Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at La James College of Hairstyling and Cosmetology
a compact campus enrolling 56 students in Mason City, IA.
Program Analysis
Graduates of La James College of Hairstyling and Cosmetology's Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program earn $23,313/yr in their first year — 35% above the $17,289 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.
The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
At $8,000 in median debt against $23,313 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
La James College of Hairstyling and Cosmetology ranks #140 among 1,095 Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services 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% |
About Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services Careers
Your day will be hands-on, creative, and social. You might spend it behind the chair with scissors and foils, transforming a client’s style, or at a dedicated station, meticulously performing manicures. Others find their niche in quiet spa rooms, providing facials and expert skincare advice. The work is built on direct interaction and trust, turning first-time customers into loyal regulars.
Read the full Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services career guide →