Median Earnings (1yr)
$18,947
66th percentile
80th percentile in California
Median Debt
$14,518
47% above national median

Analysis

Moler Barber College graduates are earning substantially more than typical California cosmetology program completers—ranking in the 80th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $18,947. That's nearly $4,400 above California's median for these programs, and the trajectory improves over time with 35% earnings growth by year four. This performance is particularly noteworthy given that over half of students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully serves students from lower-income backgrounds while delivering above-average outcomes.

The debt picture strengthens this program's value proposition. At $14,518, graduates borrow moderately more than the state median, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 means a typical graduate's debt equals less than 10 months of earnings—manageable territory for a certificate program. More importantly, that debt is funding access to a field where Moler graduates consistently outperform their peers across the state.

For parents weighing vocational programs in California's competitive beauty industry, Moler demonstrates clear differentiation. While it doesn't match the very top programs like The Salon Professional Academy's $24,660 outcomes, it delivers reliable earnings growth and ranks among the stronger options in the Bay Area. The combination of reasonable debt, above-average starting salaries, and meaningful income progression over four years makes this a solid investment for students committed to cosmetology careers.

Where Moler Barber College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all cosmetology certificate's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Moler Barber College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Moler Barber College$18,947$25,528+35%
Blake Austin College$16,650$29,930+80%
The Salon Professional Academy-San Jose$24,660$24,953+1%
Cinta Aveda Institute$17,592$24,747+41%
San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Inc$19,002$23,928+26%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (130 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Moler Barber CollegeOakland$18,947$25,528$14,5180.77
The Salon Professional Academy-San JoseSan Jose$24,660$24,953$10,3760.42
San Jose City CollegeSan Jose$1,366$23,253
MTI CollegeSacramento$21,371$22,802$10,5500.49
Institute of TechnologyClovis$21,184$13,3410.63
Shasta School of CosmetologyRedding$20,144
National Median$17,113$9,8620.58

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with cosmetology graduates

Skincare Specialists

Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.

$41,560/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Barbers

Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services.

$35,420/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Manicurists and Pedicurists

Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.

$34,660/yrJobs growth:Postsecondary nondegree award

Personal Service Managers, All Other

All personal service managers not listed separately.

Fitness and Wellness Coordinators

Manage or coordinate fitness and wellness programs and services. Manage and train staff of wellness specialists, health educators, or fitness instructors.

Spa Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of a spa facility. Coordinate programs, schedule and direct staff, and oversee financial activities.

First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers

Supervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers.

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

Shampooers

Shampoo and rinse customers' hair.

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Moler Barber College, approximately 56% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 124 graduates with reported earnings and 157 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.