Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at College of Wilmington
a compact campus enrolling 154 students in Wilmington, NC.
Program Analysis
College of Wilmington's Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates start at $19,962/yr — above the $17,289 national average, though not by a wide margin.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates.
The $13,666 debt-to-$19,962 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #211 out of 1,095 programs, College of Wilmington's Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Earnings growth is modest: $19,962 to $23,204 over five years (16% 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.
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 →