Cosmetology at Wake Technical Community College
with a mid-sized student body of 18,605 in Raleigh, NC.
Program Analysis
Wake Technical Community College Cosmetology graduates command $23,286/yr out of the gate, well above the $17,289 national median. That 35% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.
The 130.5x 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 21% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Cosmetology graduates.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $8,048 in median debt clears fast against $23,286 in annual earnings.
A #6 ranking out of 1,095 programs puts Wake Technical Community College in the top 1% for Cosmetology. By our composite measure, very few programs deliver stronger results.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $23,286 to $29,405 shows 26% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Cosmetology, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
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
Cosmetology opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.