Cosmetology at Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy
a compact campus enrolling 134 students in Amarillo, TX.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $20,065/yr, edging above the $17,289 national average for Cosmetology — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand for this trade.
Some AI exposure exists in Cosmetology's career paths, with 24% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 22% gap from the optimistic case.
At $9,833 in median debt against $20,065 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
At #306 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $20,065 to $25,622 over five years — a 28% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Cosmetology 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 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% |
Cosmetology Career Guide
Explore what Cosmetology graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 1095 programs nationwide.