Cosmetology at Chippewa Valley Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 4,127 students in Eau Claire, WI.
Program Analysis
Chippewa Valley Technical College Cosmetology graduates command $23,405/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 64.4x 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 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $8,174 in median debt clears fast against $23,405 in annual earnings.
Ranked #32 out of 1,095 programs, Chippewa Valley Technical College's Cosmetology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $23,405 to $29,373 shows 25% 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.
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
What can you do with a Cosmetology credential from Chippewa Valley Technical College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.