Esthetician Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina
The median esthetician salary in Raleigh, NC is $37,436 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.
Esthetician Pay in Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)
Raleigh offers a median esthetician salary of $37,436, which is $2,292 above the North Carolina state average of $35,144. Compared to the national median of $38,200, Raleigh pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Raleigh's cost of living is 98% 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 estheticians in Raleigh spans from $23,520 at the 10th percentile to $63,700 at the 90th percentile — a $40,180 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,480, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $60,760. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Esthetician Salary in Raleigh by Experience
In Raleigh, an entry-level esthetician earns around $25,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Raleigh, NC
| Percentile | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $23,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,400 |
| Median (50th) | $37,436 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $63,700 |
Esthetician Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Esthetician in Raleigh
Education
Most esthetician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Esthetician Jobs in Raleigh
Browse open esthetician positions in Raleigh, NC: