Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Athens Technical College

Athens, GA · Public · Certificate

with a smaller student body of 3,153 in Athens, GA.

Program Analysis

Athens Technical College's Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program produces graduates earning $16,178/yr — within striking distance of the $17,289 national average for this trade.

With a 87.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 40% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

Athens Technical College ranks #33 among 1,095 Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $16,178-to-$25,269 earnings arc over five years reflects a 56% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
53
Score
54
High End
Earnings $16,178/yr (-6% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$281K
11.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
88.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$3,172
Out-of-state: $5,572
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$25,269
56% growth from Year 1

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%
Personal service managers, all other
$61,340
+6.5% growth 48% AI-proof
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
$50,280
+8.1% growth 66% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of personal service workers
$47,080
+6.7% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

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 →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services Overview

Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 53/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Athens Technical College?
At 53/100, Athens Technical College's Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Is Athens Technical College one of the best schools for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services?
Ranked #33 of 1,095 programs nationally, Athens Technical College lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Are there apprenticeship options for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services?
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services connects to 5 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
How sensitive is Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services to AI disruption?
The 40% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
How many job openings are there for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates?
The career paths mapped to Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services have roughly 145,700 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →