How much does a Cosmetologist license cost in North Carolina?

Getting a Cosmetologist license in North Carolina costs $210 upfront (exam fee $95, application fee $65, license fee $50). Renewal runs $55 every 2 years.

How much do licensed cosmetologists earn in North Carolina?

Licensed cosmetologists in North Carolina earn a median salary of $31,620/year, compared to $22,320/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Cosmetologist license in North Carolina?

North Carolina requires 16 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Cosmetologist license.

Cosmetologist Licenses › North Carolina

Cosmetologist License Cost in North Carolina 2026: $210 Fees, $32K Salary

Getting a Cosmetologist license in North Carolina costs $210 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.3 months.

Cosmetologist License in North Carolina — Key Numbers

$210

Upfront Cost

$32K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$55

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.3 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Cosmetologist License Cost Breakdown — North Carolina

Exam fee $95

Application fee $65

Initial license fee $50

Total upfront $210

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $55

CE hours required per cycle 16 hours

Salary without license (North Carolina) $22,320/yr

Salary with license (North Carolina) $31,620/yr

5-year net ROI $46K

Licensing body: North Carolina Board of Cosmetology. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Cosmetologist License in North Carolina — What to Know

North Carolina requires 1,000–1,500 hours of cosmetology school before you can sit for the state board exam. The $32K median for licensed cosmetologists in North Carolina spans a wide range from commission stylists to booth renters. Booth rental rates in North Carolina's established markets run $150–$350/week, with income tied directly to client retention. The license fees are minimal — cosmetology school tuition ($6,000–$14,000) is where the real cost sits.

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Other License Costs in North Carolina

Real Estate Agent → Registered Nurse → General Contractor →

← All states: Cosmetologist License Costs

All certifications in North Carolina · Payback period by state

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