Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
In Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn $40,580 at the median — $19.51 an hour. The range runs from $28K at the entry level to $83K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 97.57), that's roughly $41,591 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,711/month — about 60.7% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $41K get you in Durham-Chapel Hill?
About hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Entry-level hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists (10th percentile) start around $28K. Mid-career wages sit at $41K.Top earners bring in $83K or more - a $55K spread from bottom to top.
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $59K | +67% | 7,410 |
| Hawaii | $52K | +48% | 1,000 |
| Vermont | $50K | +41% | 520 |
| South Dakota | $49K | +39% | 530 |
| Maine | $48K | +38% | 820 |
| District of Columbia | $48K | +36% | 1,010 |
| Massachusetts | $48K | +35% | 9,210 |
| Alaska | $45K | +27% | 240 |
| New Jersey | $44K | +25% | 15,140 |
| Minnesota | $43K | +22% | 5,230 |
| New Hampshire | $42K | +19% | 1,550 |
| California | $39K | +12% | 21,510 |
| Nebraska | $39K | +11% | 1,950 |
| Montana | $38K | +8% | 600 |
| Iowa | $38K | +7% | 2,870 |
Track hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Durham-Chapel Hill numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median is $40,580 a year - that works out to about $19.51 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $27,610, and experienced hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists can clear $82,670. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $41K enough to live in Durham-Chapel Hill?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,735/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,711/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 62.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary go in Durham-Chapel Hill?
Durham-Chapel Hill has a Regional Price Parity of 97.57 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary is worth about $41,591 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.