Esthetician Salary in Columbia, South Carolina
The median esthetician salary in Columbia, SC is $34,380 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.
Esthetician Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)
Columbia offers a median esthetician salary of $34,380, which is $382 above the South Carolina state average of $33,998. Compared to the national median of $38,200, 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 estheticians in Columbia spans from $21,600 at the 10th percentile to $58,500 at the 90th percentile — a $36,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,400, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,800. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Esthetician Salary in Columbia by Experience
In Columbia, an entry-level esthetician earns around $23,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $21,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,000 |
| Median (50th) | $34,380 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $58,500 |
Esthetician Salary in Other South Carolina Cities
How to Become a Esthetician in Columbia
Education
Most esthetician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Columbia and the surrounding South 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Esthetician Jobs in Columbia
Browse open esthetician positions in Columbia, SC: