Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private for-profit · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a smaller institution with 145 students in Chicago, IL.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $18,073/yr, roughly in line with the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 25% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

The $12,513 debt-to-$18,073 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #487 out of 1,095 programs, Paul Mitchell the School-Chicago's Cosmetology offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $18,073 to $23,886 shows 32% 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.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
43
Score
43
High End
Earnings $18,073/yr (5% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$252K
7.2% 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
$12,513
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$23,886
32% 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

Cosmetology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-Chicago?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Paul Mitchell the School-Chicago?
There are 5 registered apprenticeships connected to Cosmetology occupations, such as Barber and Cosmetologist. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Paul Mitchell the School-Chicago find jobs?
The career paths mapped to Cosmetology have roughly 145,700 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →