Cosmetology Schools in Pennsylvania
41 Pennsylvania schools offer Cosmetology. Earnings in Pennsylvania are in line with the national average, so compare programs on commute, tuition, and fit rather than on statewide outcomes alone.
Cosmetology Training in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know
Local program supply
Pennsylvania has 41 schools offering Cosmetology programs, concentrated in 6 cities including {'city': 'Pittsburgh', 'city_slug': 'pittsburgh', 'count': 3, 'avg_earn': 18268.0}, {'city': 'Philadelphia', 'city_slug': 'philadelphia', 'count': 3, 'avg_earn': 15752.0}, {'city': 'Altoona', 'city_slug': 'altoona', 'count': 2, 'avg_earn': 18618.0}. Most students attend within 60 miles of home — local choice matters more than national rankings.
Earnings vs. national
Cosmetology graduates in Pennsylvania earn approximately $16,447/year on average, which is -5% below the national average for this trade. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Pennsylvania-specific licensing
Most skilled trades require a state-issued license or certification before you can work independently. Requirements vary substantially by state. Verify Pennsylvania-specific licensing through the relevant state board (Department of Labor, Contractors Board, or trade-specific licensing body). Apprenticeship hours often count toward licensure.
How Pennsylvania compares
Average TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Cosmetology programs in Pennsylvania is 42/100. Cost of living, wage levels, and program supply all vary by state — see the school list below ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score, which combines earnings, debt, and job-market demand.
Cosmetology Programs in Pennsylvania
All 41 Pennsylvania schools offering Cosmetology, ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click a school to see full earnings projections and program details.
Where Cosmetology Programs Cluster in Pennsylvania
Cities with the most Cosmetology programs — useful if you want to minimize commute or relocate within state.
| City | Schools | Avg Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh, PA | 3 | $18,268/yr |
| Philadelphia, PA | 3 | $15,752/yr |
| Altoona, PA | 2 | $18,618/yr |
| Lancaster, PA | 2 | $18,027/yr |
| Harrisburg, PA | 2 | $15,433/yr |
| Reading, PA | 2 | $13,917/yr |
Compare Cosmetology in Other States
Considering a nearby state? Here's how Pennsylvania compares to others with strong Cosmetology offerings.