Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Lancaster

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

with a smaller student body of 87 in Lancaster, PA.

Program Analysis

Empire Beauty School-Lancaster's Cosmetology program produces graduates earning $16,429/yr — within striking distance of the $17,289 national average for this trade.

The 26% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $13,000 against $16,429/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #645 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology programs places Empire Beauty School-Lancaster in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 33% earnings increase from $16,429 to $21,931 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.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
43
High End
Earnings $16,429/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$232K
7.5% 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
$13,000
9.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$21,931
33% 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-Lancaster? 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

What does a 42/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Lancaster?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cosmetology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Empire Beauty School-Lancaster?
Beyond Empire Beauty School-Lancaster'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?
The very large job market (145,700 annual openings) works in favor of Cosmetology graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →