Cosmetology at Alamo City Barber College

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

a smaller institution with 180 students in San Antonio, TX.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $13,291/yr fall 23% below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 30% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $10,164 against $13,291/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #1021 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology programs places Alamo City Barber College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 39% earnings increase from $13,291 to $18,435 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
41
Score
42
High End
Earnings $13,291/yr (-23% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$197K
8.5% 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
$10,164
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$18,435
39% 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

Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Alamo City Barber College?
At 41/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Can you still earn well with Cosmetology from Alamo City Barber College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Alamo City Barber College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Are there apprenticeship options for Cosmetology?
Beyond Alamo City Barber College's classroom route, 5 registered apprenticeships map to Cosmetology careers — including Barber. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Is there demand for Cosmetology workers?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Alamo City Barber College graduates specifically, local market conditions in TX may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →