Cosmetologist in Lakeville, MN

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Cosmetologists considering a move to Lakeville, Minnesota.

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The Salary Picture: Where Lakeville Stands

As a career analyst looking at the Lakeville market, the first thing you need to know is that while the cost of living is slightly above the national average, the earning potential for cosmetologists here is right on par with the national average. The median salary for cosmetologists in the Lakeville area is $38,887 per year. That breaks down to an hourly wage of $18.7 per hour. For context, the national average for this profession sits at $38,370 per year, meaning Lakeville is holding its own in a competitive market.

The job market is modest but stable. There are approximately 152 cosmetology jobs available in the immediate metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 8%, which indicates a steady, sustainable demand for skilled professionals rather than a boom-or-bust cycle.

Here’s how earnings typically break down by experience level in the Lakeville market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$28,000 - $34,000	Often starts with hourly wages or commission-only roles. Building a client book is key.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$36,000 - $42,000	This is where the median salary of $38,887 typically falls. Consistent clientele drives earnings.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$43,000 - $55,000	Specialists with a loyal following, often moving into higher-end commission splits or management.
Expert/Salon Owner (15+ years)	$55,000+	Top earners are often salon owners, master stylists, or those with niche specialties (e.g., corrective color).

How Lakeville Compares to Other Minnesota Cities:

• Minneapolis-St. Paul: Salaries trend higher ($40,000 - $45,000 median) due to a larger, more competitive market and higher cost of living, but so does competition.
• Rochester (Home of Mayo Clinic): Similar to Lakeville, with a strong local clientele but a slightly more specialized market. Salaries are comparable.
• Duluth: Median salaries tend to be slightly lower (around $36,000 - $37,000), with a lower cost of living.
• Mankato: A strong college town market, with salaries often in the $37,000 - $39,000 range, similar to Lakeville.

Insider Tip: The $38,887 median is a realistic starting point, but your actual income is heavily dependent on your commission structure (typically 40-50% for stylists, 25-35% for assistants), retail sales, and building a loyal client base. Many Lakeville salons are family-oriented, meaning clients often stay for years, providing stable income for established stylists.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about finances. The Lakeville area has a Cost of Living Index of 104.5 (U.S. average = 100), meaning it's 4.5% more expensive than the national average. The primary driver for most individuals is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the area is $1,201/month.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a cosmetologist earning the median salary of $38,887 (pre-tax):

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Details
Gross Monthly Income	$3,240	Based on $38,887/year
Taxes (Federal, State, FICA)	~$680	Est. ~21% effective rate for this bracket
Net Monthly Income	~$2,560	What you actually take home
Rent (1-Bedroom Avg.)	$1,201	$1,201/month for average apartment
Utilities	$150	Electricity, gas, water, internet (MN winters impact heating)
Groceries	$300
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Lakeville is a car-dependent suburb; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	$200	Varies; many salons offer plans for full-time staff
Misc./Personal	$150	Toiletries, entertainment, etc.
Total Expenses	$2,351
Monthly Savings	$209

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is challenging on a single $38,887 income. The median home price in Lakeville is approximately $375,000. A 20% down payment is $75,000. With a $300,000 mortgage at ~6.5% interest, your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be over $2,100. This would consume nearly your entire net income, leaving no room for savings or other expenses. Verdict: Buying a home solo is not feasible on the median salary. It becomes more realistic if you have a partner with a second income, are an expert-level earner ($55,000+), or are willing to start in a neighboring, more affordable city like Farmington or Lake Elmo and commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakeville's Major Employers

Lakeville’s cosmetology job market is dominated by local and regional chains, with a few hidden gems. The scene is less about high-fashion salons and more about consistent, family-friendly service.

1. Supercuts (Various Locations): A staple in Lakeville, with salons near the Target on 185th St W and near the Lakeville North High School. They offer steady hourly wages, benefits for full-time staff, and a built-in clientele. They are often the first stop for new cosmetologists in town.
2. Great Clips (Multiple Locations): Similar to Supercuts, Great Clips has a strong presence in the area, particularly in the commercial corridors along 185th St W and near the Kenwood Trail shopping center. They are known for their efficient model and can be a good place to build speed and consistency.
3. Costco Hair Salon (Burnsville): Just a few minutes north in Burnsville, the Costco salon is a well-known employer. It offers competitive hourly pay, excellent benefits, and a high-volume, low-pressure environment. The work is often focused on basic cuts and styles.
4. Local Boutique Salons (e.g., Solstice Salon, Sheer Elegance): Lakeville has a thriving scene of independent salons, often located in strip malls or near residential areas like the Windsor Park neighborhood. These salons (search Lakeville Salon & Spa listings) typically offer higher commission splits (45-55%) and a more personalized service model. Hiring is often based on personality fit and skill match.
5. The Salon Professional Academy (Burnsville): While not a direct employer for cosmetologists, this beauty school is a major hiring pipeline. Many graduates from this academy (located just north of Lakeville) find jobs in local salons. It’s a key networking hub.
6. Around the Town Salon (Within the Lakeville YMCA): A community-focused salon that often caters to families and older adults. They value consistency and a friendly demeanor. This is a prime location for building a reliable, recurring client base.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is consistent but slow. Most openings are filled through referrals or walk-ins. The best time to look is in the spring (March-May) as salons gear up for the busy summer season. Networking within the local cosmetology community at events like the Minnesota Beauty Expo (held in St. Paul) is highly effective.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota has a clear, regulated path to licensure through the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology.

Requirements:

• Education: Complete a minimum of 1,550 hours at a state-licensed cosmetology school. In the Lakeville area, top options include The Salon Professional Academy (Burnsville) and Aveda Institute (Minneapolis, ~30 min commute).
• Cost: Tuition ranges from $12,000 to $18,000 for full cosmetology programs. Additional costs include books, supplies, and a state exam fee (~$150).
• Exams: You must pass the Minnesota Cosmetology Law exam and the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) practical and written exams.
• Timeline: The entire process, from starting school to receiving your license, typically takes 12-18 months for full-time students.

Insider Tip: Minnesota’s license is reciprocal with many states, but not all. If you’re moving from another state, check the Board’s website for specific requirements. The process for out-of-state applicants can take 2-4 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Lakeville is a sprawling suburb. Choosing where to live depends on your desired commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Cosmetologists
Central Lakeville	Classic suburban, close to everything. Commute to local salons is 5-10 mins.	$1,250	Proximity to major salons (Supercuts, Great Clips) and shopping centers. Easy access to 35W.
Windsor Park / West Lakeville	Family-oriented, established, quieter. Slightly longer commute to eastern salons.	$1,150	More affordable rent. Close to local boutiques and community events, great for networking.
The "Kenwood" Area	Commercial hub, busy, convenient. Commute is minimal if you work in central strip malls.	$1,300	Right in the action. Walkable to several salons and shops. High turnover in rentals.
Neighboring Farmington	Small-town feel, 10-15 min south of Lakeville. More affordable.	$1,000	Lower cost of living. Many Lakeville residents work here, and vice-versa. Good for saving money.
Burnsville (East Side)	Diverse, urban-suburban mix. Directly north of Lakeville.	$1,175	Home to major employers like Costco and The Salon Professional Academy. A hub of activity.

Insider Tip: If you work at a salon in central Lakeville, living in Central Lakeville or The Kenwood Area is ideal for minimizing commute time and gas expenses. For those on a tighter budget, Farmington offers significant savings on rent, making the 15-minute commute worth it.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Lakeville, career growth is less about corporate ladders and more about specialization and salon management.

Specialty Premiums:

• Hair Coloring (Especially Balayage & Highlights): This is the biggest income booster. Mastering color can push you from the median $38,887 to $45,000+.
• Extensions (Tape-in, Keratin): A high-value specialty. Certified extensionists can charge premium rates.
• Men’s Grooming/Barbering: With Lakeville's family demographic, a stylist skilled in classic cuts and fades can build a dedicated male clientele.
• Esthetics/Nail Services: Many salons are becoming full-service. Adding an esthetics license (another 600 hours) can open doors to facials, waxing, and brow services.

Advancement Paths:

1. Master Stylist: After 3-5 years, move to a higher commission split (50-60%).
2. Salon Manager: Oversee operations, staff, and inventory. Requires business acumen. Salary: $45,000 - $60,000.
3. Salon Owner: The ultimate goal. Opening a boutique salon in Lakeville or a neighboring town. High risk, high reward.
4. Independent Contractor (Suite Renter): Lease a station or suite in a shared space. You keep 100% of your service revenue after rent and expenses. Requires a strong, pre-existing client base.

10-Year Outlook (8% Growth):
The 8% job growth is promising. It suggests that as Lakeville's population continues to grow (the metro is at 76,235), so will the demand for personal care services. The trend is moving toward "experience-based" services—clients want more than a haircut; they want a relaxing, personalized session. Stylists who invest in continuing education (e.g., through MN Beauty CE) will stay ahead. The rise of "medispas" (combining medical aesthetics with traditional salon services) is a trend to watch in the region.

The Verdict: Is Lakeville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Family-Oriented Clientele: Clients often stay for years, providing predictable income.	Lower Earnings Ceiling: Compared to Minneapolis, top-end salaries are lower.
Low Competition (vs. Metro): Less saturated market than downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable car for commuting and client errands.
Manageable Cost of Living: Slightly above average, but far more affordable than coastal cities.	Limited High-Fashion Scene: Few opportunities for avant-garde or editorial work.
Strong Community Feel: Easy to network with other local professionals and build a local brand.	Slower Hiring Market: Jobs are often filled through word-of-mouth.
Good for Work-Life Balance: Suburban pace allows for a manageable schedule.	Limited Public Transit: Makes living without a car very difficult.

Final Recommendation:
Lakeville is an excellent choice for a cosmetologist seeking stability, a family-friendly environment, and a manageable work-life balance. It's ideal for those who are patient, personable, and want to build a long-term, loyal clientele. It is not the best choice for someone seeking the highest possible earnings, a fast-paced fashion scene, or who wants to live car-free. If you are willing to specialize (especially in color or extensions) and build your book of business, you can build a very comfortable life here.

FAQs

1. Is it harder to find a job in Lakeville than in Minneapolis?
Not necessarily harder, but different. Minneapolis has more openings but also far more competition. Lakeville’s job market is smaller, so you need to be proactive—networking, walking into salons, and being flexible on hours (e.g., working evenings/weekends) will give you an edge.

2. What’s the biggest expense a new cosmetologist in Lakeville should budget for?
Your first major expense will be your cosmetology education ($12,000-$18,000), followed by rent ($1,201/month). After that, it’s building your professional kit. Many salons provide basic tools, but investing in high-quality shears, brushes, and styling tools is essential for career longevity.

3. Can I make a good living as a self-employed cosmetologist in Lakeville?
Yes, but it’s a long-term play. You need at least 2-3 years of experience building a client base first. Once you have a steady stream, leasing a suite (common in areas like Burnsville or Farmington) can be more profitable than a traditional commission job. Expect to pay $400-$800/month for suite/room rent.

4. Are there opportunities for continuing education in the area?
Absolutely. The Twin Cities metro is rich with opportunities. The Minnesota Beauty Expo is a must-attend. Many brands (like Redken, L’Oréal, Wella) hold classes at local salons or hotels in Burnsville and Minneapolis. Online platforms like MiladyPro are also widely used.

5. How does the winter affect a cosmetologist’s business in Lakeville?
Winter is typically the slow season (Jan-March). Clients hibernate, and holiday spending is over. The key is to build a strong retail sales component (selling hair care products) and offer promotions for dry winter hair treatments. Summer is your peak season. Smart cosmetologists use the slow winter months for advanced training and marketing.