Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists Pay Range in North Carolina
Pay distribution across experience levels
- 10th Percentile — Entry Level$26,880
- 25th Percentile — Junior$29,270
- 50th Percentile — Median$38,410
- 75th Percentile — Senior$48,300
- 90th Percentile — Top Earners$61,530
Half of Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists in North Carolina earn more than $38,410. The top 10% make $61,530 or more, while entry-level workers start around $26,880.
Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists in North Carolina: Key Facts
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
- North Carolina ranks 20th of 50 states for Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists pay, at $43,670 per year (0.7% below the U.S. average of $43,960).
- 8,490 people work as Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists in North Carolina — 2.8% of all U.S. Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists jobs.
- Location quotient 0.87: Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists jobs are less concentrated in North Carolina than in the U.S. overall.
- Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $26,880; the top 10% earn over $61,530.
- Hourly equivalent: $21.0 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
- The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $70,320.
- Among personal services jobs in North Carolina, Skincare Specialists pays the most ($50,870).
Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation
North Carolina's key industries are Technology, Finance, Agriculture, and its job market is rated strong. Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists here earn $43,670 on average, placing the state 20th nationally.
With a cost-of-living index of 0.91 (U.S. = 1.00), a North Carolina salary of $43,670 is roughly equivalent to $47,989 at the national average cost of living.
Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Maryland ($45,350), Ohio ($44,680), Nebraska ($43,850) are the closest alternatives for Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists weighing a move.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
Other Personal Services Jobs in North Carolina
Related career salary benchmarks
- Skincare Specialists $50,870/yr North Carolina +16.5% vs this role
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $48,270/yr North Carolina +10.5% vs this role
- Barbers $47,710/yr North Carolina +9.3% vs this role
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $42,800/yr North Carolina 2.0% vs this role
- Recreation Workers $35,250/yr North Carolina 19.3% vs this role
- Travel Guides $34,290/yr North Carolina 21.5% vs this role
- Animal Caretakers $33,870/yr North Carolina 22.4% vs this role
- Childcare Workers $30,940/yr North Carolina 29.2% vs this role
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
What is the average Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists salary in North Carolina?
The average Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists salary in North Carolina is $43,670 per year (median $38,410), which is 0.7% below the national average of $43,960.
How does North Carolina rank for Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists pay?
North Carolina ranks 20th out of 50 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($70,320/yr).
How much do entry-level Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists make in North Carolina?
The lowest-paid 10% of Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists in North Carolina earn about $26,880 per year and the 25th percentile is $29,270.
How much do Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists make per hour in North Carolina?
About $21.0 per hour, based on the $43,670 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.
How many Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists work in North Carolina?
BLS counts 8,490 Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists jobs in North Carolina (OEWS May 2025).
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