Cosmetology at West Kentucky Community and Technical College
a smaller institution with 2,810 students in Paducah, KY.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $14,110 place West Kentucky Community and Technical College below the $17,289 national median for Cosmetology — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 34.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Cosmetology programs nationally.
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 9% gap from the optimistic case.
Ranked #598 of 1,095 Cosmetology programs, West Kentucky Community and Technical College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $15,850 are relatively flat compared to the $14,110 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.
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
From day-one roles to senior positions, Cosmetology careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering personal services.