Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Meridian College
with a smaller student body of 144 in Sarasota, FL.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $21,848 put Meridian College's Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program 26% above the national median of $17,289 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.
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.
With first-year pay of $21,848 far exceeding the $10,819 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Meridian College ranks #234 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
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 →