Median Earnings (1yr)
$19,036
67th percentile
60th percentile in Texas
Median Debt
$16,500
67% above national median

Analysis

Paul Mitchell the School-Houston produces cosmetology graduates who earn above-average wages in a field known for modest starting salaries. With first-year earnings of $19,036, graduates earn 11% more than the national median and 16% more than other Texas cosmetology programs. This Houston location ranks in the 60th percentile statewide—solid middle-tier performance among 151 Texas cosmetology schools.

The debt picture looks particularly attractive. At $16,500, student debt loads are nearly double the national average, but this school achieves something rare: it ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally for debt, meaning 95% of cosmetology programs saddle students with more debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 means graduates can realistically expect to pay off loans within a reasonable timeframe, especially as earnings grow 12% by year four.

While this program won't produce the $26,000+ earnings seen at top Texas schools like Paul Mitchell-Austin, it offers a practical pathway into cosmetology with manageable debt. For families seeking vocational training that leads to steady employment without crushing financial burden, this represents a sensible choice in the cosmetology field.

Where Paul Mitchell the School-Houston Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Paul Mitchell the School-Houston graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Paul Mitchell the School-Houston$19,036$21,218+11%
Paul Mitchell the School-Austin$26,824$28,868+8%
Avenue Five Institute$23,144$28,368+23%
Avenue Five Institute-South Austin Campus$23,144$28,368+23%
The Salon Professional Academy-Lewisville$22,320$26,452+19%

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Cosmetology certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (151 total in state)

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SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Paul Mitchell the School-HoustonHouston$19,036$21,218$16,5000.87
Paul Mitchell the School-AustinAustin$26,824$28,868$10,4140.39
Champion Beauty CollegeHouston$26,736$19,014$10,2320.38
DuVall's School of CosmetologyBedford$26,435$23,177$7,9170.30
Charles and Sues School of Hair DesignBryan$23,225$20,327$9,8330.42
Tint School of Makeup & CosmetologyIrving$23,225$21,232$7,6980.33
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 Paul Mitchell the School-Houston, approximately 65% 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 365 graduates with reported earnings and 439 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.