Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Meridian Community College
a smaller institution with 2,025 students in Meridian, MS.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $17,559 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.
With a 53.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 13% 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 #73 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 limited growth from $17,559 to $20,611 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
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 →