Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Wake Technical Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 18,605 in Raleigh, NC.
Program Analysis
Wake Technical Community College Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates command $23,286/yr out of the gate, well above the $17,289 national median. That 35% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.
The 130.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 21% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $8,048 in median debt clears fast against $23,286 in annual earnings.
A #6 ranking out of 1,095 programs puts Wake Technical Community College in the top 1% for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. By our composite measure, very few programs deliver stronger results.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $23,286 to $29,405 shows 26% 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.
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 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% |
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 →