Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at South Hills Beauty Academy
a compact campus enrolling 282 students in Pittsburgh, PA.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $20,852/yr, edging above the $17,289 national average for Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.
Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 18% gap from the optimistic case.
At $3,431 in median debt against $20,852 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
At #216 of 1,095 nationally, this is a top-5% Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $20,852 to $25,648 over five years — a 23% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services offers 5 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
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 →