Cosmetology at South Hills Beauty Academy
a compact campus enrolling 282 students in Pittsburgh, PA.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $20,852/yr, edging above the $17,289 national average for Cosmetology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.
Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 18% gap from the optimistic case.
At $3,431 in median debt against $20,852 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
At #216 of 1,095 nationally, this is a top-5% Cosmetology program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $20,852 to $25,648 over five years — a 23% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Cosmetology offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
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
Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.