Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Cerritos College

Norwalk, CA · Public · Certificate

enrolling 18,710 students in Norwalk, CA.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $13,133/yr fall 24% below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 109.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates.

Ranked #19 out of 1,095 programs, Cerritos College's Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $13,133 to $14,752 over five years (12% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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.

55 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
55
Score
55
High End
Earnings $13,133/yr (-24% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$150K
2.9% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
110.1x
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)
$1,364
Out-of-state: $12,004
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$14,752
12% 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Cerritos College?
A score of 55/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services field.
Is Cerritos College one of the best schools for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services?
Among 1,095 Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs, Cerritos College's #19 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Is Cerritos College a good choice for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at Cerritos College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
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 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 →