Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Houston Community College
serving a student body of 37,970 in Houston, TX.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $15,372 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 57.0x 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 32% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates.
The $21,317 debt load exceeds a year of the $15,372 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
A #77 ranking out of 1,095 Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs nationally puts Houston Community College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $15,372 to $21,810 shows 42% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
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 →