South Carolina's Cosmetology pathway prepares students for careers in hair design, skincare, and beauty. The state's cosmetology industry provides diverse career pathways from salon work to product lines to salon ownership.
Students develop expertise in hair cutting, coloring, permanent waves, facials, makeup application, and salon management. They practice on mannequins and clients in school salons serving the community.
Graduates earn cosmetology licenses and work in salons, spas, beauty supply companies, or establish independent practices. Employment opportunities exist with salons, spas, hotels, theatrical productions, and beauty retailers throughout South Carolina.
Cosmetology at a Glance
3
Courses
6
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina cosmetology standards align with state licensing requirements for cosmetologists. Standards cover hair, skin, and nail services; sanitation and safety; and business practices.
Students must complete the required hours (minimum 1,200 hours), pass competency assessments, and successfully complete the state licensing exam. Standards include advanced techniques and specialty services.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Cosmetology 1 |
| Cosmetology 2 |
| Cosmetology Internship |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Child Development Associate (CDA)
- ✓Early Childhood Professional Certificate
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED - Adult, Child, and Infant
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓NOCTI Early Childhood Education
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Hair Stylist
Entry LevelSalary range: $22,590 - $45,060
Adjusted for cost of living: $24,243
Esthetician
Entry LevelSalary range: $24,590 - $51,480
Adjusted for cost of living: $26,390
Salon Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $22,590 - $45,060
Adjusted for cost of living: $31,251
Salon Owner
ExperiencedSalary range: $22,590 - $45,060
Adjusted for cost of living: $31,251
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work in salons, spas, and beauty facilities throughout South Carolina serving real clients.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Barbering
South Carolina's Barbering pathway prepares students for careers as professional barbers. The state's growing men's grooming trend and barbering culture create strong career opportunities. Students master cutting techniques, shaving methods, beard design, sanitation, and customer service. They practice on mannequins and clients in school barbershops. Graduates earn barber licenses and work in barbershops, hotels, military bases, or establish independent practices. Employment opportunities exist with barbershops, men's salons, spas, and military installations throughout South Carolina.
Human ServicesEsthetics
South Carolina's Esthetics pathway prepares skincare professionals for the growing spa and beauty industry. The state's tourism and wellness industries create strong opportunities for qualified estheticians. Students master skincare techniques, facial treatments, body treatments, makeup application, and salon operations. They practice on clients in school spas and community facilities. Graduates earn esthetics licenses and work in spas, salons, dermatology offices, or medical facilities. Employment opportunities exist with spas, hotels, beauty retailers, and healthcare providers throughout South Carolina.
Human ServicesNail Technology
South Carolina's Nail Technology pathway prepares professionals for careers in nail care services. The state's salons and spas create strong demand for qualified nail technicians. Students master nail care techniques, polish application, gel systems, nail art, sanitation, and customer service. They practice on clients in school nail salons. Graduates earn nail technician licenses and work in salons, spas, hotels, or establish independent nail salons. Employment opportunities exist with nail salons, full-service salons, spas, and nail product companies throughout South Carolina.
Human ServicesReady to Build Cosmetology Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Cosmetology in South Carolina.