The Cosmetologist's Guide to Bloomington, MN: A Data-Driven Career Analysis

If you're a cosmetologist eyeing the Twin Cities suburbs, Bloomington offers a unique blend of suburban stability and urban proximity. As a local who's watched this community evolve, I can tell you it's not the flashiest market, but it's a workhorse—built on consistent demand from a stable, family-oriented population and anchored by the Mall of America. This guide cuts through the fluff. We'll look at the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real-world logistics of building a cosmetology career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Bloomington Stands

Let's start with the hard data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The cosmetology field in Bloomington is a microcosm of the broader Twin Cities metro, but with its own local flavor.

The median salary for cosmetologists in the Bloomington area is $38,887/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.7. This sits just above the national average of $38,370/year, a small but meaningful edge that's driven by the region's relatively strong service economy. However, the job market itself is tight: there are only about 174 jobs for cosmetologists in the Bloomington metro. This isn't a high-volume hub like New York or Los Angeles; it's a stable, competitive market where reputation and client retention are everything.

The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which is steady but not explosive. This growth is tied to population stability and the constant churn of salons opening and closing, rather than a booming new industry. For a cosmetologist, this means opportunities are there, but you'll need to be strategic.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a great benchmark, your actual earning potential will hinge on your experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Bloomington market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors in Bloomington
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$28,000 - $34,000	Starting as an assistant or junior stylist. Focus is on building a clientele. Often paid hourly or a low commission.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$35,000 - $42,000	Growing your own book of business. Can work at a mid-range salon or as a booth renter. Specializing in one area (e.g., color) begins to pay off.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$43,000 - $55,000	Established clientele, often at a higher-end salon or with commission/bonus structures. May take on senior stylist or trainer roles.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$55,000+	Top-tier stylist, possibly salon director or owner. Income heavily reliant on a loyal, high-spending clientele.

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid-Level to Senior is the most critical. In Bloomington, this is where you start to see significant income growth. It's less about the number of clients and more about the service value. A senior stylist doing advanced color transformations or extensions can charge 40-60% more than a general stylist.

Comparison to Other MN Cities

Bloomington's salary is competitive within its peer group. It doesn't compete with the high-end, fashion-forward markets of Minneapolis proper, but it outperforms more rural areas where the cost of living is lower but demand is softer.

• Minneapolis: Median salary is higher (around $42,500), but competition is fierce, and the cost of living in the city itself is significantly higher. Bloomington offers a suburban lifestyle with slightly less competition.
• St. Paul: Very similar to Bloomington, with a median salary in the $39,000-$40,000 range. The market is slightly more diverse and historic.
• Edina: A wealthier suburb just north of Bloomington. Top-tier cosmetologists here can earn $60,000+, but the clientele is demanding, and the market is saturated with high-end salons. It's a tough nut to crack, but a lucrative one if you have the resume.
• Rochester (Home of Mayo Clinic): A different economy entirely. Salaries are compressed, often in the $36,000-$38,000 range, but job stability is very high due to the permanent, healthcare-driven population.

Bottom Line: Bloomington is a solid, middle-of-the-road market. It's not the highest paying, but it's stable and the cost of living is manageable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $38,887 annual salary translates to about $3,240 per month before taxes. Let's break down the reality of monthly living.

Assuming a single filer with standard deductions, federal and state taxes (Minnesota has a progressive income tax) will take roughly 18-22% of your gross income. That leaves a net take-home pay of approximately $2,550 - $2,600 per month.

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average 1-bedroom rent in Bloomington is $1,327/month. The Cost of Living Index is 104.5 (U.S. average = 100), meaning Bloomington is 4.5% more expensive than the national average, primarily driven by housing.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Cosmetologist, $38,887/yr)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	$2,550	After taxes (est. 21% effective rate)
Rent (1-BR Apartment)	$1,327	Average for Bloomington. Can be lower ($1,100) or higher ($1,500) depending on location.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, gas, internet. Varies by season (heating costs in winter).
Groceries & Household	$300 - $400	For a single person. Bloomington has multiple Aldi, Target, and Cub Foods.
Transportation	$150 - $250	Car insurance is mandatory and can be pricey in MN. Public transit (Metro Transit) is an option but less convenient in suburbs.
Health Care	$200 - $350	If not covered by an employer. Marketplace plans can be expensive.
Professional Expenses	$100 - $200	Cosmetology license renewal, continuing education, product purchases for kit.
Personal & Entertainment	$200 - $300	The "fun" budget.
Leftover / Savings	$0 - $223	This is the tight spot. At the median salary, discretionary income is minimal.

Can they afford to buy a home? At this income level, no, not on a single income. The median home price in Bloomington is approximately $325,000. With a 10% down payment, a mortgage, taxes, and insurance would exceed $2,000/month, which is unsustainable on a $2,550 net income. Home buying would require a dual-income household, significant savings for a larger down payment, or a move to a much more affordable area outside the metro.

Insider Tip: Many cosmetologists in Bloomington live in adjacent, slightly cheaper cities like Richfield or Edina's southern borders to lower housing costs, accepting a 10-15 minute longer commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Bloomington's Major Employers

The Bloomington cosmetology job market is a mix of independent salons, franchise chains, and a unique retail-salon hybrid. You won't find high-fashion editorial work here, but you will find consistent, repeat business.

1. Mall of America (MOA) Salons: This is the biggest local employer for cosmetologists. Salons like Regis Salon, Supercuts, and JCPenney Salon inside the mall offer high foot traffic. Hiring trends are seasonal, peaking before holidays and summer. Pay is often hourly plus commission. It's a great place to start for building speed and volume.

2. European Wax Center (Multiple Locations): A growing franchise with strong demand for waxing specialists. They are often hiring estheticians and cosmetologists with waxing certification. It's a consistent, appointment-driven model with good training.

3. Independent Salons in the 86th & France/50th & Xerxes Area: This corridor is Bloomington's salon district. Salons like Studio 28 or Hair Haus are locally owned and often have a loyal neighborhood clientele. Hiring here is less about volume and more about stylist fit and specialization.

4. Aveda Institute Minneapolis (in nearby Minneapolis): While not in Bloomington, this is a major pipeline for talent. Many Aveda graduates work in Bloomington salons. The institute itself sometimes hires stylists for its student salon, which is a great way to earn while building a portfolio.

5. Medical & Spa Settings: With the Fairview Southdale Hospital (in Edina, bordering Bloomington) and several dermatology clinics along Lyndale Avenue, there are niche opportunities for cosmetologists in medical spas or dermatology offices offering cosmetic treatments like chemical peels or brow shaping.

6. Corporate/Office Salons: Some larger companies in the area (like UnitedHealth Group in nearby Minnetonka) have on-site salons for employees. These are less common but offer stable hours and benefits.

Hiring Trends: The market favors specialists. While general stylists are always needed, salons are actively seeking cosmetologists with advanced training in balayage/oombre, curly hair care (DevaCut certified), and keratin treatments. The demand for nail technicians and estheticians in Bloomington is also strong, with less competition than hairstyling.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has a clear, regulated path to becoming a licensed cosmetologist.

• Requirements: You must complete 1,400 hours of training at a state-approved cosmetology school. The curriculum covers haircutting, coloring, styling, skincare, nail care, and sanitation. After school, you must pass both a written and practical exam administered by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology.
• Costs: Tuition at a Bloomington-area school (like Aveda Institute or LaJames International College) ranges from $12,000 to $18,000. This includes kits, books, and fees. Additional costs include the exam fee ($150) and the initial license application fee ($75).
• Timeline: The process typically takes 12 to 18 months of full-time study. Your license must be renewed every 2 years, requiring 8 hours of continuing education.

Insider Tip: If you are already licensed in another state, Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with many, but not all, states. You may need to take an additional Minnesota-specific sanitation exam. Check directly with the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology for the most current requirements. Don't assume your license transfers automatically.

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Where you live will impact your commute, your lifestyle, and your rent. Here’s a breakdown of Bloomington's key areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1-BR Rent	Best For...
Normandale Lake	Quiet, residential, near lakes and parks. A 10-minute drive to the MOA or salon corridors.	$1,250 - $1,400	Those wanting a peaceful home base with easy highway access (Hwy 100).
West Bloomington (Near MOA)	High-energy, touristy, dense. Walkable to the mall and some salons. Can be noisy.	$1,300 - $1,550	Newcomers who want to be in the heart of the action and minimize driving.
South Loop (South of 90th St)	Up-and-coming, newer apartments, close to Target HQ and corporate offices. A longer commute to central Bloomington.	$1,200 - $1,350	Young professionals who want modern amenities and don't mind a 15-min drive to work.
Adjacent Cities:	Richfield (south) or Bloomington's southern edge offer slightly lower rents. Commute to central Bloomington is 10-15 mins.	$1,100 - $1,250	Budget-conscious professionals who prioritize affordability over being in the "heart" of Bloomington.

Neighborhood Insight: The Normandale Lake area is a hidden gem. It's safe, has great parks, and is centrally located. You can find a decent apartment without the premium price tag of the West Bloomington tourist zone. For a cosmetologist, being near a major highway (Hwy 100 or I-494) is more valuable than being in a trendy zip code.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Bloomington, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about building your brand and increasing your service value.

• Specialty Premiums: This is where you increase your income. A cosmetologist certified in keratin treatments or specialty extensions (e.g., Bellami) can command $150-$250 per service. A general haircut might be $50. This is how you move from the $38,887 median to $55,000+.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Commission/Salon Leader: Move from hourly to a 40-60% commission structure at a mid-to-high-end salon. You may also become a "Lead Stylist," training new hires.
  2. Booth Rental: Rent a chair in an established salon. You keep 100% of your service revenue but pay a weekly/monthly rent ($200-$400/week). This is for the established stylist with a book of 50+ regular clients.
  3. Salon Owner: The ultimate goal. Opening a small, niche salon (e.g., a natural curl studio) in a neighborhood like Normandale Lake or Edina. High risk, high reward.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth will be filled by new grads and transplants. To thrive, you must specialize. The trend is moving toward holistic, sustainable beauty (think Aveda's ethos) and advanced technical skills. The cosmetologists earning $60,000+ in a decade will be those who master a niche, leverage social media for client retention, and possibly offer mobile or in-home services for high-end clients in Edina or Minnetonka.

The Verdict: Is Bloomington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Market: Steady demand from a large, stable suburban population.	Limited High-End Market: Few opportunities for top-tier fashion/editorial work.
Manageable Cost of Living: More affordable than Minneapolis proper, with good amenities.	Competition: The market is competitive; you need a strong portfolio and people skills.
Proximity to the Metro: Easy access to the entire Twin Cities for events, education, and networking.	Car Dependency: A reliable car is almost essential for commuting and client errands.
Salon Variety: From mall chains to independent boutiques, there's a range of work environments.	Salary Ceiling: Reaching a six-figure income is difficult without owning a business.

Final Recommendation: Bloomington is an excellent choice for a mid-career cosmetologist seeking stability and a balanced lifestyle. It's ideal for someone who wants to build a reliable, repeat clientele without the intense pressure of a major fashion hub. For a new graduate, it's a solid place to start and learn, but be prepared to grind in the first few years. For an expert, it's a viable market if you can carve out a high-end niche or open your own studio. If your primary goal is to become a celebrity stylist, look to Minneapolis or New York. If your goal is to build a sustainable, profitable career while owning a home and enjoying a community feel, Bloomington is a very strong contender.

FAQs

1. How do I find a job as a cosmetologist in Bloomington?
Start by walking into salons with a portfolio and resume. In-person connections matter. Check the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology website for licensed salons. Use Indeed and LinkedIn, but also follow local salons on Instagram—they often post openings there first. Networking at events at the Aveda Institute or MOA is key.

2. Is it better to work for a chain salon or an independent salon in Bloomington?
It depends on your career stage. Chains (like Supercuts at MOA) offer structure, training, and steady walk-in traffic—great for building speed as a new stylist. Independent salons offer more creativity, higher commission potential, and a closer-knit team—better for mid-level stylists building a specialized clientele.

3. What's the biggest challenge for cosmetologists in Bloomington?
Client retention. The population is stable, meaning people don't move often. Your success depends on turning a first-time visitor into a lifelong client. This requires exceptional customer service, consistent quality, and smart marketing (like a simple Instagram page showcasing your work).

4. Can I commute to Minneapolis for better pay?
Yes, and many do. The drive from Bloomington to downtown Minneapolis is