Cosmetology at Palomar Institute of Cosmetology

San Marcos, CA · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 173 students in San Marcos, CA.

Program Analysis

At $17,219/yr, Cosmetology graduates from Palomar Institute of Cosmetology land near the $17,289 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 25% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

The median debt load of $6,333 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.

A #674 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology programs places Palomar Institute of Cosmetology in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 33% earnings increase from $17,219 to $22,861 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
42
Score
43
High End
Earnings $17,219/yr (-0% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$242K
7.3% annual growth
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Median Debt at Graduation
$6,333
4.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$22,861
33% growth from Year 1

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%
Personal service managers, all other
$61,340
+6.5% growth 48% AI-proof
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance
$50,280
+8.1% growth 66% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of personal service workers
$47,080
+6.7% growth 59% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Cosmetology Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for Cosmetology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Palomar Institute of Cosmetology and 1094 other schools.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Cosmetology at Palomar Institute of Cosmetology?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Cosmetology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Cosmetology program at Palomar Institute of Cosmetology?
Beyond Palomar Institute of Cosmetology's classroom route, 5 registered apprenticeships map to Cosmetology careers — including Barber. Apprenticeships trade shorter program length for longer on-the-job training, typically 2-4 years.
Is there demand for Cosmetology workers?
The very large job market (145,700 annual openings) works in favor of Cosmetology graduates. The national outlook is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →