Cosmetology at Salon & Spa Institute

Brownsville, TX · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 91 students in Brownsville, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $9,804 place Salon & Spa Institute below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

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 $9,650 against $9,804/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #998 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology programs places Salon & Spa Institute in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $9,804-to-$15,738 earnings arc over five years reflects a 61% 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.

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
41
Score
41
High End
Earnings $9,804/yr (-43% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$172K
12.0% 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
$9,650
11.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$15,738
61% 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 Salon & Spa Institute's Cosmetology program score?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Can you still earn well with Cosmetology from Salon & Spa Institute?
Starting salary is one data point. If Salon & Spa Institute's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Salon & Spa Institute?
Yes — 5 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Cosmetology career paths, including Barber. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Salon & Spa Institute.
How sensitive is Cosmetology to AI disruption?
The 40% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Cosmetology are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
How many job openings are there for Cosmetology graduates?
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 →