How Much Do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Make in North Carolina?
Median wage from BLS May 2025 — and the after-tax number the salary sites skip. Tax year 2026.
Quick answer
According to payandtaxes.com's analysis of BLS May 2025 data and 2026 tax law, the median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in North Carolina earns $38,410 per year and takes home $32,019 ($2,668/month) — a keep-rate of 83.4%, with 8,490 employed in the state.
Free. No signup. Single filer, standard deduction — full model.
| Gross pay | $3,200.83 |
| Federal income tax | $202.43 |
| Social Security | $198.45 |
| Medicare | $46.41 |
| North Carolina state income tax | $85.32 |
| You keep | $2,668.22 |
How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make in North Carolina?
The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in North Carolina earns $38,410 per year (BLS May 2025), about $18.47 per hour.
What is that after taxes?
$38,410 gross in North Carolina keeps $32,019 after federal income tax ($2,429), FICA ($2,938) and state income tax ($1,024) — $2,668 per month, a 83.4% keep-rate.
How does North Carolina compare to the national median for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists?
The North Carolina median is $2,620 above the national median of $35,790.
Which state pays Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists the most?
Washington has the highest median gross for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists at $59,510 — but compare take-home, not gross: state taxes change the order.
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in every state · North Carolina paycheck calculator · North Carolina minimum wage