Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, VA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 169 students in Virginia Beach, VA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $17,113 track close to the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 25% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $13,583 against $17,113/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #798 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology programs places Empire Beauty School-Virginia Beach in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 32% earnings increase from $17,113 to $22,594 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
42
Score
43
High End
Earnings $17,113/yr (-1% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$239K
7.2% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$13,583
9.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$22,594
32% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Cosmetology 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 →

Cosmetology Career Guide

Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Virginia Beach?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Empire Beauty School-Virginia Beach?
The DOL recognizes 5 apprenticeship pathways related to Cosmetology. For students weighing Empire Beauty School-Virginia Beach's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Cosmetology workers?
At 145,700 annual openings, Cosmetology has a very large employment base. Empire Beauty School-Virginia Beach graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →