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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Color Specialist in North Carolina is $130,445 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a Color Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Color Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $137,131 | $11,428 | $2,637 | $66 |
| Average | $130,445 | $10,870 | $2,509 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $121,303 | $10,109 | $2,333 | $58 |
Sherwin-Williams - Raleigh, NC
Sherwin Williams - Raleigh, NC
Sherwin-Williams - Greensboro, NC
Sherwin Williams - Greensboro, NC
A Color Specialist'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Color Specialist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Fashion D... Level Color Specialist | $72,712 |
| Fashion D... Level Color Specialist | $93,367 |
| Color Spe... Level Color Specialist | $129,953 |
| Manager o... Level Color Specialist | $123,391 |
| Senior Ma... Level Color Specialist | $153,735 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Color Specialists. 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 Color Specialist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Retail & Wholesale, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Color Specialist positions in MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Color Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & Wholesale | $156,534 | $75.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Color Specialist'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 | $137,131 | $11,428 | $2,637 | $66 |
| Average | $130,445 | $10,870 | $2,509 | $63 |
| 25th Percentile | $121,303 | $10,109 | $2,333 | $58 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Color Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Moxie Salon and Beauty Bar - Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
Moxie Salon and Beauty Bar - Raleigh | Raleigh, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Bonus based on performance. Competitive salary. Employee discounts. Flexible schedule. Opportunity for advancem... more
1 Day Ago
American Airlines
FORT WORTH, TX
American Airlines | FORT WORTH, TX
Intro. Are you ready to explore a world of possibilities, both at work and during your time off. Join our American Airlines family, and you'll travel the w... more
1 Day Ago
Sherwin Williams
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Sherwin Williams | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Sherwin-Williams is seeking a Bilingual Retail Color Mixer to join our Retail Operations team. In this customer-facing role, you will assist shoppers in En... more
1 Day Ago
Sherwin Williams
LELAND, NC
Sherwin Williams | LELAND, NC
Sherwin-Williams, a global leader in the paint and coatings industry, is seeking a skilled Bilingual Color Mixer to join our dynamic retail team. This posi... more
1 Day Ago
Sherwin Williams
WINSTON SALEM, NC
Sherwin Williams | WINSTON SALEM, NC
Sherwin-Williams, a global leader in the paint and coatings industry, is seeking a skilled Bilingual Color Mixer to join our dynamic retail team. This posi... more
1 Day Ago
Color Health
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Color Health | SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA
Color is revolutionizing cancer care with the nation’s first Virtual Cancer Clinic, delivering high-quality, physician-led multidisciplinary care across al... more
2 Days Ago
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