You’ve come to the right place if you’re thinking about a career in the beauty industry in South Carolina and you want to learn about the potential earnings. A beautician career offers more choices than most. You can work full- or part-time as either a regular employee or an independent contractor.
Salons hire cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, makeup artists and barbers. Other possible employers include spas, resorts, hotels, bridal boutiques or cosmetics companies.
Employees receive a fixed salary plus tips, which are usually between 10 and 25 percent of the cost of the service. Makeup artists hired by cosmetics companies or shops generally receive a salary plus commission on products sold.
Some salons offer chair rentals which means you are essentially in business for yourself but you pay a monthly fee for use of salon facilities. In South Carolina booth renters must be licensed cosmetologists, estheticians or nail technicians and the rental must be approved by the State Board of Cosmetology. Salaries vary depending upon the specialty you select.
Cosmetologist Salary
In order to become a licensed cosmetologist in South Carolina you must complete 1,500 hours of beauty school training that covers hair shampooing, cutting, dyeing and styling, as well as nail technology, skin care and basic makeup application.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 2,140 cosmetologists (2013) employed in South Carolina for the following wages. (Note that these figures do not include tips.)
Location affects income. Annual salaries (BLS) in various South Carolina cities are:
Esthetician Salary
If your ambition is to become an esthetician (skin care specialist) you’ll need to complete 450 hours learning how to provide such services as facials, rubs, masks, peels, massages, etc. The BLS reports (2013) that there are 410 skin specialists employed in South Carolina earning the following wages:
The following BLS (2013) data illustrates that an esthetician’s annual salary can be higher or lower in certain South Carolina cities, especially for the more experienced.
Nail Technician Salary
You will have to complete 300 hours of beauty school training learning all aspects of providing manicures and pedicures in order to receive your license as a nail technician in South Carolina. The BLS reports that the 250 nail technicians employed in South Carolina in 2013 earned the following:
Makeup Artist Salary
You do not need a license to become a makeup artist in South Carolina; nonetheless you will need proper training to work either as a theatrical/production or personal appearance makeup artist. Theatrical makeup artists can earn six-figure annual incomes but opportunities are very limited in South Carolina. However, personal appearance artists do well working at salons, spas, hotels, bridal boutiques, cosmetics shops/counters and even mortuaries.
Average annual salaries offered to makeup artists in South Carolina’s largest cities are as follows:
- Columbia – $34,000
- Charleston – $33,000
- Greenville – $30,000
- North Charleston – $30,000
Barber Salary
You’ll need to complete 1,500 hours of training in order to become a licensed barber in South Carolina. You’ll want to look for either a barber specific school or a beauty school that offers a barbering program. Barbers work primarily for male clients; they shampoo, cut, trim, style and dye head as well as other facial hair. You’ll also give custom shaves. Barbers work in salons, spas or barber shops. According to the 2013 BLS you can expect to earn the following wages as a barber in South Carolina.