Cosmetology at Hair Professionals Career College

Sycamore, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a compact campus enrolling 65 students in Sycamore, IL.

Program Analysis

Hair Professionals Career College's Cosmetology graduates start at $11,529/yr, trailing the $17,289 national average by 33%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

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 40% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $9,833 represents roughly 10 months of the $11,529 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

Ranked #876 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Hair Professionals Career College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $25,121 show a 118% jump from the $11,529 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

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

41 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
37
Low End
41
Score
42
High End
Earnings $11,529/yr (-33% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$202K
12.0% 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
$9,833
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$25,121
118% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Cosmetology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering personal services.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Hair Professionals Career College?
This program scores 41/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Cosmetology earnings lower at Hair Professionals Career College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Hair Professionals Career College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Hair Professionals Career College?
The DOL recognizes 5 apprenticeship pathways related to Cosmetology. For students weighing Hair Professionals Career College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How could AI change the job market for Cosmetology graduates?
Our model shows a 40% gap between best and worst-case decade earnings. AI is unlikely to eliminate Cosmetology careers, but it could reduce positions in some specializations.
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 →