Cosmetology at Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego

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

a compact campus enrolling 250 students in San Diego, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $16,464/yr, roughly in line with the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 39% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $16,464 far exceeding the $7,232 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #737 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $25,624 show a 56% jump from the $16,464 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

Cosmetology offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
38
Low End
42
Score
43
High End
Earnings $16,464/yr (-5% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$285K
11.7% 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
$7,232
5.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$25,624
56% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Cosmetology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering personal services.

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 Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego?
A score of 42/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Cosmetology. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Cosmetology graduates?
The DOL recognizes 5 apprenticeship pathways related to Cosmetology. For students weighing Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
How could AI change the job market for Cosmetology graduates?
AI sensitivity is moderate-to-notable: a 39% difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes. The base case — our most likely scenario — falls between these extremes.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego find jobs?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego graduates specifically, local market conditions in CA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →