Cosmetology at PCI Academy-Ames
a smaller institution with 170 students in Ames, IA.
Program Analysis
PCI Academy-Ames Cosmetology graduates command $24,178/yr out of the gate, well above the $17,289 national median. That 40% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.
AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 20% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $6,333 in median debt clears fast against $24,178 in annual earnings.
A #109 ranking out of 1,095 Cosmetology programs nationally puts PCI Academy-Ames in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $24,178 to $30,439 shows 26% 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.
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 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% |
Cosmetology Career Guide
See the full career breakdown for Cosmetology — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from PCI Academy-Ames and 1094 other schools.