Cosmetology at Ridge Technical College

Winter Haven, FL · Public · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a compact campus enrolling 375 students in Winter Haven, FL.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $15,943/yr, roughly in line with the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 42.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 24% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

Ranked #135 out of 1,095 programs, Ridge Technical College's Cosmetology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

45 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
43
Low End
45
Score
45
High End
Earnings $15,943/yr (-8% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$167K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
42.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
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.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$3,918
Out-of-state: $10,398

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

Other Majors at Ridge Technical College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Ridge Technical College?
At 45/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What makes Ridge Technical College's Cosmetology program stand out?
The #135 ranking out of 1,095 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Can I learn Cosmetology through an apprenticeship instead of Ridge Technical College?
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.
Is there demand for Cosmetology workers?
With approximately 145,700 annual openings across mapped careers, Cosmetology offers a very large employment pool. Ridge Technical College graduates enter a market shaped by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →