Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Associated Barber College of San Diego
a smaller institution with 116 students in San Diego, CA.
Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $12,147/yr fall 30% below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 40% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates.
The $15,835 debt load exceeds a year of the $12,147 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #1034 out of 1,095 programs, Associated Barber College of San Diego's financial outcomes for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $12,147 to $26,025 over five years (114% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.
With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal service managers, all other | $61,340 | +6.5% | 48% |
| Makeup artists, theatrical and performance | $50,280 | +8.1% | 66% |
| First-line supervisors of personal service workers | $47,080 | +6.7% | 59% |
About Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services Careers
Your day will be hands-on, creative, and social. You might spend it behind the chair with scissors and foils, transforming a client’s style, or at a dedicated station, meticulously performing manicures. Others find their niche in quiet spa rooms, providing facials and expert skincare advice. The work is built on direct interaction and trust, turning first-time customers into loyal regulars.
Read the full Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services career guide →