Cosmetology at Cerritos College
enrolling 18,710 students in Norwalk, CA.
Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $13,133/yr fall 24% below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The 109.8x 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 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.
Ranked #19 out of 1,095 programs, Cerritos College's Cosmetology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Earnings growth is modest: $13,133 to $14,752 over five years (12% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology, 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 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% |
Cosmetology Career Guide
Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.