Cosmetology at The Salon Professional Academy-Altoona

Altoona, PA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a compact campus enrolling 66 students in Altoona, PA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $19,048 at The Salon Professional Academy-Altoona come in 10% above the national median of $17,289 for Cosmetology programs.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 34% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

With first-year pay of $19,048 far exceeding the $8,028 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #390 out of 1,095 programs, The Salon Professional Academy-Altoona's Cosmetology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $19,048 to $27,912 shows 47% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

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

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
43
Score
44
High End
Earnings $19,048/yr (10% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$304K
10.0% 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
$8,028
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$27,912
47% 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

What can you do with a Cosmetology credential from The Salon Professional Academy-Altoona? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

How does The Salon Professional Academy-Altoona's Cosmetology program score?
This program scores 43/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of The Salon Professional Academy-Altoona?
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 The Salon Professional Academy-Altoona.
How sensitive is Cosmetology to AI disruption?
The 34% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Cosmetology are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
Will Cosmetology graduates from The Salon Professional Academy-Altoona find jobs?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For The Salon Professional Academy-Altoona graduates specifically, local market conditions in PA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →