Personal Care & Fitness Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Cosmetologist Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median cosmetologist salary in Charleston, SC is $35,080 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$35,080
vs State Avg
+$3,859
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Cosmetologist Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median cosmetologist salary of $35,080, which is $3,859 above the South Carolina state average of $31,221. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Charleston spans from $22,000 at the 10th percentile to $58,000 at the 90th percentile — a $36,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,000, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $24,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $22,000
25th Percentile $27,000
Median (50th) $35,080
75th Percentile $46,000
90th Percentile $58,000

Cosmetologist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$36,834
Pop. 94,171
North Charleston, SC
$33,326
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$32,274
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$31,572
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Charleston

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Charleston and the surrounding South 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 Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Charleston

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Charleston

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $35,080 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $22,000 (10th percentile) to $58,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,080, a cosmetologist in Charleston earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Charleston's median cosmetologist salary of $35,080 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $31,221. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $35,080 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Charleston? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Charleston 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.