Esthetician in South Carolina: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
South Carolina employs 1,210 estheticians, with a statewide median of $39,670 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact South Carolina licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in South Carolina (May 2025)
- South Carolina median pay
- $39,670 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $22,530
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $58,430
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $80,430
- Employed in South Carolina
- 1,210
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major South Carolina markets:
- Spartanburg
- $49,490 (160 employed)
- Augusta
- $47,730 (100 employed)
- Charleston
- $41,300 (270 employed)
- Greenville
- $39,260 (250 employed)
- Charlotte
- $39,120 (770 employed)
- Columbia
- $37,870 (140 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 $39,670 median stretches to roughly $42,337 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in South Carolina (2024–2034)
South Carolina is projected to grow estheticians employment +8.8%, faster than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 240 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
South Carolina License and Certification Requirements
Esthetician license — regulated by the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (LLR).
- Complete 450 hours at a licensed school.
- Pass the NIC written and practical exams.
- Apply to the SC Board of Cosmetology.
Official requirements: South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (LLR) →
Training in South Carolina
450 hours is a relatively short path. Medical-spa and dermatology-office roles tend to pay more than traditional spas.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in South Carolina include:
- Academy of Hair Technology — Certificate
- Barber Tech Academy — Certificate
- Barber Tech Academy-Columbia — Certificate
- Charleston Cosmetology Institute — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who enjoy beauty, wellness, and client relationships and want a licensed practice with a realistic path to self-employment.
Think twice if: Standing all day, irregular income as a booth renter, and licensing hours that vary wildly by state sound difficult.
Why it's resilient: Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
First Steps
Check your state's required training hours — they range from 260 to 1,500 hours — and find an accredited esthetics school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do estheticians make in South Carolina?
The median wage for estheticians in South Carolina is $39,670 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $22,530, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $80,430. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in South Carolina?
Esthetician license, overseen by the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology (LLR). Complete 450 hours at a licensed school.
Is being an Esthetician a good career in South Carolina?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which South Carolina metros pay estheticians the most?
Among South Carolina metro areas, Spartanburg leads at $49,490, followed by Augusta ($47,730), Charleston ($41,300). 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 an Esthetician in South Carolina?
Real South Carolina options include Academy of Hair Technology, Barber Tech Academy, Barber Tech Academy-Columbia. Most estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Esthetician a growing career in South Carolina?
South Carolina projects estheticians employment to change +8.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 240 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 39-5094. 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.