Cosmetology schools in North Carolina
We found 63 schools offering cosmetology training in North Carolina, with campuses in Charlotte, Asheville, Wilmington, and Greensboro and more. Cosmetologists in North Carolina earn a median $38,410 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 63
- Public colleges
- 49
- Median pay in NC
- $38,410
- Cities with schools
- 44
24 cosmetology schools
School results
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Asheville, NC · Public
- Cosmetology
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- +24
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Blue Ridge Community College - North Carolina
Flat Rock, NC · Public
- Cosmetology
- Welding
- CNC machining
- +11
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
Hudson, NC · Public
- Cosmetology
- Electrician
- Welding
- +14
Cosmetology schools by city
- Charlotte (8 within 30 mi)
- Raleigh (4 within 30 mi)
- Greensboro (8 within 30 mi)
- Durham (4 within 30 mi)
- Winston-Salem (5 within 30 mi)
- Fayetteville (5 within 30 mi)
- Cary (4 within 30 mi)
- Wilmington (3 within 30 mi)
- Concord (8 within 30 mi)
- Greenville (5 within 30 mi)
- Asheville (4 within 30 mi)
- Gastonia (8 within 30 mi)
- Burlington (6 within 30 mi)
- Wake Forest (4 within 30 mi)
- Mooresville (9 within 30 mi)
- Wilson (3 within 30 mi)
- Hickory (5 within 30 mi)
- Monroe (7 within 30 mi)
- Salisbury (6 within 30 mi)
- Goldsboro (3 within 30 mi)
- New Bern (4 within 30 mi)
- Sanford (3 within 30 mi)
- Clayton (3 within 30 mi)
- Asheboro (5 within 30 mi)
- Thomasville (7 within 30 mi)
- Shelby (3 within 30 mi)
- Kinston (3 within 30 mi)
- Lumberton (3 within 30 mi)
- Morganton (5 within 30 mi)
- Albemarle (4 within 30 mi)
- Tarboro (4 within 30 mi)
- Washington (3 within 30 mi)
- Marion (4 within 30 mi)
- Williamston (4 within 30 mi)
- Whiteville (3 within 30 mi)
- Spindale (5 within 30 mi)
- Flat Rock (4 within 30 mi)
- Wentworth (4 within 30 mi)
- Spruce Pine (3 within 30 mi)
- Clyde (4 within 30 mi)
- Kenansville (3 within 30 mi)
- Grantsboro (4 within 30 mi)
- Dublin (3 within 30 mi)
- Bolivia (3 within 30 mi)
What cosmetologists earn in North Carolina
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
Cosmetologist salary in North CarolinaHow to become a cosmetologist
- Median pay
- $38,410
- $18.47 an hour
- Typical range
- $26,880–$61,530
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in NC
- 8,490
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +7.7%
- 73,400 openings a year (U.S.)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.
Hear from the best fits near North Carolina
One short form. Up to 3 schools send you costs, schedules and financial aid options. Free, with no obligation.
- Compare real costs and start dates
- Ask about financial aid and apprenticeships
- Your info goes only to the schools you're matched with
Step 1 of 3: Your trade
Frequently asked questions
How many cosmetology schools are in North Carolina?
We list 63 schools in North Carolina with cosmetology programs: 49 public colleges and 14 private career schools. Campuses are in Charlotte, Asheville, Wilmington, Greensboro, and Fayetteville.
Are there community college cosmetology programs in North Carolina?
Yes. 49 public colleges in North Carolina offer cosmetology. Public programs often cost less and are usually eligible for federal financial aid. Confirm costs and aid with each school.
How much does cosmetology school cost in North Carolina?
Among the 62 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $995 to $23,108. That figure covers the whole school, not just this program, so ask each school for the program's total cost.
How much do cosmetologists make in North Carolina?
The median pay for cosmetologists in North Carolina is $38,410 a year, and most earn between $26,880 and $61,530, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a cosmetology school in North Carolina?
Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.
Other programs in North Carolina
- Criminal justice programs (59)
- Welding schools (59)
- Medical assistant schools (46)
- Industrial maintenance schools (44)
- EMT and paramedic schools (43)
- Auto mechanic schools (41)
- LPN programs (39)
- HVAC schools (38)
- Electrician schools (38)
- CNC machining schools (34)
- Electronics technician schools (30)
- CNA classes (24)
- Culinary schools (24)
- Esthetician schools (24)
- Radiology tech schools (23)
- Dental assistant schools (20)