Cosmetology at Lake Area Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 1,710 students in Watertown, SD.
Program Analysis
At $20,420 per year, Cosmetology graduates from Lake Area Technical College earn slightly above the $17,289 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
The 39.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.
The $12,000 debt-to-$20,420 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #116 out of 1,095 programs, Lake Area Technical College's Cosmetology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $20,420 to $25,629 shows 26% 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.
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
Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.