Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Reading

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

a smaller institution with 76 students in Reading, PA.

Program Analysis

Empire Beauty School-Reading's Cosmetology program produces graduates earning $15,679/yr — within striking distance of the $17,289 national average for this trade.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 32% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

The $12,090 debt-to-$15,679 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #650 out of 1,095 programs, Empire Beauty School-Reading's financial outcomes for Cosmetology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $15,679 to $22,409 shows 43% 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
42
High End
Earnings $15,679/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$242K
9.3% 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
$12,090
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$22,409
43% 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-Reading? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Reading?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cosmetology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Empire Beauty School-Reading?
Beyond Empire Beauty School-Reading'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.
How could AI change the job market for Cosmetology graduates?
The 32% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Cosmetology are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
How many job openings are there for Cosmetology graduates?
With approximately 145,700 annual openings across mapped careers, Cosmetology offers a very large employment pool. Empire Beauty School-Reading graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →