Cosmetology at Fort Pierce Beauty Academy

Fort Pierce Beauty Academy graduates earn $20,902 in their first year—ranking in the 80th percentile among Florida's 127 cosmetology programs and well above both state ($16,718) and national ($17,113) medians. With just $9,500 in debt, graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, making the program affordable for the overwhelmingly Pell-eligible student body it serves. The numbers suggest this academy delivers solid technical training that translates to above-average early earning power in Florida's beauty industry.

The concerning pattern emerges by year four, when median earnings drop to $17,367—a 17% decline that erases the initial advantage. This likely reflects the realities of cosmetology work: many graduates start in higher-paying salon positions but later reduce hours for family reasons, shift to independent contractor arrangements with irregular income, or leave the field entirely. While top Florida programs like Florida State College at Jacksonville ($29,668) show cosmetology can lead to stronger long-term earnings, most programs in this field face similar trajectory challenges.

For families comfortable with the modest debt load and realistic about cosmetology's income potential, Fort Pierce represents a low-risk entry point to the profession. The program outperforms most peers initially, and the debt won't become crushing even if earnings plateau. Just understand you're investing in a license and skills, not necessarily a path to growing income.