Personal Care & Fitness North Charleston, SC Pop. 115,382

Cosmetologist Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median cosmetologist salary in North Charleston, SC is $33,326 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$33,326
vs State Avg
+$2,105
vs National
$-1,754
Cost of Living
95%

Cosmetologist Pay in North Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

North Charleston offers a median cosmetologist salary of $33,326, which is $2,105 above the South Carolina state average of $31,221. Compared to the national median of $35,080, North Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

North Charleston's cost of living is 95% 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 North Charleston spans from $20,900 at the 10th percentile to $55,100 at the 90th percentile — a $34,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,800, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $52,250. With a population of 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $22,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,800
$-1,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,200
$-1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,250
$-2,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Charleston, SC

Percentile North Charleston
10th Percentile $20,900
25th Percentile $25,650
Median (50th) $33,326
75th Percentile $43,700
90th Percentile $55,100

Cosmetologist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$36,834
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$35,080
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$32,274
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$31,572
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Cosmetologist in North Charleston

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open cosmetologist positions in North Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Cosmetologist make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in North Charleston, South Carolina is $33,326 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $20,900 (10th percentile) to $55,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,326, a cosmetologist in North Charleston earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
North Charleston's median cosmetologist salary of $33,326 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $31,221. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC? ▼
North Charleston has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $33,326 in North Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in North Charleston? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in North 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.