform hair services or nail services without separate licensure.

The Advanced Practice Esthetician (AP Esthetician) license requires the standard 600 esthetician hours plus advanced certification training and authorizes more advanced practices including microdermabrasion, light chemical peels at certain depths, and certain mechanical and chemical procedures beyond the standard esthetician scope. The AP Esthetician license supersedes the standard esthetician license once obtained, and is intended for medical-spa, dermatology-office, and high-end salon settings.

Nail Technician (350 hours)

The Nail Technician license requires 350 hours of training and authorizes manicures, pedicures, artificial nails (acrylic, gel, dip systems), and nail art. Nail technicians cannot perform hair or skin services beyond the immediate hand and foot area without separate licensure.

Eyelash Technician (14 hours)

Minnesota’s Eyelash Technician license is the shortest training pathway in the state – only 14 hours required – and authorizes eyelash extension services and some related lash treatments. The classification was created to professionalize lash services that had grown rapidly outside of cosmetology training. The license is renewed every 3 years like other operator licenses, but the CE requirement is reduced to 4 core hours (no professional practice CE required) reflecting the narrower scope.

Salon Manager License

Minnesota requires every licensed salon to have a designated Salon Manager – the licensed individual responsible for ensuring compliance with state laws and rules at that location. To qualify for the Salon Manager license, an applicant must:

• Hold a current Minnesota operator license (Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Advanced Practice Esthetician, or Nail Technician)
• Document at least 2,700 work hours of licensed experience in a licensed Minnesota salon within the 3 years prior to application
• Submit original passing test results of the salon manager test taken within the past year
• Pay the required application and license fees
• Renew every 3 years with the same 8 CE hours required of operator licenses

The 2,700-hour experience requirement effectively means a new licensee cannot become a Salon Manager for at least 18-24 months of full-time licensed practice, making this a planning consideration for solo operators who want to open their own location quickly.

Salon License – Per Location

Beyond individual operator licensure, Minnesota requires a separate Salon License for each physical salon location under Minn. Stat. ch. 155A. Salon License mechanics:

• Initial fee: $230 ($130 license fee + $100 application fee)
• Renewal fee: $150 every 3 years
• One license per location: A multi-location salon owner needs a separate license for each storefront, plus a designated Salon Manager license-holder at each.
• Pre-opening inspection: Each new salon location must pass a Board inspection before operating, covering layout, sanitation, water supply, ventilation, hand-washing facilities, sterilization equipment, chemical storage, and proper signage. Inspections also occur on a periodic basis after opening.
• Booth-rental salons: Each booth renter operates under their own operator license; the salon owner still must hold the Salon License for the location and designate a Salon Manager.

The salon license also requires the licensee to maintain a copy of the Minnesota Statutes Chapter 155A and Minnesota Rules Chapters 2105 and 2110 at the salon, posted or otherwise available for staff and inspector reference.

Continuing Education – 8 Hours Every 3 Years

Minnesota’s CE structure is more prescriptive than many peer states. Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Advanced Practice Estheticians, Nail Technicians, and Salon Managers must complete 8 hours of continuing education within the 3 years before each renewal:

• 4 hours of Core CE:
  • 1 hour on Minnesota cosmetology laws and rules
  • 3 hours on health, safety, and infection control
• 4 hours of Professional Practice CE: Topics relevant to the licensee’s specific practice such as product chemistry and chemical interaction, proper use of machines and instruments, business management and human relations/professional ethics, or techniques relevant to the licensee’s practice type

Eyelash Extension Technicians only need 4 hours of core CE within the 3-year cycle (no professional practice CE required). Instructors need 45 hours of CE: 30 hours of teaching methodology plus 15 hours of clinical practice. All CE courses must be Board-approved or taught by Board-pre-approved providers.

Licenses expire on the last day of the licensee’s birthday month – a structure unusual among states (most use a calendar-year renewal). This means each licensee has their own personal renewal cycle and needs to track CE completion against that personal date.

Minnesota Salon Sales Tax – Services Exempt, Products Taxable

Minnesota’s sales tax treatment of salon work is favorable to service-only operators: personal services performed in a salon – haircuts, hair coloring, perming, manicures, pedicures, facials, brow shaping, lash extensions – are not subject to state sales tax under Minn. Stat. § 297A. By contrast, retail sales of products from the salon (shampoos, hair products, skin care, manicure supplies, accessories) are taxable at the standard rate (6.875% state + local). Retail product sales require the salon to register for a sales tax permit through MN DOR e-Services and remit collected tax monthly or quarterly depending on volume.

This split treatment – exempt services, taxable products – means a salon’s bookkeeping must clearly separate service revenue from retail revenue. Most salons accomplish this through their POS system. Salon-suite arrangements where each operator runs their own retail also mean each booth renter handles their own sales tax registration if they sell products.

Twin Cities Salon-Suite Trend

The salon-suite model – independent contractor stylists renting individual private suites within a multi-suite facility – has been the fastest-growing salon segment in Minnesota for the past 5+ years. Brands like Sola Salon Studios, Phenix Salon Suites, My Salon Suite, Salons by JC, and IMAGE Studios operate multi-suite locations across the Twin Cities (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Edina, Woodbury, Minnetonka), Rochester, Duluth, and St. Cloud. The model allows experienced stylists to escape commission-based salon employment and operate as their own business owner with a fixed weekly suite rental rather than a percentage commission.

From a licensing perspective, salon-suite arrangements typically work as follows:

• Each suite-renter holds their own operator license and Salon License for their individual suite (treated as a single-chair salon)
• The suite-facility operator holds a Salon Manager license covering common-area compliance for sanitation, ventilation, and water supply
• Each renter handles their own sales tax for product sales and their own quarterly Minnesota Paid Leave premium if they have employees, plus their own income tax liability and self-employment tax
• Each renter must individually meet the 8-hour CE requirement every 3 years to maintain operator licensure

Cost to Open a Hair Salon in Minnesota

Cost Category	Solo Stylist (Suite or Booth Rent)	Salon Owner with 4 Stylists (Year 1)
LLC formation (MN SOS, online)	$155	$155
Cosmetology school tuition (already complete)	$15,000-$25,000 (sunk cost)	$15,000-$25,000 per stylist (sunk cost)
Operator license application + surcharge	$139	$139 (your operator) + ~$556 (4 stylist licenses)
Salon License (initial)	$230 (if booth-rental owner)	$230
Salon Manager license + test (if applicable)	n/a (typically existing)	$100-$200 fee
Booth/suite rental deposit OR storefront lease deposit	$1,500-$3,500 (1-2 mo deposit)	$8,000-$30,000 (deposit + first month + buildout)
Salon buildout (chairs, mirrors, sinks, plumbing)	$2,000-$5,000 (suite outfitting)	$25,000-$150,000+ depending on size
Inventory (color, supplies, retail product start)	$1,500-$5,000	$5,000-$25,000
POS system, scheduling, payment processing	$300-$1,000 setup + monthly fees	$1,500-$5,000 setup + monthly fees
Insurance (general liability + professional)	$300-$700	$1,500-$3,500
Workers’ comp (NCCI 9586, payroll-based)	n/a (solo)	$1,000-$3,500+ (rate-based)
Marketing, branding, website	$500-$2,000	$2,000-$8,000
Estimated Year 1 startup total	$6,624 – $20,724	$45,180 – $226,180+

Salon-suite arrangements substantially lower entry costs for experienced stylists. Twin Cities full-service salon buildouts in prime locations (Uptown Minneapolis, downtown St. Paul, Edina, Wayzata) push toward the high end of the right column due to commercial rent and finish-level expectations. Outstate Minnesota salons (Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Mankato) typically run 30-50% lower per square foot than Twin Cities core.

Minnesota Salon Market Context: Where the Demand Is

• Twin Cities Metro: The largest concentration of salon demand in the state, with notable density in downtown Minneapolis (North Loop, Uptown), downtown St. Paul, and inner-ring suburbs (Edina 50th & France, Linden Hills, Highland Park). High-income suburbs (Eden Prairie, Wayzata, Excelsior, Minnetonka) support premium-pricing salons with $100+ haircuts. Salon-suite operators concentrate in highway-access locations with high-density office or retail traffic.
• Rochester: Mayo Clinic workforce drives steady demand for both full-service salons and quick-service options. Rochester has one of the highest median household incomes in Minnesota, supporting upper-mid-tier salon pricing.
• Duluth: Smaller market but consistent demand from year-round residents plus seasonal Lake Superior tourism. Lower price points than Twin Cities; salon density tracks the central business district and Miller Hill Mall corridor.
• St. Cloud, Mankato, Brainerd, Alexandria: Regional hubs with lower pricing but consistent demand. Brainerd Lakes vacation-area salons see seasonal premium demand from Memorial Day through October.
• Iron Range and outstate: Salon demand follows population trends. Smaller towns often have one or two long-established salons serving a wide geographic area; new entry is limited but possible in growing communities.

Minnesota Salon Resources

Resource	What It Covers
MN Board of Cosmetologist Examiners	Operator license applications, Salon License, Salon Manager, CE approval, inspections
Minn. Stat. ch. 155A	Statutory framework – operator and salon licensing, scope of practice, enforcement
Minn. Rules ch. 2105	Cosmetology schools – curriculum, instruction, exams
Minn. Rules ch. 2110	Salon practice rules – sanitation, infection control, equipment
CE Requirements	Approved CE providers, the 4+4 hour structure, instructor CE differences
Prov Exam Vendor	Practical, theory, and laws-and-rules exam scheduling

Related Minnesota Business Guides

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of training does Minnesota require for a cosmetologist license?

Minnesota requires 1,550 hours of training at a Board-approved school for a Cosmetologist license under Minn. Stat. ch. 155A. The first 240 hours must be preclinical theory (anatomy, dermatology, trichology, manicuring chemistry, electricity and light, infection control, safety, and Minnesota laws and rules); the remaining 1,310 hours include hands-on practical training on hair services. The cosmetology curriculum must include the full nail technician course content (350 hours) and the full esthetician course content (600 hours), with the balance in hair services. Other classifications: Esthetician 600 hours, Nail Technician 350 hours, Eyelash Technician 14 hours.

What is the difference between an Operator License and a Salon License in Minnesota?

An Operator License (Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Advanced Practice Esthetician, Nail Technician, or Eyelash Technician) is held by an individual practitioner and authorizes them to perform services within their scope. The initial fee is $139 with renewal at $75 every 3 years. A Salon License is held by the business entity for each physical salon location (booth-rental, full-service, or salon-suite). The initial Salon License fee is $230 ($130 license + $100 application) with renewal at $150 every 3 years. Each location requires a separate Salon License plus a designated Salon Manager.

What are the Minnesota cosmetology continuing education requirements?

Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Advanced Practice Estheticians, Nail Technicians, and Salon Managers must complete 8 hours of continuing education within the 3 years before each renewal: 4 hours of Core CE (1 hour Minnesota laws and rules + 3 hours health, safety, and infection control) plus 4 hours of Professional Practice CE (chemistry, equipment, business management, or technique-specific topics). Eyelash Extension Technicians only need 4 hours of core CE. Instructors need 45 CE hours (30 teaching methodology + 15 clinical practice). All courses must be Board-approved.

How does the Salon Manager license work in Minnesota?

Every licensed Minnesota salon must designate a Salon Manager – the individual responsible for ensuring compliance with cosmetology laws and rules at that location. To qualify for the Salon Manager license, an applicant must hold a current Minnesota operator license, document at least 2,700 work hours of licensed experience in a licensed Minnesota salon within the 3 years prior to application, pass the Salon Manager test, and pay application/license fees. The 2,700-hour experience requirement equates to roughly 18-24 months of full-time licensed practice, so a brand-new licensee cannot operate as a Salon Manager immediately. The Salon Manager license renews every 3 years like operator licenses.

Is the Eyelash Technician license really only 14 hours?

Yes. Minnesota’s Eyelash Extension Technician license requires just 14 hours of training – by far the shortest cosmetology pathway in the state. The classification was created by the Legislature to professionalize lash extension services that had grown rapidly outside any cosmetology framework. Eyelash technicians can perform eyelash extension services and certain related lash treatments but cannot perform other cosmetology services. The license renews every 3 years like other operator licenses, but the CE requirement is reduced to 4 core hours only (no professional practice CE), reflecting the narrower scope.

Do Minnesota salons charge sales tax on services?

No. Personal services performed in a salon – haircuts, hair coloring, manicures, pedicures, facials, brow shaping, lash extensions – are not subject to Minnesota sales tax under Minn. Stat. § 297A. By contrast, retail sales of products (shampoos, hair products, skin care supplies, accessories) are taxable at the standard rate of 6.875% state plus any local tax (9.025% in Minneapolis, 9.875% in St. Paul). Salons must register for a sales tax permit through MN DOR e-Services if they sell retail products and remit collected tax monthly or quarterly depending on volume.

What is the Advanced Practice Esthetician license?

The Advanced Practice Esthetician (AP Esthetician) license requires the standard 600 esthetician hours plus advanced certification training and authorizes practices beyond the standard esthetician scope – including microdermabrasion, light chemical peels at certain depths, and some mechanical and chemical procedures suitable for medical-spa, dermatology-office, or high-end salon settings. The AP Esthetician license supersedes the standard esthetician license once obtained. AP Estheticians work under physician supervision in many medical-spa settings and may perform certain procedures within specific scope limits set by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners.

What workers’ compensation class code applies to Minnesota salons?

The dominant NCCI class code for Minnesota salons is NCCI 9586 (Beauty Parlors), applied to most stylists and salon staff. Minnesota requires workers’ compensation insurance for all employers under Minn. Stat. § 176.041 with no minimum employee threshold, so a salon hiring even one full or part-time employee must carry coverage. Booth-rental and salon-suite arrangements complicate the workers’ comp picture: independent contractor stylists who genuinely meet the IC test typically carry their own coverage, while W-2 employees on salon payroll are covered by the salon’s policy. Misclassification is a frequent audit issue – the MWCIA and MN DLI both audit salons regularly.