Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
a compact campus enrolling 4,073 students in Salisbury, NC.
Program Analysis
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates command $22,578/yr out of the gate, well above the $17,289 national median. That 31% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.
With a 132.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
Among 1,095 Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs nationally, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College ranks #5 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.
The limited growth from $22,578 to $26,704 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
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 and Related Personal Grooming Services 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% |
About Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services Careers
Your day will be hands-on, creative, and social. You might spend it behind the chair with scissors and foils, transforming a client’s style, or at a dedicated station, meticulously performing manicures. Others find their niche in quiet spa rooms, providing facials and expert skincare advice. The work is built on direct interaction and trust, turning first-time customers into loyal regulars.
Read the full Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services career guide →