Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Charleston, SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Charleston-North Charleston, SC

Median annual salary $33,430 -5.2% vs national
Median hourly $16.07
10th percentile $18,680
90th percentile $76,580
Employed locally 740
National median $35,250

Compare Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Charleston, SC stacks up on salary and cost of living.

Full tool →
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
in
Charleston, SC
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $18,680
    25th
    $23,790
    50th (median)
    $33,430
    75th
    $48,850
    90th
    $76,580

    Charleston economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $82,272 2023 • Census ACS
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary vs area income 41% Median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary is 59% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $60,770
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $60,140
    Bellingham, WA $60,130
    Washington $58,920
    Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA $58,800
    East North Dakota nonmetropolitan area $58,450

    Nearby metros — Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $42,500
    Wisconsin $36,550
    Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area $36,290
    Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $35,430
    Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area $34,080
    Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $33,590

    Related occupations in Charleston, SC

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers $29,590
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $29,030
    Recreation Workers $37,680
    Animal Caretakers $31,550
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $45,770
    Tour and Travel Guides $35,360

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make per hour in Charleston?

    The median hourly wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Charleston, SC is $16.07, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $38.61 or more per hour.

    Is Charleston above or below average for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salaries?

    The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in Charleston, SC is 5.2% below the national median of $35,250. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Charleston?

    Entry-level Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (10th percentile) earn around $18,680 per year in Charleston, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $23,790.