Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Palm Beach State College
one of the larger campuses at 20,532 students in Lake Worth, FL.
Program Analysis
At $24,361 per year, Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates from Palm Beach State College significantly outpace the $17,289 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
With a 123.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 33% 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.
The median debt load of $4,500 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
Among 1,095 Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs nationally, Palm Beach State College ranks #3 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.
A 44% earnings increase from $24,361 to $35,090 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 →