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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Cosmetologist in North Carolina is $24,843 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $12.
However, a Licensed Cosmetologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Licensed Cosmetologist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $26,617 | $2,218 | $512 | $13 |
| Average | $24,843 | $2,070 | $478 | $12 |
| 25th Percentile | $22,633 | $1,886 | $435 | $11 |
The Psychology Center - MADISON, WI
TKW - CHARLOTTE, NC
HEALTH CONNECT AMERICA, INC - WILDERS GROVE, NC
General Motors - KENMORE, NY
A Licensed Cosmetologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Licensed Cosmetologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Licensed Cosmetologist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and MFG Nondurable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Licensed Cosmetologist positions in Financial Services or Pharmaceuticals typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Licensed Cosmetologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $34,780 | $17.0 | 40% |
| MFG Nondurable | $33,538 | $16.0 | 35% |
| Business Services | $32,296 | $16.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $31,054 | $15.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $29,811 | $14.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Licensed Cosmetologist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $26,617 | $2,218 | $512 | $13 |
| Average | $24,843 | $2,070 | $478 | $12 |
| 25th Percentile | $22,633 | $1,886 | $435 | $11 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Licensed Cosmetologist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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