Cosmetology at Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy-Lubbock

Lubbock, TX · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

with a smaller student body of 101 in Lubbock, TX.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $20,065/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 22% gap from the optimistic case.

At $9,833 in median debt against $20,065 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

At #315 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy-Lubbock scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $20,065 to $25,622 over five years — a 28% 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.

44 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
40
Low End
44
Score
44
High End
Earnings $20,065/yr (16% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$268K
6.3% 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
$9,833
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$25,622
28% 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

Cosmetology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 44/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology at Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy-Lubbock?
A score of 44/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cosmetology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy-Lubbock?
If Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy-Lubbock's tuition gives you pause, consider that 5 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Cosmetology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
How many job openings are there for Cosmetology graduates?
At 145,700 annual openings, Cosmetology has a very large employment base. Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy-Lubbock graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →