Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at McLennan Community College
a compact campus enrolling 4,997 students in Waco, TX.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $16,879 track close to the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
With a 64.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 26% 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 $5,776 in median debt against $16,879 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
McLennan Community College ranks #54 among 1,095 Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 33% earnings increase from $16,879 to $22,492 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
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
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 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 →