Cosmetology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program develop comprehensive skills in personal grooming and beauty care, preparing for professional practice as licensed cosmetologists in diverse salon environments. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training and theoretical knowledge to support safe, effective, and client-centered service delivery across hair, skin, and nail care.
- Hair cutting and styling: Master techniques for shaping, layering, and styling scalp, facial, and body hair using precision tools and modern trends.
- Manicuring and pedicuring: Learn advanced nail care procedures, including shaping, polishing, and treatment of natural and artificial nail enhancements.
- Facial treatments: Gain expertise in skin analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, and targeted treatments to promote healthy, radiant skin.
- Chemical applications: Understand the safe and effective use of hair coloring, perming, and straightening agents, including product selection and client consultation.
- Esthetics: Study the science of skin health, including hydration, anti-aging, and treatment protocols for various skin types and conditions.
- Sanitation and safety: Adhere to industry standards for infection control, equipment sterilization, and safe handling of chemicals and tools.
- Customer service: Develop communication strategies and client relationship management skills to ensure satisfaction and retention.
- Shop management: Explore operational aspects such as scheduling, inventory control, billing, and salon workflow optimization.
- Professional and labor regulations: Become familiar with state licensing requirements, ethical guidelines, and legal responsibilities governing cosmetology practice.
- Shampooing and scalp care: Practice techniques for effective cleansing, conditioning, and therapeutic scalp treatments to support hair health.
Cosmetology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Cosmetology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Cosmetology degrees, including Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance, Skincare Specialists and Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 525,730 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance 39-5091 | $50,280 | $22,010 - $157,090 | 3,320 | $24.17 |
| Skincare Specialists 39-5094 | $41,560 | $27,160 - $77,330 | 70,240 | $19.98 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists 39-5012 | $35,250 | $24,580 - $70,220 | 295,460 | $16.95 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists 39-5092 | $34,660 | $27,910 - $47,990 | 147,820 | $16.66 |
| Shampooers 39-5093 | $31,470 | $22,880 - $35,970 | 8,890 | $15.13 |
Cosmetology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $28,580 in Alabama to $57,213 in Washington—a 100% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, Maine, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 525,730 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Cosmetology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Cosmetology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Cosmetology is found at Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute, Covington (904 graduates), NUC University (NUC) (619 graduates), IBMC College (IBMC) (414 graduates), Douglas J Aveda Institute (353 graduates), and West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) (290 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 15,585 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
904 | Covington, Louisiana | Private | avedaarts.edu |
| NUC University (NUC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
619 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | nuc.edu |
| IBMC College (IBMC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
414 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Private | ibmc.edu |
| Douglas J Aveda Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
353 | East Lansing, Michigan | Private | douglasj.edu |
| West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
290 | Waco, Georgia | Public | westgatech.edu |
| Aveda Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
279 | Davie, Florida | Private | beaveda.com |
| Aveda Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
259 | Tallahassee, Florida | Private | beaveda.com |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
254 | Valdosta, Georgia | Public | wiregrass.edu |
| Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
246 | Warner Robins, Georgia | Public | centralgatech.edu |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
237 | Rome, Georgia | Public | gntc.edu |
| Empire Beauty School |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
211 | New York, New York | Private | empire.edu |
| Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
207 | Worcester, Massachusetts | Private | worcester.toniguy.edu |
| Citrus College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
206 | Glendora, California | Public | citruscollege.edu |
| Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
205 | Thomasville, Georgia | Public | southernregional.edu |
| Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
199 | Griffin, Georgia | Public | sctech.edu |
| Evergreen Beauty and Barber College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
194 | Everett, Washington | Private | evergreenbeauty.edu |
| Golden West College (GWC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
190 | Huntington Beach, California | Public | goldenwestcollege.edu |
| San Jacinto Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
190 | Pasadena, Texas | Public | sanjac.edu |
| Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
188 | Temecula, California | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Nouvelle Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
184 | Miami, Florida | Private | nouvelleinstitute.com |
| Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
183 | Houston, Texas | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Santa Monica College (SMC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
182 | Santa Monica, California | Public | smc.edu |
| Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
179 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | avedaarts.edu |
| Milan Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
167 | Visalia, California | Private | milaninstitute.edu |
| Aveda Fredric's Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
167 | West Chester, Ohio | Private | avedafi.edu |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
166 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lattc.edu |
| Skyline College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
161 | San Bruno, California | Public | skylinecollege.edu |
| Olympian Academy of Cosmetology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
161 | LAS CRUCES, New Mexico | Private | olympianacademy.edu |
| Ogle School Hair Skin Nails |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
160 | Fort Worth, Texas | Private | ogleschool.edu |
| Ogle School Hair Skin Nails |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
157 | Dallas, Texas | Private | ogleschool.edu |
| Saddleback College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
149 | Mission Viejo, California | Public | saddleback.edu |
| Lanier Technical College (Lanier Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
149 | Gainesville, Georgia | Public | laniertech.edu |
| Cerritos College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
147 | Norwalk, California | Public | cerritos.edu |
| Intellitec College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
143 | Grand Junction, Colorado | Private | intellitec.edu |
| Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
143 | Costa Mesa, California | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
143 | Waycross, Georgia | Public | coastalpines.edu |
| Asian-American International Beauty College (AAIBC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
142 | Westminster, California | Private | aabeautycollege.com |
| Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
139 | Fresno, California | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Tennessee School of Beauty of Knoxville Inc |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
138 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Private | tennesseeschoolofbeauty.edu |
| Ogle School Hair Skin Nails |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
138 | Stafford, Texas | Private | ogleschool.edu |
| Chattahoochee Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
137 | Marietta, Georgia | Public | chattahoocheetech.edu |
| Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
136 | Lehi, Utah | Public | mtec.edu |
| Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
135 | Athens, Texas | Public | tvcc.edu |
| Savannah Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
133 | Savannah, Georgia | Public | savannahtech.edu |
| Ogle School Hair Skin Nails |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
133 | San Antonio, Texas | Private | ogleschool.edu |
| Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
132 | San Diego, California | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Z Hair Academy |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
129 | Overland Park, Kansas | Private | zhairacademy.com |
| Capri Cosmetology Learning Centers |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
125 | Nanuet, New York | Private | caprinow.edu |
| Daytona State College (DSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
121 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Public | daytonastate.edu |
| North Georgia Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
121 | Clarkesville, Georgia | Public | northgatech.edu |
| Total Image Beauty Academy |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
121 | Union City, New Jersey | Private | tiba.edu |
| Paul Mitchell the School |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
121 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Empire Beauty School |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
120 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | empire.edu |
| Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
120 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Fullerton College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
117 | Fullerton, California | Public | fullcoll.edu |
| Delta Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
115 | Horn Lake, Mississippi | Private | deltatechnicalcollege.com |
| Northeast Technology Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
115 | Pryor, Oklahoma | Public | netech.edu |
| Rizzieri Aveda School for Beauty and Wellness |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
114 | Voorhees, New Jersey | Private | rizzierischools.com |
| Jean Madeline Aveda Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
114 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jeanmadeline.edu |
| Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
113 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Private | avedaarts.edu |
| Ogle School Hair Skin Nails |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
112 | Dallas, Texas | Private | ogleschool.edu |
| Avalon Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
111 | Mesa, Arizona | Private | avalon.edu |
| Georgia Institute of Cosmetology (GIC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
111 | Athens, Georgia | Private | gic.edu |
| Milan Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
111 | Bakersfield, California | Private | milaninstitute.edu |
| Butte College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
110 | Oroville, California | Public | butte.edu |
| Riverside City College (RCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
110 | Riverside, California | Public | rcc.edu |
| Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
110 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Avalon Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
110 | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | avalon.edu |
| Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
109 | Sandersville, Georgia | Public | oftc.edu |
| Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
109 | Sterling Heights, Michigan | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
109 | Roswell, Georgia | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Studio Academy of Beauty |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
109 | Chandler, Arizona | Private | tsaob.com |
| Advance Beauty College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
107 | Garden Grove, California | Private | advancebeautycollege.com |
| Paul Mitchell the School |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
107 | Sacramento, California | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Southern Careers Institute (SCI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
106 | Brownsville, Texas | Private | scitexas.edu |
| Avalon Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
106 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Private | avalon.edu |
| Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
105 | Louisville, Kentucky | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Ogle School Hair Skin Nails |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
105 | Arlington, Texas | Private | ogleschool.edu |
| Rudy & Kelly Academy A Paul Mitchell Partner School |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
105 | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
104 | St. Louis, Missouri | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Sacramento City College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
103 | Sacramento, California | Public | scc.losrios.edu |
| Aveda Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
103 | Denver, Colorado | Private | avedainspiregreatness.com |
| Bella Capelli Academy |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
103 | Monroeville, Pennsylvania | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| San Jose City College (SJCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
102 | San Jose, California | Public | sjcc.edu |
| Twin City Beauty College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
102 | Saint Joseph, Michigan | Private | tcbeautycollege.com |
| Dorsey School of Beauty |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
102 | Taylor, Michigan | Private | dorsey.edu |
| Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
102 | Cranston, Rhode Island | Private | rhodeisland.toniguy.edu |
| Ogle School Hair Skin Nails |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
102 | Houston, Texas | Private | ogleschool.edu |
| MTI College (MTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
101 | Sacramento, California | Private | campus.edu |
| David Pressley School of Cosmetology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
101 | Royal Oak, Michigan | Private | davidpressleyschool.com |
| Empire Beauty School |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
101 | Astoria, New York | Private | empire.edu |
| Paul Mitchell the School |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
100 | Columbia, Missouri | Private | missouricolumbia.paulmitchell.edu |
| Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
100 | San Antonio, Texas | Private | avedaarts.edu |
| Saint Paul College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
99 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Public | saintpaul.edu |
| Lee College |
Other Award
|
98 | Baytown, Texas | Public | lee.edu |
| Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
98 | West Columbia, South Carolina | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| D'Mart Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
|
97 | Barranquitas, Puerto Rico | Private | dmartpr.com |
| Milan Institute |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
97 | Clovis, California | Private | milaninstitute.edu |
| Paul Mitchell the School (PMTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
97 | Modesto, California | Private | paulmitchell.edu |
| Capitol Beauty School |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
96 | Omaha, Nebraska | Private | hairschoolomaha.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Cosmetology programs
How much can I earn with a Cosmetology degree?
Salaries for Cosmetology graduates vary by role and location. Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance earn a median of $50,280 annually, while Skincare Specialists earn around $41,560. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $57,213 compared to $28,580 in Alabama. Approximately 525,730 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Cosmetology programs?
Currently 1,370 accredited institutions offer Cosmetology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute, Covington (904 graduates), NUC University (NUC) (619 graduates), and IBMC College (IBMC) (414 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Cosmetology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 73,385 in 2010 to 55,875 in 2023-24. This represents a 24% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Cosmetology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance, Skincare Specialists, and Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists. Related occupations employ approximately 525,730 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Personal Services Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Personal Services field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Permanent Cosmetics and Makeup Tattooing
A program that prepares individuals to prepare and apply permanent markings, color, and cosmetic products to the face and body for aesthetic or...
Salon and Beauty Management
A program that prepares cosmetologists, hairstylists, and other personal grooming specialists to manage beauty parlors, shops, and full-service or specialized salons and to...
Cosmetology and Barber Styling Instructor
A program that prepares cosmetologists, barbers, stylists, nail technicians, and other grooming specialists to teach their specializations in licensed and accredited schools of...
Aesthetician
A program that prepares individuals to massage and treat the face, neck, and body with advanced chemical and cosmetic preparations and esthetic medical...
Cosmetology and Personal Grooming
Any instructional program in cosmetology and related personal grooming services not listed above.
Culinary Arts
Instructional content for this group of programs is defined in codes 12.0500 - 12.0599.