Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at The Salon Professional Academy-Altoona

Altoona, PA · Private for-profit · Certificate

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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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 and Related Personal Grooming Services, 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 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%
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 →

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 →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does The Salon Professional Academy-Altoona's Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program score?
This program scores 43/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates?
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services connects to 5 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
How sensitive is Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services to AI disruption?
The 34% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
Is there demand for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services workers?
The career paths mapped to Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services have roughly 145,700 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →