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Cosmetologist in North Carolina: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Licensed local services

North Carolina employs 8,490 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $38,410 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Carolina licensing picture, and where to train.

What Cosmetologists Earn in North Carolina (May 2025)

North Carolina median pay: $38,410 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $26,880
Experienced (75th percentile): $48,300
Top earners (90th percentile): $61,530
Employed in North Carolina: 8,490
U.S. median (for comparison): $36,110 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major North Carolina markets:

Raleigh: $43,700 (1,810 employed)
Asheville: $40,620 (330 employed)
Winston-Salem: $38,980 (550 employed)
Charlotte metro: $38,530 (2,940 employed)
Greensboro: $37,620 (470 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in North Carolina

Prices in North Carolina run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $38,410 median stretches to roughly $40,732 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in North Carolina (2024–2034)

North Carolina is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +6.8%, faster than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 2,170 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

North Carolina License and Certification Requirements

Cosmetologist License — regulated by the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners.

Complete a North Carolina-approved cosmetology program (1,500 hours hours) at a licensed cosmetology school. Programs cover hair cutting, coloring, chemical services, skin care basics, nail care basics, cosmetology law, and sanitation.
Pass the state cosmetology board exam — both the written (theory) and practical (hands-on) components. Most states use the NICS (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) exam or a state-specific exam.
Apply to North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners for your cosmetologist license. Renew biennially with CE hours. Cosmetologists can work in salons, spas, barber shops, theatrical/film makeup, and as educators once licensed.

Official requirements: North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners →

Training in North Carolina

North Carolina's cosmetology program takes 9–12 months full-time. The NC Board administers written and practical exams. Charlotte's growing cultural diversity (large Latino, Southeast Asian, and African-American communities) creates a dynamic and diverse salon market. Raleigh-Durham's tech workforce supports upscale salon demand; Asheville's tourism economy creates boutique salon and destination spa employment.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Carolina include:

Alamance Community College — Certificate / Associate
Alexander Paul Institute of Hair Design — Certificate
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College — Certificate / Associate
Aveda Institute-Chapel Hill — Certificate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who are creative, social, and want a licensed practice with real self-employment potential once they build a clientele.

Think twice if: Standing all day, chemical exposure, irregular booth-rental income, and state-mandated training hours of 1,000–1,600 sound like barriers.

Why it's resilient: Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.

First Steps

Check your state's required hours, compare licensed school costs, and ask about job placement rates before enrolling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do cosmetologists make in North Carolina?

The median wage for cosmetologists in North Carolina is $38,410 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $26,880, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $61,530. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in North Carolina?

Cosmetologist License, overseen by the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. Complete a North Carolina-approved cosmetology program (1,500 hours hours) at a licensed cosmetology school. Programs cover hair cutting, coloring, chemical services, skin care basics, nail care basics, cosmetology law, and sanitation.

Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in North Carolina?

Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.

Which North Carolina metros pay cosmetologists the most?

Among North Carolina metro areas, Raleigh leads at $43,700, followed by Asheville ($40,620), Winston-Salem ($38,980). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Cosmetologist in North Carolina?

Real North Carolina options include Alamance Community College, Alexander Paul Institute of Hair Design, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Cosmetologist a growing career in North Carolina?

North Carolina projects cosmetologists employment to change +6.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 2,170 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), North Carolina statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET North Carolina wages · North Carolina licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.