Cosmetology at Metro Beauty Academy

Allentown, PA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

with a smaller student body of 174 in Allentown, PA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $21,226 at Metro Beauty Academy come in 23% above the national median of $17,289 for Cosmetology programs.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

With first-year pay of $21,226 far exceeding the $9,583 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #283 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology programs places Metro Beauty Academy in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $21,226 to $24,018 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
44
Score
45
High End
Earnings $21,226/yr (23% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$245K
3.1% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$9,583
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$24,018
13% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Cosmetology 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 →

Cosmetology Career Guide

Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Metro Beauty Academy's Cosmetology program score?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Metro Beauty Academy?
If Metro Beauty Academy's tuition gives you pause, consider that 5 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Cosmetology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the job market like for Cosmetology from Metro Beauty Academy?
At 145,700 annual openings, Cosmetology has a very large employment base. Metro Beauty Academy graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →