Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Lake Area Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 1,710 students in Watertown, SD.
Program Analysis
At $20,420 per year, Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates from Lake Area Technical College earn slightly above the $17,289 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
The 39.5x 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 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates.
The $12,000 debt-to-$20,420 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #116 out of 1,095 programs, Lake Area Technical College's Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $20,420 to $25,629 shows 26% 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 →