South Carolina ranks 46th of 51 states and D.C. for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists pay, trailing top-paying Washington ($58,920) by $29,800 — a 102% gap.
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists are less concentrated in South Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.76 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.32× below the national share.
South Carolina employs roughly 1.1% of all hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in the country (3,290 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $18,990 | $9.13 |
| 25th percentile | $22,590 | $10.86 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| 75th percentile | $45,060 | $21.66 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,740 | $29.20 |
| Mean (average) | $35,960 | $17.29 |
How South Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (current) | $29,120 | n/a |
| Washington | $58,920 | +102% |
| Hawaii | $52,000 | +79% |
| Vermont | $49,640 | +70% |
| South Dakota | $49,050 | +68% |
| Maine | $48,480 | +66% |
| District of Columbia | $48,060 | +65% |
| Massachusetts | $47,740 | +64% |
| Alaska | $44,700 | +54% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Cooks, Short Order | $29,180 | 1,270 |
| Dishwashers | $29,200 | 7,920 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $29,030 | 35,960 |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | $29,250 | 5,850 |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | $29,290 | 12,830 |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $29,350 | 2,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in South Carolina?
The mean hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary in South Carolina is $35,960 per year. The median (middle) salary is $29,120 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in South Carolina?
Entry-level hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologistss (10th percentile) in South Carolina typically earn around $18,990 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $22,590 per year.
What is the highest Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in South Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Carolina make approximately $60,740 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $45,060 per year.
How does the South Carolina Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary compare to the national average?
The median hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary in South Carolina is $29,120, which is -17% below national average of $35,250.