Cosmetology at California Beauty School

Modesto, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a compact campus enrolling 73 students in Modesto, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $15,882/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 18% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

With first-year pay of $15,882 far exceeding the $6,225 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #562 out of 1,095 programs, California Beauty School's financial outcomes for Cosmetology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $15,882 to $19,606 shows 23% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
42
High End
Earnings $15,882/yr (-8% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$204K
5.4% 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
$6,225
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$19,606
23% 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 California Beauty School?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of California Beauty School?
If California Beauty School'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?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For California Beauty School graduates specifically, local market conditions in CA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →