Cosmetology at The Hair Academy

Bismarck, ND · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 56 students in Bismarck, ND.

Program Analysis

Graduates of The Hair Academy's Cosmetology program earn $29,327/yr in their first year — 70% above the $17,289 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

At $11,344 in median debt against $29,327 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

Ranked #56 out of 1,095 programs, The Hair Academy's Cosmetology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $29,327 to $32,560 over five years (11% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

50 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
46
Low End
50
Score
51
High End
Earnings $29,327/yr (70% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$331K
2.6% 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
$11,344
4.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,560
11% 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 does a 50/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology at The Hair Academy?
A score of 50/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Cosmetology field.
Why does The Hair Academy rank so high for Cosmetology?
The #56 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?
The DOL recognizes 5 apprenticeship pathways related to Cosmetology. For students weighing The Hair Academy's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How many job openings are there for Cosmetology graduates?
The career paths mapped to Cosmetology have roughly 145,700 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →