Esthetician Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $32,852 (2026)

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

Winston-Salem offers a median esthetician salary of $32,852, which is $2,292 below the North Carolina state average of $35,144. Compared to the national median of $38,200, 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 $32,852 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for estheticians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for estheticians in Winston-Salem spans from $20,640 at the 10th percentile to $55,900 at the 90th percentile — a $35,260 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,360, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,320. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Esthetician Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level esthetician earns around $22,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$22,360

$-3,640 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$33,540

$-5,460 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$53,320

$-8,680 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$20,640	$22,080	$24,000
25th Percentile	$25,800	$27,600	$30,000
Median (50th)	$32,852	$35,144	$38,200
75th Percentile	$44,720	$47,840	$52,000
90th Percentile	$55,900	$59,800	$65,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$20,640

25th Percentile

$25,800

Median (50th)

$32,852

75th Percentile

$44,720

90th Percentile

$55,900

How to Become a Esthetician in Winston-Salem

Education

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

Key Skills

SkincareFacial TreatmentsProduct KnowledgeClient ConsultationSanitationAnatomy

Job Outlook

Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician Salary in Winston-Salem

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

The median esthetician salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $32,852 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $38,200. Salaries range from $20,640 (10th percentile) to $55,900 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $32,852, a esthetician in Winston-Salem earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Winston-Salem's median esthetician salary of $32,852 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $35,144. 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 esthetician salary of $32,852 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most esthetician positions in Winston-Salem require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Skincare, Facial Treatments, Product Knowledge, Client Consultation. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.

Esthetician Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina