Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Gastonia

Gastonia, NC · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a compact campus enrolling 254 students in Gastonia, NC.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $20,877/yr, edging above the $17,289 national average for Cosmetology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $15,541 against $20,877/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Paul Mitchell the School-Gastonia ranks #259 among 1,095 Cosmetology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 23% earnings increase from $20,877 to $25,628 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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 $20,877/yr (21% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$266K
5.3% 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
$15,541
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$25,628
23% 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

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Gastonia?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
What makes Paul Mitchell the School-Gastonia's Cosmetology program stand out?
The #259 ranking out of 1,095 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Cosmetology?
There are 5 registered apprenticeships connected to Cosmetology occupations, such as Barber and Cosmetologist. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Paul Mitchell the School-Gastonia find jobs?
The very large job market (145,700 annual openings) works in favor of Cosmetology graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →