Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at San Diego City College
serving 10,584 students in San Diego, CA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $13,445 place San Diego City College below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
With a 122.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Among 1,095 Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs nationally, San Diego City College ranks #14 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.
The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services 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% |
About Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services Careers
Your day will be hands-on, creative, and social. You might spend it behind the chair with scissors and foils, transforming a client’s style, or at a dedicated station, meticulously performing manicures. Others find their niche in quiet spa rooms, providing facials and expert skincare advice. The work is built on direct interaction and trust, turning first-time customers into loyal regulars.
Read the full Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services career guide →