Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg

Harrisburg, PA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 150 students in Harrisburg, PA.

Program Analysis

At $16,062/yr, Cosmetology graduates from Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg land near the $17,289 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 29% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $11,743 represents roughly 9 months of the $16,062 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #649 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $16,062 to $22,064 over five years — a 37% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.

Cosmetology offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
43
High End
Earnings $16,062/yr (-7% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$236K
8.3% 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
$11,743
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$22,064
37% 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

What can you do with a Cosmetology credential from Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg? 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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg's Cosmetology program score?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg?
The DOL recognizes 5 apprenticeship pathways related to Cosmetology. For students weighing Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg find jobs?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Empire Beauty School-Harrisburg graduates specifically, local market conditions in PA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →