📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$33,534
per year
Median
$29,875
per year
Hourly
$16.12
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$22,252
25th Percentile — Junior$29,254
50th Percentile — Median$29,875
75th Percentile — Senior$45,008
90th Percentile — Top Earners$51,069
💡 Top-earning Hairdresser and Cosmetologists in North Carolina make up to $51,069 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$29.6k
2021
$30.4k
2022
$31.1k
2023
$31.9k
2024
$32.7k
2025
$33.5k
2026
📈 Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $32,193 -4.0% Medium
Raleigh $32,863 -2.0% Medium
Greensboro $30,181 -10.0% Medium
Durham $32,528 -3.0% Medium
Winston-Salem $29,175 -13.0% Medium
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Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Hairdresser and Cosmetologists. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $33,534 per year, North Carolina's Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $22,252–$29,254, while experienced Hairdresser and Cosmetologists can command $45,008–$51,069.

Looking ahead, the Hairdresser and Cosmetologist profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salary in North Carolina is $33,534 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $36,850.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Hairdresser and Cosmetologists the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Hairdresser and Cosmetologist employment.
  • At $33,534/year, North Carolina Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $36,850/year.