Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Great Lakes Institute of Technology
a compact campus enrolling 303 students in Erie, PA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $16,280 track close to the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
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.
At $11,906 against $16,280/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
A #652 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs places Great Lakes Institute of Technology in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $16,280-to-$26,178 earnings arc over five years reflects a 61% 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.
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 →