Personal Care & Fitness Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Cosmetologist Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median cosmetologist salary in Columbia, SC is $31,572 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$31,572
vs State Avg
+$351
vs National
$-3,508
Cost of Living
90%

Cosmetologist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median cosmetologist salary of $31,572, which is $351 above the South Carolina state average of $31,221. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $19,800 at the 10th percentile to $52,200 at the 90th percentile — a $32,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,600, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,500. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $21,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,500
$-5,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $19,800
25th Percentile $24,300
Median (50th) $31,572
75th Percentile $41,400
90th Percentile $52,200

Cosmetologist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$36,834
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$35,080
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$33,326
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$32,274
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Columbia

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Columbia 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Columbia, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $31,572 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $19,800 (10th percentile) to $52,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,572, a cosmetologist in Columbia earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Columbia's median cosmetologist salary of $31,572 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $31,221. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $31,572 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Columbia? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Columbia 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.