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.
This page covers Cosmetology as a course of study: what it costs, where it is taught, and what graduates go on to earn. It sits inside the wider field of Personal Services and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.
Cosmetology is a focused area of study within Personal Services. You will not have trouble finding it: 1,625 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 132,103 students complete it each year, most walking away with 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%
Certificate91%
Doctorate7%
Associate's2%
What Can You Do With a Cosmetology Degree?
This degree does not lock you into one job. Cosmetology graduates show up in 4 different occupations, and First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers pay the most at $48,590/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.
Active ListeningSpeakingService OrientationCritical ThinkingActive 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
Not sure where to study Cosmetology? These 20 colleges graduate the most students in it each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.
Ranked by Cosmetology graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats.
Read our methodology →
Related Personal Services Programs
Cosmetology is not the only path through Personal Services: 4 other specializations sit alongside it. The comparison below ranks them by 4-year median earnings so you can see where this one lands.
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.
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
Fast-growing fieldRelated careers are projected to grow up to +8.8% over the next decade, with Skincare Specialists among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volumeRelated occupations generate more than 106,500 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
Wide availabilityOffered at 1,625 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.
CONS
Licensure often requiredMany positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Highly competitive market132,103 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?
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers are one path, and it pays a median of $48,590 a year. It is not the only one: the Career Paths section below lists every occupation graduates actually go into, with wages and 10-year growth for each.
How long does a Cosmetology program take?
One to two years of full-time study for most Cosmetology certificates, and some community colleges get you through in a single semester. That makes it one of the fastest ways into the field.
How many colleges offer Cosmetology?
1,625 colleges and universities, so you are not short on options. That range runs from community colleges granting certificates and associate degrees to research universities with full doctoral tracks. Source: IPEDS.
What is the difference between Cosmetology and Personal Services?
Cosmetology is the narrower of the two: Personal Services covers the full discipline, while this program limits the curriculum to Cosmetology-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. Pick the specialization once you already know this is the direction you want; it gets you a more targeted credential, not a broader one.
What skills do employers look for in Cosmetology graduates?
Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Cosmetology graduates consistently look for 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. Build those into your coursework and internships now, and the job search later gets easier.
What is the job outlook for Cosmetology graduates?
Outlook is moderate overall: related occupations average +6.5% projected job growth over the next 10 years. Skincare Specialists are among the strongest-growth roles at +8.8%. That average hides real differences by role and location, so check the Career Paths section below for the projection on each specific occupation before you count on any single number.
Related Personal Services Programs
Other programs in Personal Services. Compare earnings, credentials, and career paths before committing to a specialization.
Free, data-backed guides to help you decide, built on the same federal data as this profile.
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