Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services at Lake Area Technical College

Graduates of the Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services program at Lake Area Technical College can expect a steady increase in earnings over time. The median earnings one year after graduation stand at $24,969, rising to $32,951 after five years, and reaching $38,649 after ten years. When adjusted for purchasing power, the five-year salary equivalent nationally is $35,129, indicating that while initial earnings may be modest, there is potential for growth that aligns with the cost of living in South Dakota, which has a lower cost-of-living index compared to the national average.

The primary industries that graduates enter include Health Care & Social Assistance, which accounts for 52.2% of placements, followed by another segment of Health Care & Social Assistance at 18.8%, and Manufacturing at 17.9%. While these figures suggest a strong alignment with stable sectors, the estimated break-even point compared to a high-school-only path exceeds ten years, indicating that the return on investment may take considerable time to materialize. Students should weigh these factors carefully when considering their career trajectory in cosmetology.