Cosmetology at Salon Success Academy-Riverside

Riverside, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a compact campus enrolling 173 students in Riverside, CA.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $14,566/yr fall 16% below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $12,127 against $14,566/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #568 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology programs places Salon Success Academy-Riverside in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $14,566 to $15,933 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.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $14,566/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$161K
2.3% 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
$12,127
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$15,933
9% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Cosmetology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering personal services.

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 Salon Success Academy-Riverside?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Is Salon Success Academy-Riverside a good choice for Cosmetology despite lower starting pay?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Are there apprenticeship options for Cosmetology?
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 Success Academy-Riverside.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Salon Success Academy-Riverside find jobs?
At 145,700 annual openings, Cosmetology has a very large employment base. Salon Success Academy-Riverside graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →