Cosmetology at Milan Institute-Merced
a compact campus enrolling 308 students in Merced, CA.
Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $13,386/yr fall 23% below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The 40% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
At $6,333 in median debt against $13,386 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
A #1019 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology programs places Milan Institute-Merced in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $13,386-to-$23,012 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.
The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology 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 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% |
Cosmetology Career Guide
See the full career breakdown for Cosmetology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Milan Institute-Merced and 1094 other schools.