TRADES Specialization

Cosmetology

Cosmetology graduates pursue 4 occupations, with top roles paying $48,590/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.

Explore Program

About Cosmetology

Cosmetology is a focused area of study within Personal Services. The program is available at 1,625 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 132,103 students complete this program each year, most earning a certificate. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.

Colleges Offering: 1,625
Graduates / Year: 132,103
Avg Net Price / yr: $13,698

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 132,103 students who complete Cosmetology programs each year, the majority (91%) earn a certificate degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

91%

Certificate 91%

Doctorate 7%

Associate's 2%

What Can You Do With a Cosmetology Degree?

Cosmetology connects to 4 occupations in the job market. First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers leads at $48,590/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +6.7% Zone 3: Medium preparation

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

$48,590

$39K $61K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 16,300 openings/yr 114K employed nationally

Active Listening Critical Thinking Speaking Social Perceptiveness Coordination

Day-to-day responsibilities

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Train workers in proper operational procedures and functions and explain company policies.
Meet with managers or other supervisors to stay informed of changes affecting operations.
Assign work schedules, following work requirements, to ensure quality and timely delivery of service.

↗ +6.7% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Skincare Specialists

$45,330

$36K $60K 25th–75th pct.

Postsecondary nondegree award 14,500 openings/yr 73K employed nationally

Speaking Service Orientation Active Listening Monitoring Reading Comprehension

Day-to-day responsibilities

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

Sterilize equipment and clean work areas.
Cleanse clients' skin with water, creams, or lotions.
Demonstrate how to clean and care for skin properly and recommend skin-care regimens.

↗ +4.1% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Barbers

$38,210

$32K $59K 25th–75th pct.

Postsecondary nondegree award 8,400 openings/yr 15K employed nationally

Active Listening Social Perceptiveness Speaking Service Orientation Judgment and Decision Making

Day-to-day responsibilities

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments.
Drape and pin protective cloths around customers' shoulders.
Cut and trim hair according to clients' instructions or current hairstyles, using clippers, combs, hand-held blow driers, and scissors.

↗ +5.6% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Hairdressers & Cosmetologists

$35,790

$30K $49K 25th–75th pct.

Postsecondary nondegree award 75,800 openings/yr 306K employed nationally

Active Listening Speaking Service Orientation Critical Thinking Active Learning

Day-to-day responsibilities

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.

Top Colleges for Cosmetology

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Cosmetology students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Douglas J Aveda Institute East Lansing, MI · For-Profit	324	Open	$25,357	$26,849
2	Sheridan Technical College Hollywood, FL · Public	250	Open	$6,677	$33,166
3	Manatee Technical College Bradenton, FL · Public	209	Open	$1,808	$38,129
4	Bellus Academy-Poway Poway, CA · For-Profit	207	Open	$32,767	$25,223
5	MTI College Sacramento, CA · For-Profit	158	63.4%	$21,740	$45,328
6	American Educational College Bayamon, PR · For-Profit	156	Open	$7,859	$17,172
7	Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology-North Dayton Dayton, OH · For-Profit	155	Open	$12,258	$22,271
8	Bellus Academy-Chula Vista Chula Vista, CA · For-Profit	150	Open	$20,738	$23,576
9	Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CA · Public	138	Open	$12,323	$35,233
10	Riverside City College Riverside, CA · Public	135	Open	$8,377	$41,091
11	Intellitec College-Grand Junction Grand Junction, CO · For-Profit	130	Open	$19,216	$31,541
12	Southern Careers Institute-Brownsville Brownsville, TX · For-Profit	128	Open	$17,864	$27,035
13	Orange Technical College-West Campus Ocoee, FL · Public	118	Open	$13,700	$25,145
14	Raphael's School of Beauty Culture Inc-Alliance Alliance, OH · For-Profit	106	Open	$18,245	$17,650
15	Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa, OK · Public	105	Open	$5,723	$41,793
16	Citrus College Glendora, CA · Public	104	Open	$4,135	$42,065
17	Clarendon College Clarendon, TX · Public	103	Open	$8,390	$38,696
18	IBMC College Fort Collins, CO · For-Profit	99	Open	$34,590	$34,432
19	West Georgia Technical College Waco, GA · Public	93	Open	$2,457	$35,479
20	Coahoma Community College Clarksdale, MS · Public	93	Open	$-274	$24,289

View all colleges

Ranked by Cosmetology graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Cosmetology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Cosmetology degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Cosmetology Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Cosmetology shows 3 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Positive job outlook Related careers project up to +6.7% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 115,000 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availability Offered at 1,625 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.

CONS

Licensure often required Many positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Highly competitive market 132,103 students graduate from this program every year, one of the higher volumes nationally. Entry-level competition can be stiff.

Cosmetology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you get with a Cosmetology degree?

Cosmetology degree holders pursue careers including First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers, which pays a median of $48,590/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Cosmetology program take?

Most Cosmetology certificate programs take one to two years of full-time study. Some are available in as little as one semester at community colleges.

How many colleges offer Cosmetology?

1,625 colleges and universities in the United States offer Cosmetology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

What is the difference between Cosmetology and Personal Services?

Cosmetology is a focused concentration within the broader Personal Services field. The Personal Services major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Cosmetology-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Cosmetology graduates?

Employers hiring Cosmetology graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.

What is the job outlook for Cosmetology graduates?

The job outlook for Cosmetology graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +5.8% job growth over the next 10 years. First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers is among the strongest-growth roles at +6.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.