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South Dakota esthetician license — 600 training hours, exam info, fees ($$120), and how to apply. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Esthetician
3 sources cited · Last verified 2026-03-21 · Every number on this page links to its official source
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
73% of data points are verified against official sources. 8 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
600
Training Hours
No
Has Master?
Yes
Written Exam
No
Practical Exam
$120
Total Fees
0 hrs
CE Hours
Training Program
VerifiedRequired Training Hours
600 hours
Program Accreditation
Board-approved esthetician school or program approved by South Dakota Cosmetology Commission
Apprenticeship Alternative
Topics Covered
Required Hours
600 hours
VerifiedAdditional Requirements
Required Hours
Not specified
VerifiedExam Information
VerifiedWritten Exam
RequiredPractical Exam
Not RequiredExam Provider
NIC written + SD laws
Passing Score
75%
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Services
Restricted Services
Chemical Peels
Microdermabrasion
Laser Treatments
Advanced Services Supervision
Laser and advanced procedures require physician supervision or are restricted to medical professionals
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Exam Fee Exam fee paid to NIC written + SD laws | $120 |
Renewal Fee Renewal fee per 2 years | $20 |
Total Initial Fees Estimated total initial licensing costs | $120 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
0
CE Hours Required
$20
Renewal Fee
No CE Requirement
Renewal fee per 2 years
Regulatory Board
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Licenses
Transfer Type
Reciprocity
Hours Comparison Required for Transfer
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Most states require estheticians to meet the destination state's training hour requirements when transferring a license. If your original state required fewer hours, additional training may be needed.
South Dakota's $120 examination fee includes the cost of the first license. The state passed SB 27 in 2025 authorizing fee increases effective July 2025.
South Dakota requires 600 hours of esthetician training
Exam fee of $120 includes first license
NIC written theory and SD laws/rules exams required
No continuing education required for renewal
Fee increases may apply per SB 27 (2025 session)
There is no interstate compact for estheticians.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#9 of 51
Salary
#48 of 51
Cost
#8 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Skincare Specialists (SOC 39-5094)
Entry Level
$28,010
25th percentile
Median
$31,930
-23% vs. national avg ($41,560)Experienced
$38,470
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
180 employed in this state
Note: BLS OEWS data reflects only base wages reported by employers. Esthetician income often includes tips and product sales commissions not captured in these figures.
Source: BLS OEWS – Skincare Specialists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+12.3%
High DemandNew Jobs
+8,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
9,400
per year (avg.)
72,500 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Cosmetology Career Ladder+22% salary growth potential
You are here
Esthetician
$31,930
Esthetics program (600-750 hours)
Nail tech program (300-600 hours)
$40,210
You are here
Esthetician
Esthetics program (600-750 hours)
$31,930
Cosmetology program (1,000-1,600 hours)
$49,050
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 26–48 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: SD Cosmetology Commission
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: SD Cosmetology Commission
Study guides and practice tests for the esthetician licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-08
Accessed 2026-03-08
Accessed 2026-03-08
South Dakota requires 600 hours of training to become a licensed esthetician. A written exam is required. All licensing is managed through the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Cosmetology.