North Carolina ranks 21st of 51 states and D.C. for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($58,920) by $22,780 — a 63% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $24,060 to $61,620 — a $37,560 spread, 18% tighter than the national $45,640 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.0% of all hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in the country (8,720 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $24,060 | $11.57 |
| 25th percentile | $28,120 | $13.52 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $36,140 | $17.37 |
| 75th percentile | $47,830 | $22.99 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $61,620 | $29.63 |
| Mean (average) | $42,010 | $20.20 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $36,140 | n/a |
| Washington | $58,920 | +63% |
| Hawaii | $52,000 | +44% |
| Vermont | $49,640 | +37% |
| South Dakota | $49,050 | +36% |
| Maine | $48,480 | +34% |
| District of Columbia | $48,060 | +33% |
| Massachusetts | $47,740 | +32% |
| Alaska | $44,700 | +24% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Food Processing Workers, All Other | $36,080 | 4,440 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $36,080 | 113,330 |
| Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | $36,340 | 1,450 |
| Security Guards | $35,900 | 29,360 |
| Residential Advisors | $36,590 | 2,850 |
| Bus Drivers, School | $36,620 | 11,960 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in North Carolina?
The mean hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary in North Carolina is $42,010 per year. The median (middle) salary is $36,140 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in North Carolina?
Entry-level hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologistss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $24,060 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $28,120 per year.
What is the highest Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $61,620 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $47,830 per year.
How does the North Carolina Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary compare to the national average?
The median hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary in North Carolina is $36,140, which is +3% above national average of $35,250.