Missouri licenses estheticians through the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, which operates under the Division of Professional Registration within the Department of Commerce and Insurance. You need a Missouri esthetician license to legally perform skincare services, facials, hair removal, and related esthetic treatments for compensation anywhere in Missouri.
Missouri requires 750 hours of approved training (or 1,500 hours as a registered apprentice) plus NIC written and practical exams. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $175. Most people complete the full process in 5 to 9 months. Here is exactly how to get your Missouri esthetician license.
Missouri Esthetician License Requirements at a Glance
| Official License Title | Class E Esthetician |
| Governing Agency | Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners, Division of Professional Registration |
| Statutory Authority | RSMo Chapter 329; 20 CSR 2085 |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Education Prerequisite | 10th grade completion or GED |
| Training Hours Required | 750 hours at an approved school OR 1,500 hours as a registered apprentice |
| Exam Required | NIC Written (theory) + NIC Practical exams, administered by Prov |
| Passing Score | 75% on each exam |
| Exam Fees | Theory: $90 | Practical: $60 | Total: $150 |
| License Fee | $25 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $175 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Every 2 years by September 30 of odd years | $30 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | Missouri Board Forms & Applications |
| Board Website | pr.mo.gov/cosbar.asp |
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Eligibility Requirements
Before enrolling in a Missouri esthetics program, confirm you meet these baseline requirements:
- Age: At least 17 years old
- Education: Completed 10th grade or GED equivalent (RSMo 329.050)
Missouri does not automatically disqualify applicants based on criminal history. The Board may consider convictions on a case-by-case basis when evaluating license applications.
Step 2: Complete Your Education
Missouri offers two pathways to meet the Missouri esthetician license training requirement:
Option 1: Esthetics School (750 Hours)
Complete 750 hours of instruction at a cosmetology school licensed by the Board. You must earn at least 75 hours of classroom training before performing any esthetic services on patrons (RSMo 329.040). Full-time programs typically take 5 to 7 months. The curriculum includes:
- Facials, cleansing, toning, and massaging (120 hours minimum)
- Makeup application in all phases (100 hours minimum)
- Skin analysis and consultation
- Hair removal techniques (waxing, tweezing)
- Sanitation and infection control
- Anatomy and physiology
- Missouri laws and rules
Option 2: Apprenticeship (1,500 Hours)
Complete 1,500 hours of training as an apprentice under the supervision of a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed establishment. The apprenticeship pathway typically takes 12 to 18 months. Missouri limits apprenticeships to one apprentice per licensee and one per establishment, and the supervising licensee may not charge a fee for instruction (RSMo 329.040).
Missouri’s 750-hour requirement is above the national average for esthetics. See where all states fall in our esthetician hours by state comparison chart.
Step 3: Pass the Licensing Exams
Missouri uses the National-Interstate Council (NIC) examinations administered by Prov. You must pass both a written (theory) and practical exam with a score of 75% or higher on each.
How to register:
- Complete your training program or apprenticeship
- Register through Prov, the Board’s designated testing vendor
- Pay the exam fees ($90 theory + $60 practical = $150 total)
- Schedule your exams at an approved testing location
Exam details:
- Written (Theory) Exam: Multiple-choice covering esthetics theory, sanitation, infection control, anatomy, skin science, product chemistry, and Missouri laws and rules
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of esthetic skills including facials, skin analysis, hair removal, and sanitation procedures
- Passing Score: 75% on each exam
- Retake Policy: If you fail either exam, you may retake it by re-registering and paying the applicable fee ($90 theory or $60 practical)
All exam fees are nonrefundable. No-shows and late arrivals forfeit fees.
Step 4: Apply for Your Missouri Esthetician License
Once you pass both exams, submit your license application through the Board with the $25 license issuance fee. Applications and forms are available at pr.mo.gov/cosbar-forms.asp. You can also apply through the Missouri Professional Registration licensing portal. Payment can be made by check, money order, or credit card.
Missouri Esthetician License Fees Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written (Theory) Exam | $90 | Prov |
| Practical Exam | $60 | Prov |
| License Issuance | $25 | Board |
| Total Initial Cost | $175 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $30 | Board |
| Reciprocity (Out-of-State) | $100 | Board |
License Renewal
All Missouri esthetician licenses expire on September 30 of every odd-numbered year. The Board mails renewal forms prior to expiration. The renewal fee is $30.
Missouri does not require continuing education for esthetician license renewal. You simply complete the renewal form and pay the fee.
Late renewal: If you fail to renew within two months of expiration, you must pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the regular renewal fee. Contact the Board at 573-751-1052 for reinstatement procedures.
Inactive status: Licensees may place their license on inactive status per 20 CSR 2085-7.040. To reactivate, contact the Board and pay applicable fees.
Transferring Your License to Missouri (Reciprocity)
Missouri offers license reciprocity for estheticians licensed in other states under RSMo 324.009. You may qualify if you hold a current license in good standing from another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia AND meet one of the following:
- Your original state has requirements substantially equal to Missouri’s (at least 95% of Missouri’s training hours), OR
- You have practiced as an esthetician for at least two consecutive years in another state
The reciprocity fee is $100. You must submit an affidavit completed by your original state’s licensing agency verifying your license type, status, and that it is current and in good standing.
Universal reciprocity (RSMo 324.009): Under HB 2046 (signed August 28, 2020), Missouri boards must waive experience and education requirements for any person who has been licensed for at least one year in another state, provided that state has minimum educational and experience requirements in place.
Military Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Missouri provides licensing accommodations for military-connected applicants:
Priority Processing (RSMo 324.006): Spouses of active-duty military members receive first priority for processing licensure applications.
Universal Reciprocity (RSMo 324.009): Military members and spouses who hold a valid license from another state for at least one year may apply for Missouri licensure with waived experience and education requirements, provided their original state has minimum standards in place.
SCRA License Portability (2023): Under the amended Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, military spouses who relocate to Missouri may be able to practice under their existing out-of-state license.
Scope of Practice
A Missouri Class E esthetician license authorizes you to perform skincare services using mechanical or electrical apparatuses, appliances, or cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, or creams (not exceeding 10% phenol). Specific authorized services include:
- Massaging, cleansing, stimulating, manipulating, exercising, and beautifying the scalp, face, neck, ears, arms, hands, bust, torso, legs, or feet
- Removing superfluous hair by means other than electric needle (waxing, tweezing, threading)
- Arching and tinting eyebrows
- Tinting eyelashes
- Facial treatments and skin analysis
- Makeup application
Estheticians in Missouri must work in a licensed establishment. If you want to open your own skincare practice, you need a separate establishment license from the Board.
An esthetician license does not authorize you to perform hair cutting, coloring, or chemical services. If you want a broader scope of practice including hair and nail services, consider a cosmetology license (1,500 hours in Missouri). To compare what each license covers, see whether you can be an esthetician with a cosmetology license.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national median salary for skincare specialists was $41,560 per year ($19.98 per hour) as of May 2024. National salaries range from approximately $27,160 at the 10th percentile to $77,330 at the 90th percentile.
Missouri estheticians can expect earnings near the national median. The Kansas City and St. Louis metro areas typically have the highest esthetician employment and earning potential in the state. These figures do not include tips, commissions, or self-employment income, which are common in the esthetics industry and can significantly increase total compensation.
Nationally, employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an esthetician in Missouri?
You need 750 hours of esthetics training at a Board-approved school, or 1,500 hours through a registered apprenticeship. You must also complete at least 75 hours of classroom training before performing any services on patrons. Full-time school programs typically take 5 to 7 months.
How much does it cost to get an esthetician license in Missouri?
State fees total approximately $175: $150 in exam fees ($90 theory + $60 practical, paid to Prov) and a $25 license issuance fee to the Board. Tuition for Missouri esthetics programs varies by school.
Does Missouri require continuing education for estheticians?
No. Missouri does not require any continuing education for esthetician license renewal. You simply pay the $30 renewal fee every two years by September 30 of the odd-numbered year.
What is the passing score for the Missouri esthetician exam?
You must score at least 75% on both the NIC written (theory) exam and the NIC practical exam.
Can I transfer my esthetician license from another state to Missouri?
Yes, through reciprocity ($100 fee). Your original state must have substantially equal requirements, or you must have practiced for at least two consecutive years. Under RSMo 324.009, Missouri must waive education and experience requirements for anyone licensed for at least one year in another state.
Does Missouri offer an apprenticeship for estheticians?
Yes. Missouri offers a 1,500-hour apprenticeship under a licensed cosmetologist in a licensed establishment. This typically takes 12 to 18 months, compared to 5 to 7 months for the school pathway.
Can a cosmetologist perform esthetician services in Missouri?
A Missouri Class CA cosmetology license includes basic skin care services. However, the esthetician license (Class E) provides a more focused scope specifically for advanced skincare treatments. Cosmetologists who want to specialize in esthetics may benefit from the dedicated training.
For a comparison of esthetician licensing requirements across all states, including training hours, exam formats, fees, and reciprocity rules, see our complete esthetician licensing guide.
Official Resources
- Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (official website)
- License Applications and Forms
- Cosmetology Fee Schedule (includes esthetician fees)
- Missouri Professional Registration Licensing Portal
- RSMo 329.040 (esthetician training hour statute)
- RSMo 329.050 (license qualifications)
- Board Contact: Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners | PO Box 1062, Jefferson City, MO 65102 | Phone: (573) 751-1052 | Toll Free: (866) 762-9432 | Email: cosbar@pr.mo.gov