📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Salary in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina · 12.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$32,428
per year
Median
$28,890
per year
Hourly
$15.59
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$21,519
25th Percentile — Junior$28,290
50th Percentile — Median$28,890
75th Percentile — Senior$43,524
90th Percentile — Top Earners$49,386
💡 Top-earning Hairdresser and Cosmetologists in South Carolina make up to $49,386 per year. The job market in South Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$28.7k
2021
$29.4k
2022
$30.1k
2023
$30.9k
2024
$31.6k
2025
$32.4k
2026
📈 Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries in South Carolina have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in South Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Salary by City in South Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $32,428 +0% Medium
🔍
Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Job Market in South Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

South Carolina is home to a strong job market for Hairdresser and Cosmetologists. The state's key industries — Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $32,428 per year, South Carolina's Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Carolina (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Carolina can expect to earn $21,519–$28,290, while experienced Hairdresser and Cosmetologists can command $43,524–$49,386.

Looking ahead, the Hairdresser and Cosmetologist profession in South Carolina is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Automotive 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 South Carolina is $32,428 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $36,850.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Hairdresser and Cosmetologists the highest wages in South Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing. This makes it one of the better states for Hairdresser and Cosmetologist employment.
  • At $32,428/year, South Carolina Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $36,850/year.