Cosmetology at Empire Beauty School-Richmond
with a smaller student body of 70 in Richmond, VA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $15,679 track close to the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
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 32% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $12,090 represents roughly 9 months of the $15,679 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.
Ranked #742 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Empire Beauty School-Richmond falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $15,679 to $22,409 over five years — a 43% 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.
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 Empire Beauty School-Richmond? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.