Cosmetology at Hays Academy of Hair Design

Salina, KS · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 49 students in Salina, KS.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $17,620/yr, roughly in line with the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

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 28% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $9,833 represents roughly 7 months of the $17,620 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.

At #516 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Hays Academy of Hair Design scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $17,620 to $24,121 over five years — a 37% 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.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
43
Score
43
High End
Earnings $17,620/yr (2% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$257K
8.2% 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
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$24,121
37% 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

Cosmetology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hays Academy of Hair Design's Cosmetology program score?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Are there apprenticeship options for Cosmetology?
Yes — 5 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Cosmetology career paths, including Barber. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Hays Academy of Hair Design.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Hays Academy of Hair Design find jobs?
The career paths mapped to Cosmetology have roughly 145,700 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →