Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Lenoir Community College

Kinston, NC · Public · Certificate

a smaller institution with 1,311 students in Kinston, NC.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $14,172/yr fall 18% below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 57.7x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% 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 #74 of 1,095 programs, this Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

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.

48 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
48
Score
48
High End
Earnings $14,172/yr (-18% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$148K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
57.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
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.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$2,568
Out-of-state: $8,712

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%
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 →

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 →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services Overview

Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lenoir Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Lenoir Community College?
At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Why are Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services earnings lower at Lenoir Community College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Lenoir Community College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Can I learn Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services through an apprenticeship instead?
There are 5 registered apprenticeships connected to Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services occupations. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
How many job openings are there for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates?
With approximately 145,700 annual openings across mapped careers, Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →