Cosmetologist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $30,169 (2026)

Cosmetologist Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,169, which is $2,105 below the North Carolina state average of $32,274. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $30,169 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Winston-Salem spans from $18,920 at the 10th percentile to $49,880 at the 90th percentile — a $30,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,640, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,300. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $20,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$20,640

$-3,360 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$30,960

$-5,040 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$47,300

$-7,700 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$18,920	$20,240	$22,000
25th Percentile	$23,220	$24,840	$27,000
Median (50th)	$30,169	$32,274	$35,080
75th Percentile	$39,560	$42,320	$46,000
90th Percentile	$49,880	$53,360	$58,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$18,920

25th Percentile

$23,220

Median (50th)

$30,169

75th Percentile

$39,560

90th Percentile

$49,880

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Winston-Salem

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median cosmetologist salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $30,169 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,920 (10th percentile) to $49,880 (90th percentile).

How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $30,169, a cosmetologist in Winston-Salem earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median cosmetologist salary of $30,169 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $32,274. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $30,169 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most cosmetologist positions in Winston-Salem require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Cosmetologist Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina