Cosmetologist License Cost in North Carolina
Documented Cosmetology license fees for North Carolina are not published in this dataset, so the total cost varies. Check the current fee schedule with North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners before budgeting.
Figures below come from the same dataset as the full guide and list only what the state publishes. Anything not published is marked “varies — check the board” rather than guessed.
Cosmetology license cost — North Carolina at a glance
| Pre-license education | 1500 hrs required — tuition varies by school |
| Exam fee | Varies — check the board |
| Application fee | Varies — check the board |
| License fee | Varies — check the board |
| Documented fees total | Not published |
| BLS median annual wage | $31,860 (hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists) |
Official source: North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners ↗
Fees vs. median pay
The BLS median annual wage for hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists is $31,860. Actual local earnings vary widely by market and experience — use the career ROI tool to model your own numbers.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Cosmetology license cost in North Carolina?
Documented fees for North Carolina are not published in this dataset — check North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners for the current fee schedule.
Are the exam fee and the license fee the same thing in North Carolina?
No. The exam fee covers sitting for the test, while the application and license fees cover processing and issuing the credential. Each is listed separately in the table above where the state publishes it.
How much does Cosmetology training cost in North Carolina?
North Carolina requires 1500 hours of pre-license education. Tuition is set by each approved school and varies widely, so contact the programs on your state's approved list for current prices.
Is a Cosmetology license in North Carolina worth the cost?
The BLS median annual wage for hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists is $31,860. Earnings vary widely by state and market — treat this as a planning estimate, not a promise.
Budget your Cosmetology licensing in North Carolina
This page is informational and not legal advice. Fees, pass rates and retake rules change frequently — verify all figures with North Carolina State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners and your exam vendor before paying (retrieved 2026-08-20).