Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Lehigh Valley

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

a smaller institution with 133 students in Whitehall, PA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $16,429 track close to the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 26% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

The $13,000 debt-to-$16,429 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #647 out of 1,095 programs, Empire Beauty School-Lehigh Valley's financial outcomes for Cosmetology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $16,429 to $21,931 shows 33% 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
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-Lehigh Valley? 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-Lehigh Valley'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.
Are there apprenticeship options for Cosmetology?
Beyond Empire Beauty School-Lehigh Valley'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.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Empire Beauty School-Lehigh Valley find jobs?
At 145,700 annual openings, Cosmetology has a very large employment base. Empire Beauty School-Lehigh Valley graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →