Cosmetologist in North Carolina
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NC
How to Become a Cosmetologist in North Carolina
To become a licensed cosmetologist in North Carolina, individuals must complete 1500 hours of training in an approved cosmetic art school or 1200 hours with a 6-month apprenticeship. After completing the education, applicants must pass the North Carolina State Board written and practical examinations, which are NIC exams administered by DL Roope Administrations. Finally, a license application and fee must be submitted to the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners. North Carolina offers reciprocity with most states for licensed cosmetologists, and there is no explicit minimum age requirement in the statute, though schools typically require applicants to be at least 16 years old.
Cosmetologist Requirements in North Carolina
| Detail | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1500 hours of training in an approved cosmetic art school, or 1200 hours in an approved cosmetic art school and completion of a 6-month apprenticeship. A 10th-grade education is generally required by most approved schools for enrollment, though not explicitly by statute. |
| Exam | North Carolina State Board examination (NIC written and practical exams administered by DL Roope Administrations) ($148) |
| Application Fee | $49 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age is not explicitly required by statute, but most schools require applicants to be at least 16 years old. Cosmetologists with 10+ years of experience and aged 60 or older are exempt from CE requirements. A temporary permit ($5) is available for 6 months after graduation. |
Cosmetologist Salary in North Carolina
The median cosmetologist salary in North Carolina is $36,140 per year, which is 2.5% above the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $24,060 |
| 25th | $28,120 |
| 50th (median) | $36,140 |
| 75th | $47,830 |
| 90th (experienced) | $61,620 |
North Carolina employs approximately 8,720 cosmetologists.
Cosmetologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Cosmetologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Cosmetologist in North Carolina Worth It?
Factors to consider: North Carolina's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.