Cosmetology Career Guide: High Point, North Carolina

Welcome to High Point, the "Furniture Capital of the World." While the city's identity is rooted in manufacturing, it's also a thriving hub for service industries. For cosmetologists, High Point offers a unique blend of affordability, steady demand, and a community-focused clientele. This guide is for the professional looking to build a career—not just find a job. We're pulling back the curtain with data, local insights, and the straight talk you need to make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where High Point Stands

Let's cut to the chase. The numbers tell a story. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local labor market data, cosmetologists in High Point earn a bit less than their national peers, but the cost of living more than makes up for it.

Median Salary: $37,529/year
Hourly Rate: $18.04/hour
National Average: $38,370/year
Jobs in Metro: 232
10-Year Job Growth: 8%

The job growth is crucial. While the national average for cosmetologists is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032 (faster than average), High Point's metro area is tracking to match that pace. This indicates stable demand. The 232 jobs in the metro area (which includes Greensboro and Winston-Salem) mean there's a market, but it's not as saturated as in larger cities.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in cosmetology are heavily tied to experience, clientele, and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown for High Point:

Experience Level	Years in Field	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$28,000 - $33,000	Commission-based, building a book of business, working in a mid-sized salon.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$35,000 - $42,000	Solid client base, potential for booth rental, some specialty services.
Senior/Established	8-15 years	$40,000 - $50,000+	Full clientele, may be a salon owner or manager, premium pricing.
Expert/Salon Owner	15+ years	$50,000 - $70,000+	Business owner, multiple revenue streams (education, product lines).

Insider Tip: The jump from "Mid-Level" to "Senior" often comes from specializing. In High Point, wedding and event styling (especially for the furniture market's high-profile events) can command a premium. Don't underestimate the power of being the "go-to" for balayage or men's grooming in your neighborhood salon.

Comparison to Other NC Cities

How does High Point stack up to its neighbors?

• Charlotte: Median salary closer to $40,500, but rent for a 1BR averages $1,500+/month. The market is larger but more competitive.
• Raleigh/Durham: Similar salaries to High Point, $38,000-$39,000, but with higher cost of living (index ~98). More tech and biotech corporate clients.
• Asheville: Higher median salary, $39,000, but significantly higher rents ($1,300/month+) and a saturated, tourism-driven market.
• Greensboro/Winston-Salem: Very similar salary profiles to High Point, as they share the same metro area. The competition is direct, but so is the client base.

High Point’s advantage is its lower cost of living, which we’ll break down next.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A $37,529 salary breaks down to about $3,127/month before taxes. After federal, state (NC has a flat 4.75% income tax), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay is roughly $2,450/month.

Given High Point’s average 1BR rent of $1,042/month, your housing cost is a manageable 42% of your take-home pay. This is above the recommended 30%, but common for service industry professionals. The key is budgeting.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Cosmetologist)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$2,450	After taxes on $37,529 salary.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,042	42% of income. Consider a roommate to lower this.
Utilities	$150	Electricity, water, internet.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300	High Point is car-dependent.
Gas & Maintenance	$150	Commute to salon, client errands.
Groceries	$250	Meal prep is key.
Health Insurance	$200	If not provided by employer.
Supplies/Continuing Ed	$100	Shears, color, classes.
Discretionary/Savings	$258	Emergencies, fun, retirement.
Total Expenses	$2,492	Leaves a $42 surplus.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single $37,529 salary, it's tight. With a 20% down payment, a $200,000 home (common in High Point) would have a mortgage of around $1,200/month (including taxes & insurance), pushing you over budget. However, with a dual-income household, or after a few years of experience and a higher salary (e.g., $45,000+), homeownership in neighborhoods like Jamestown or Archdale becomes very attainable.

Where the Jobs Are: High Point's Major Employers

High Point's cosmetology job market is a mix of independent salons, regional chains, and niche employers. The "Furniture Capital" title isn't just for show—it creates demand for stylists who can handle corporate events, trade shows, and executive grooming.

1. The Salon at 205 (Downtown): A high-end, full-service salon in the revitalized downtown core. They cater to business professionals and the furniture industry crowd. Hiring trends: They often look for stylists with advanced coloring techniques and a polished, professional demeanor. Booth rental and commission splits are common here.

2. Regis Salons (in Westridge Mall): A national chain with a local presence. They offer structured training and a consistent client base. Hiring is steady, but the pay structure is heavily commission-based. Good for entry-level cosmetologists building speed and a clientele. They often have benefits packages.

3. Salon Vida (Oak Hollow Mall Area): A mid-sized salon with a loyal community following. Known for a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. They tend to hire stylists who are strong in cuts and classic styles, serving a diverse clientele from young families to retirees.

4. High Point Hospital (Atrium Health): Not a traditional salon, but a major employer of cosmetologists in the medical aesthetics and dermatology field. They hire licensed estheticians and cosmetologists for roles in medspa settings (facials, chemical peels, laser hair reduction). This is a growing, higher-paying niche. Check their careers page for "Aesthetics" or "Medical Spa" roles.

5. Self-Employed / Booth Rental: A significant portion of the market. Many successful cosmetologists in High Point rent a booth in a salon. The Salon Professional Academy (on N. Main St.) often has bulletin boards and networks for booth rental opportunities. This path offers higher earning potential but requires business savvy.

6. Special Event & Wedding Stylists: While not a single employer, many cosmetologists work with local wedding planners (like Lionheart Weddings or A Perfect Day) and event companies. Building a portfolio for the "Furniture Market" weeks (October & April) can lead to lucrative, short-term contracts.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. There's less turnover than in bigger cities, so openings can be competitive. The rise of medspa and medical aesthetics jobs is a key trend, offering a path away from traditional salon hours.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina's licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners (NC Board) oversees all of this.

Requirements:

1. Education: Complete 1,500 hours at a state-approved cosmetology school. High Point has several, including the Salon Professional Academy and Paul Mitchell The School in nearby Greensboro.
2. Exams: Pass both the written (theory) and practical exams from the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). The NC Board administers these.
3. Application: Submit your application, proof of hours, and exam scores to the NC Board. Fee: $100 for the license application.
4. Background Check: Required.

Timeline & Costs:

• Schooling: 10-15 months of full-time study. Tuition ranges from $10,000 to $18,000, depending on the school.
• Exams: Schedule the exams after graduation. Prep time is usually 1-2 months. Exam fees are separate from the NC Board application fee.
• Total Time: From starting school to holding your license, expect 12-18 months.
• Total Cost (Education + Fees): $11,000 - $19,000. Pro-Tip: Look into financial aid, scholarships from beauty brands (like Redken or Matrix), and payment plans offered by schools.

Insider Tip: The NC Board website is your bible. Bookmark it. Keep a digital and physical copy of your license. Renewal is every two years and requires 8 hours of continuing education, which you can often do online through platforms like Milady or state-approved providers.

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Where you live affects your commute, client accessibility, and lifestyle. Here are top picks:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Cosmetologists
Oak Hollow / Westridge	Suburban, family-friendly, close to mall and major salons. 10-15 min commute to downtown.	$950 - $1,100	Central location. Easy access to Regis (Westridge Mall) and Salon Vida. Good for building a local, neighborhood clientele.
Downtown / Uptown	Urban, walkable, growing arts scene. Close to high-end salons like Salon at 205.	$1,200 - $1,400	Ideal for the career-focused stylist targeting business professionals and events. Higher rent but potential for higher tips and premium service rates.
Jamestown	Quiet, established suburb. 15-20 min commute to High Point. More residential.	$900 - $1,050	Lower cost of living, peaceful. Good for stylists with a strong home-based clientele or those who want to open their own salon in a future home.
Archdale	Classic suburban, near I-85 for easy travel to Greensboro/Winston-Salem. 15 min commute.	$950 - $1,100	Strategic for cosmetologists working in the broader Triad area. Great for commuters and those looking for a quiet home base.
Southside / Emerywood	Historic, charming, with beautiful older homes. Near the High Point Country Club.	$1,100 - $1,300	Attracts a clientele with higher disposable income. Perfect for an established stylist wanting to work near a wealthy residential area.

Insider Tip: When looking for an apartment, ask about "quiet hours" and parking. As a cosmetologist, you may have early mornings or late nights, and you'll need reliable parking for your car, which is your mobile toolkit.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In High Point, career growth is less about vertical climbs in a corporate ladder and more about specialization and entrepreneurship.

Specialty Premiums:

• Bridal & Wedding Styling: Can add $200-$500 per wedding package. High Point's proximity to venues like The Jomeokee and The Sterling creates demand.
• Men's Grooming/Barbering: A growing niche. Specializing in fades, beard work, and hot towel shaves can attract a dedicated male clientele.
• Medical Aesthetics: This is the highest-paying path. With additional certification (e.g., in laser or advanced chemical peels), you can move from a salon to a medspa, potentially increasing your hourly rate by 30-50%.
• Education & Brand Ambassadorship: Partnering with a color line (like Redken or Olaplex) to do local classes or demos can provide supplemental income and prestige.

Advancement Paths:

1. Stylist -> Senior Stylist: Build a full book (40+ clients/week), raise your prices.
2. Stylist -> Salon Manager/Owner: Take business courses (check High Point Community College for small business classes). Buy a booth, then a salon chair, then the whole business.
3. Stylist -> Medspa Aesthetician: Requires additional training (often 600+ hours in esthetics and medical procedures). This is a strategic pivot for long-term stability and higher earnings.

10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is solid. The key will be adapting to trends: eco-friendly products, men's grooming, and the demand for specialized, experience-based services (e.g., scalp treatments, curly hair expertise). The cosmetologists who will thrive are those who blend technical skill with marketing savvy, especially in a city like High Point where word-of-mouth is king.

The Verdict: Is High Point Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $37,529 salary stretches further here than in Charlotte or Raleigh.	Smaller Market: Fewer jobs (232 in metro) and less frequency of high-fashion trends.
Stable Demand: The 8% growth and steady client base from furniture and healthcare industries.	Lower Top-End Earnings: Ceiling for salaries is lower than in major metros.
Community Feel: Easier to build a loyal, recurring clientele. Networking is personal.	Car-Dependent: Public transport is limited; you need a reliable vehicle for commuting.
Strategic Location: Easy access to Greensboro and Winston-Salem for more opportunities.	Slower Pace: Fewer high-profile events or celebrity clients compared to larger cities.
Entrepreneurial Vibe: A great place to eventually open your own salon or booth.	Limited High-End Competition: Can be a pro or con, depending on your niche.

Final Recommendation:
High Point is an excellent choice for a cosmetologist who values stability, community, and affordability over the fast-paced, high-cost life of a major metropolis. It's ideal for someone in their mid-career (3-7 years of experience) looking to establish a solid, loyal clientele without the financial strain of a big city. It's also a fantastic launchpad for an entrepreneur. If your goal is to be a top stylist in a fashion-forward, high-revenue market, look to Charlotte or Raleigh. If your goal is to build a sustainable, fulfilling career with a great quality of life, High Point is a smart bet.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to build a clientele in High Point?
It takes time, but it's easier than in a saturated market. Start at a walk-in-friendly salon (like Regis) to gain experience, then transition to a commission or booth rental salon to build your own book. Networking with local photographers, wedding planners, and even realtors (who often need styling for headshots) is key.

2. Do I need a car to be a cosmetologist here?
Yes, absolutely. High Point is not a walkable city for commuting. You'll need a car to get to your salon, visit clients for house calls (if you offer them), and transport your tools and products.

3. How does the cost of living really compare?
The Cost of Living Index is 92.7 (US avg = 100). This means everything from groceries to healthcare is about 7-8% cheaper than the national average. That $1,042/month 1BR rent is a prime example—it's over $400 less than the national average, freeing up significant cash for savings or discretionary spending.

4. What's the best way to find a booth rental in High Point?

1. Network at the Salon Professional Academy—they often have alumni boards.
2. Check Facebook groups like "High Point, NC Beauty Professionals" or "Triad Cosmetology Network."
3. Walk into salons you admire and ask the owner directly. Be professional, have a portfolio ready, and be prepared to discuss your rates and insurance.

5. Can I specialize in something that isn't offered everywhere?
Yes. Consider niches that serve High Point's specific demographics:

• Curly Hair Specialist: There's demand for stylists trained in DevaCut or Ouidad methods.
• Natural/Organic Hair Care: Cater