Cosmetology at Academy of Careers and Technology

Beckley, WV · Public · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

with a smaller student body of 147 in Beckley, WV.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $17,407/yr, roughly in line with the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

Ranked #409 out of 1,095 programs, Academy of Careers and Technology's Cosmetology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

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
39
Low End
43
Score
43
High End
Earnings $17,407/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$182K
1.0% 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.

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 Academy of Careers and Technology? 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

Other Majors at Academy of Careers and Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Academy of Careers and Technology's Cosmetology program score?
This program scores 43/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Are there apprenticeship options for Cosmetology?
If Academy of Careers and Technology'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.
What's the job market like for Cosmetology from Academy of Careers and Technology?
At 145,700 annual openings, Cosmetology has a very large employment base. Academy of Careers and Technology graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →