Cosmetology at Butler Beauty Academy-Kittanning Beauty Academy

At $13,502 in first-year earnings, Butler Beauty Academy graduates earn substantially less than both the Pennsylvania median ($16,236) and the national average ($17,113) for cosmetology programs. This puts them in just the 25th percentile among Pennsylvania schools—meaning three-quarters of PA cosmetology programs produce higher-earning graduates. The gap is striking when you look at competitors: top Pennsylvania programs like Metro Beauty Academy see graduates earning nearly $8,000 more annually.

The relatively modest debt load of $8,028 helps somewhat, especially compared to Pennsylvania's median of $13,308 for cosmetology programs. That lower debt means graduates aren't buried under payments, but earnings this low create practical challenges—$13,502 translates to barely above minimum wage for full-time work. Even with 23% earnings growth to $16,665 by year four, graduates are just reaching what peers at other schools earn right out of the gate.

For a field where location and local connections matter tremendously, Butler Beauty Academy's performance raises questions about job placement networks and training quality. Pennsylvania has sixty cosmetology programs to choose from, and this one ranks near the bottom for outcomes. Unless there are compelling geographic reasons to stay in Kittanning, families should explore schools with stronger earning potential—even accounting for the slightly higher debt those programs might require.