Best institutions to study Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager
A program that prepares cosmetologists, hairstylists, and other personal grooming specialists to manage beauty parlors, shops, and full-service or specialized salons and to prepare for licensure as professional salon owners and operators.
17 U.S. institutions graduated 546 Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 12.0412, a specialization of Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services (CIP 12.04), and leads most directly to the Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists occupation (BLS SOC 39-5012).
About Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager programs
A program that prepares cosmetologists, hairstylists, and other personal grooming specialists to manage beauty parlors, shops, and full-service or specialized salons and to prepare for licensure as professional salon owners and operators. Includes instruction in cosmetic services marketing and retailing; advertising and promotion; salon management; the cosmetic and salon supply industries; hiring, supervision, and labor relations; applicable business and professional laws and regulations; professional standards and image; and customer service.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager program prepares students for a career in managing beauty salons and personal grooming services. This program is ideal for individuals looking to become cosmetologists, hairstylists, and salon managers, equipping them with the necessary skills to operate and oversee beauty establishments effectively.
Students will gain knowledge in various areas including salon management, marketing and retailing of cosmetic services, customer service, and applicable business laws. Coursework emphasizes essential skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication.
Credentials awarded
What Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Associate's degree300 graduates / yr · 17 institutions55%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years211 graduates / yr · 6 institutions39%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year35 graduates / yr · 3 institutions6.4%
Graduates over time
Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 240 |
| 2013 | 309 |
| 2014 | 304 |
| 2015 | 334 |
| 2016 | 363 |
| 2017 | 266 |
| 2018 | 313 |
| 2019 | 247 |
| 2020 | 322 |
| 2021 | 291 |
| 2022 | 336 |
| 2023 | 469 |
| 2024 | 514 |
| 2025 | 546 |
Top 17 institutions for Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shelton State Community College Tuscaloosa, ALPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 102 | 30% | — | — |
| 2 | Gadsden State Community College Gadsden, ALPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 72 | 38% | — | $19,107 |
| 3 | J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College Huntsville, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 66 | 14% | — | — |
| 4 | George C Wallace State Community College - Hanceville Hanceville, ALPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 57 | 51% | — | — |
| 5 | Northeast Alabama Community College Rainsville, ALPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 52 | 56% | — | — |
| 6 | Northwest Shoals Community College Muscle Shoals, ALPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 48 | 39% | — | — |
| 7 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAssociate's | 45 | 16% | — | — |
| 8 | Lurleen B Wallace Community College Andalusia, ALPublicAssociate's | 31 | 41% | — | $20,912 |
| 9 | Bevill State Community College Jasper, ALPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 23 | 38% | — | $19,013 |
| 10 | Coastal Alabama Community College Bay Minette, ALPublicAssociate's | 17 | 31% | — | — |
| 11 | Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Logan, WVPublicAssociate's | 12 | 29% | — | — |
| 12 | Schoolcraft Community College District Livonia, MIPublicAssociate's | 7 | 18% | — | — |
| 13 | Delta College University Center, MIPublicAssociate's | 6 | 27% | — | — |
| 14 | Snow College Ephraim, UTPublicAssociate's | 3 | 46% | — | — |
| 15 | GateWay Community College Phoenix, AZPublicAssociate's | 2 | 29% | — | — |
| 16 | Mott Community College Flint, MIPublicAssociate's | 2 | 32% | — | $12,041 |
| 17 | National American University - Rapid City Rapid City, SDPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 1 | 0% | $22,086 | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services field (CIP 12.04) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 6 states
Where Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager graduates come from. Each state links to all Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 9 | 468 | Shelton State Community College102 / yr |
| Arizona | 2 | 47 | Mesa Community College45 / yr |
| Michigan | 3 | 15 | Schoolcraft Community College District7 / yr |
| West Virginia | 1 | 12 | Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College12 / yr |
| Utah | 1 | 3 | Snow College3 / yr |
| South Dakota | 1 | 1 | National American University - Rapid City1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 39-5012, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as hairdressers, hairstylists, and personal service managers. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 5.6% and approximately 75,800 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is around $35,250, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 12.0412
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologistsprimary SOC 39-5012 | $35,790 | +5.6% Faster than average | ~75,800 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers SOC 39-1022 | $48,590 | +6.7% Faster than average | ~16,300 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Barbers SOC 39-5011 | $38,210 | +4.1% About as fast as average | ~8,400 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Personal Service Managers, All Other SOC 11-9179 | $69,770 | +6.5% Faster than average | ~2,100 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
- Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
- Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
- Schedule client appointments.
- Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
- Demonstrate and sell hair care products and cosmetics.
Tools and technology used
Other Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services specializations
The 12 other 6-digit CIP codes under Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services (CIP 12.04).
- Cosmetology/CIP 12.0401
Cosmetologist 56,828 graduates / yr1,353 institutions - Aesthetician/CIP 12.0409
Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist 38,219 graduates / yr741 institutions - Nail Technician/CIP 12.0410
Specialist and Manicurist 14,526 graduates / yr513 institutions - Barbering/CIP 12.0402
Barber 12,249 graduates / yr503 institutions - Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming ArtsCIP 12.04992,592 graduates / yr99 institutions
- Facial Treatment Specialist/CIP 12.0408
Facialist 2,499 graduates / yr75 institutions - Master Aesthetician/CIP 12.0414
Esthetician 2,242 graduates / yr53 institutions - Hair Styling/CIP 12.0407
Stylist and Hair Design 1,479 graduates / yr88 institutions - Cosmetology, Barber/CIP 12.0413
Styling, and Nail Instructor 1,259 graduates / yr319 institutions - Make-Up Artist/CIP 12.0406
Specialist 374 graduates / yr20 institutions - Electrolysis/CIP 12.0404
Electrology and Electrolysis Technician 314 graduates / yr13 institutions - Permanent Cosmetics/CIP 12.0411
Makeup and Tattooing limited data91 graduates / yr2 institutions
See all Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs →
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn an Associate's degree, an award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years, or an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, customer service, and salon management.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a hairdresser, hairstylist, or personal service manager.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is faster than average, with a growth rate of 5.6% and about 75,800 annual job openings.
What is the CIP code for Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager?+
Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager is CIP 12.0412 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services (CIP 12.04). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares cosmetologists, hairstylists, and other personal grooming specialists to manage beauty parlors, shops, and full-service or specialized salons and to prepare for licensure as professional salon owners and operators. Includes instruction in cosmetic services marketing and retailing; advertising and promotion; salon management; the cosmetic and salon supply industries; hiring, supervision, and labor relations; applicable business and professional laws and regulations; professional standards and image; and customer service.
How many institutions offer Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager programs?+
17 U.S. institutions reported Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 6 states, awarding 546 credentials in the year. That is 0.4% of all Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates.
How much do Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists occupation, which Salon/Beauty Salon Management/Manager most directly leads to, pays a median of $35,790 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services field report median earnings of $19,107 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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