Cosmetology at Riverside City College

Riverside, CA · Public · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

enrolling 17,361 students in Riverside, CA.

Program Analysis

At $13,431 per year, Cosmetology graduates from Riverside City College earn below the $17,289 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 105.6x 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 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.

Ranked #24 out of 1,095 programs, Riverside City College's Cosmetology program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $13,431 to $14,817 over five years (10% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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

54 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
51
Low End
54
Score
55
High End
Earnings $13,431/yr (-22% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$150K
2.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
105.9x
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)
$1,420
Out-of-state: $11,230
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$14,817
10% 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 Riverside City College and 1094 other schools.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Riverside City College

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology at Riverside City College?
A score of 54/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Cosmetology field.
Is Riverside City College one of the best schools for Cosmetology?
Among 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Riverside City College's #24 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Why are Cosmetology earnings lower at Riverside City College?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Cosmetology graduates?
Yes — 5 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Cosmetology career paths, including Barber. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at Riverside City College.
What's the job market like for Cosmetology from Riverside City College?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Riverside City College graduates specifically, local market conditions in CA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →