Cosmetologist in South Carolina

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for SC. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$29,120

trending_down -17.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.

engineering

3,290

Jobs (SC)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$300

Licensing fees

schedule

9-12 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cosmetologist in South Carolina

To become a licensed Cosmetologist in South Carolina, individuals must complete 1,500 hours in a Board-approved cosmetology school and possess at least a 10th-grade education. Applicants must pass both the NIC Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, administered by Prov, and submit an application with a fee of $150. South Carolina does not offer reciprocity; however, licensure by endorsement is available for those actively licensed in another state who meet specific criteria, such as passing the NIC exam or having two years of experience and completing continuing education.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $18,990

25th percentile $22,590

50th (median) $29,120

75th percentile $45,060

90th (experienced) $60,740

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for South Carolina. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist South Carolina requirements

Licensing body	South Carolina Board of Cosmetology
State license	Required
Education	1500-hour training program and 10th grade education
Exam	NIC Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by Prov) ($150)
Application fee	$150
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	4.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 16 years old. Must possess at least a 10th-grade education or equivalency. A criminal background check is required. Newly licensed cosmetologists are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal cycle.

Source: South Carolina Board of Cosmetology

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

75,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

575,200

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.68/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleSouth Carolina license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cosmetologist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a cosmetologist in South Carolina? expand_more

South Carolina requires cosmetologists to complete the required education (1500-hour training program and 10th grade education), pass the NIC Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by Prov), and submit your application ($150 fee).

Does South Carolina require cosmetologist licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in South Carolina. South Carolina Board of Cosmetology handles cosmetologist licensing — the NIC Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams (administered by Prov) is part of the process.

What do cosmetologists earn in South Carolina? expand_more

South Carolina cosmetologists bring home a median salary of $29,120. That's 17% below the national median of $35,250. Wages range from $18,990 (10th percentile) up to $60,740 (90th percentile).

How expensive is cosmetologist licensing in South Carolina? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($150) and application fee ($150). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How long does it take to become a cosmetologist in South Carolina? expand_more

The typical timeline in South Carolina is 9-12 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

What's required to renew a cosmetologist license in South Carolina? expand_more

License renewal in South Carolina requires completing 4.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.