Cosmetology at Technical College of the Rockies

Delta, CO · Public · Certificate · Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services

a compact campus enrolling 142 students in Delta, CO.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $17,125 track close to the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 33% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Cosmetology career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $5,500 in median debt against $17,125 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.

A #577 ranking among 1,095 Cosmetology programs places Technical College of the Rockies in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 44% earnings increase from $17,125 to $24,709 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 5 apprenticeship pathways connected to Cosmetology reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

42 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
39
Low End
42
Score
43
High End
Earnings $17,125/yr (-1% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (76% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (145,700 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$268K
9.6% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$5,500
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$24,709
44% 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

Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.

Read the full Cosmetology career guide →

Compare & Explore

Cosmetology Overview

Cosmetology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Technical College of the Rockies

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Technical College of the Rockies's Cosmetology program score?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Cosmetology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Are there apprenticeship options for Cosmetology?
If Technical College of the Rockies's tuition gives you pause, consider that 5 DOL-registered apprenticeship pathways exist for Cosmetology. You'd earn while training, avoiding student debt entirely — though completion takes longer than a certificate program.
What's the AI uncertainty for Cosmetology careers?
Our model shows a 33% gap between best and worst-case decade earnings. AI is unlikely to eliminate Cosmetology careers, but it could reduce positions in some specializations.
Will Cosmetology graduates from Technical College of the Rockies find jobs?
Job availability for Cosmetology is strong — 145,700 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Technical College of the Rockies graduates specifically, local market conditions in CO may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →