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Cosmetology Services And Culinary Arts

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Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Cosmetology Services And Culinary Arts.

Entry Level Salary
$32,000
Median Salary
$58,000
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
68.5%
Working non-college jobs

Earnings Trajectory

Lifetime: $2,320,000
Entry (Early)
$32,000
Median (Prime)
$58,000
High (Prime)
$64,311

ROI Sensitivity Analysis
Assuming 4 Years to Graduation

This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.

Lifetime Value Added (NPV)

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-169k
+65k
+118k
$25k / yr
-259k
-25k
+28k
$50k / yr
-349k
-115k
-62k

Break-even Age

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
36
31
$25k / yr
Never
Never
49
$50k / yr
Never
Never
Never

Return on Investment %

Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-238%
-23%
26%
$50k / yr
-160%
-53%
-29%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).

These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →

Education Impact

Advanced Degree Rate13.1%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.

Top Professions

Chefs and head cooks

15.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$24,291
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$53,528|$62,470
openings
25,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.6%

Cooks

5.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$36,436
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$32,440|$36,640
openings
393,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.8%

Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers

4.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$51,469
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$69,514|$55,010
openings
3,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3%

Food service managers

4.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$60,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$70,000|$69,390
openings
38,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.8%

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists

2.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$40,080
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$38,586|$35,790
openings
73,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.7%

Management occupations

2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$48,233
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$66,800|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%

First-line supervisors of retail sales workers

2.0% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$56,616
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$41,175|$48,520
openings
113,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): -3.7%

Bakers

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$36,436
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$37,514|$37,160
openings
36,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.5%

First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers

1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$26,720
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$45,000|$44,080
openings
171,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.4%

Elementary and middle school teachers

1.7% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$32,940
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$52,498|$64,170
openings
127,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.4%

About this Data:

  • Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
  • Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
  • Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).

Program Variants & Earnings Ranges

Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.

Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.

Program TitleCredential Level# CollegesMedian Earnings Range
cosmetology and related personal grooming services.Undergrad Certificate1379$10,791 - $43,507
cosmetology and related personal grooming services.Associate's Degree129$17,458 - $33,290
funeral service and mortuary science.Undergrad Certificate20$16,843 - $67,653
funeral service and mortuary science.Associate's Degree54$40,044 - $68,311
funeral service and mortuary science.Bachelor's Degree11$38,237 - $77,420