A new South Dakota law makes it easier to hire licensed cosmetology professionals from out of state—if you understand how it works.
Most salon and personal care owners in South Dakota don't realize that a provision buried in HB1194 just changed how out-of-state cosmetology workers can get licensed here. If you've ever tried to hire a licensed professional from another state, this matters to you.
Here's the problem it solves: A cosmetologist licensed in another state might have completed their education under that state's requirements, which often differ from South Dakota's. If their license type doesn't align with South Dakota's categories, they've traditionally had to make up the difference by attending additional classroom hours—a costly and time-consuming barrier that discourages relocation and makes hiring harder.
The new law lets the South Dakota Cosmetology Commission credit documented work experience toward education-hour requirements for out-of-state applicants whose license doesn't match South Dakota's structure. Instead of sitting in a classroom, eligible applicants can substitute hands-on experience at a set ratio: two hours of documented work experience equals one hour of required classroom education.
The amount of credit varies by license type. Depending on whether the applicant is seeking a full cosmetology license, esthetician license, or nail technician license, they can substitute up to 750, 200, or 300 hours of work experience respectively to cover education deficits.
Why this matters: It lowers the cost and time burden for out-of-state professionals considering a move to South Dakota, and it makes it easier for salon owners to onboard experienced, licensed talent without requiring them to return to school.
The change applies specifically to applicants whose out-of-state license type doesn't fit neatly into South Dakota's categories. The Cosmetology Commission will decide the details through formal rulemaking.
The Cosmetology Commission must file final rules with the South Dakota Secretary of State no later than September 1, 2026. Until those rules are published, the framework exists but the specific procedures and documentation requirements won't be finalized.
The provision is codified in Section 2 of HB1194, which adds § 36-15-19.2 to South Dakota Codified Laws. You can find the full bill text through the South Dakota Legislature's website.
If you're considering hiring an out-of-state cosmetology professional, it's worth checking back with the Commission after the rules are filed to understand exactly what documentation and verification they'll require for work-experience credit.
For a free, detailed guide tailored to salon hiring and licensing questions, contact your local South Dakota salon or personal care trade association.