Cosmetologist in South Carolina: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
South Carolina employs 3,570 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $33,700 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Carolina licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in South Carolina (May 2025)
- South Carolina median pay
- $33,700 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $21,340
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $56,770
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $77,430
- Employed in South Carolina
- 3,570
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major South Carolina markets:
- Charlotte
- $38,530 (2,940 employed)
- Charleston
- $34,860 (800 employed)
- Greenville
- $33,850 (680 employed)
- Spartanburg
- $33,640 (280 employed)
- Columbia
- $30,710 (580 employed)
- Augusta
- $29,430 (350 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in South Carolina
Prices in South Carolina run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 93.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $33,700 median stretches to roughly $35,966 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in South Carolina (2024–2034)
South Carolina is projected to grow cosmetologists employment +6.1%, about in line with the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 850 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
South Carolina License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (LLR).
- Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
- Pass the NIC written and practical exams (via Prov).
- Apply to the SC Board of Cosmetology.
Official requirements: South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (LLR) →
Training in South Carolina
Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails). Understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Carolina include:
- Academy of Hair Technology — Certificate
- Barber Tech Academy — Certificate
- Barber Tech Academy-Columbia — Certificate
- Bob Jones University — Associate
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 South Carolina?
The median wage for cosmetologists in South Carolina is $33,700 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $21,340, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,430. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in South Carolina?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (LLR). Complete 1,500 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in South Carolina?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which South Carolina metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among South Carolina metro areas, Charlotte leads at $38,530, followed by Charleston ($34,860), Greenville ($33,850). 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 South Carolina?
Real South Carolina options include Academy of Hair Technology, Barber Tech Academy, Barber Tech Academy-Columbia. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in South Carolina?
South Carolina projects cosmetologists employment to change +6.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 850 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), South Carolina statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5012. Licensing summary compiled from the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (LLR) (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 South Carolina wages · South 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.