112 schools · California
Cosmetology and barber schools in California
112 schools in California offer cosmetology and barbering programs (29 of them public), with 111 certificate and 25 associate programs between them. Graduates of the typical certificate program here earned $22,465 a year after finishing, compared with $23,112 nationally.
Schools112
Public schools29
Certificate programs111
Certificate: earnings 1 yr after$22,465
Certificate: earnings 4 yrs after$24,185
Associate: earnings 1 yr aftern/a
All cosmetology and barbering programs in California
Sorted by earnings one year after graduation. Click a heading to sort; tuition is the school's yearly tuition and fees (2025-26), in-state for public schools.
| School | Type | Credential | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt | School tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose City CollegeSan Jose, CA | Community college | Certificate | 100 | $54,427 | $39,039 | n/a | $1,366 |
| Saddleback CollegeMission Viejo, CA | Community college | Certificate | 148 | $39,816 | n/a | n/a | $1,156 |
| San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology IncSan Francisco, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 184 | $34,512 | $38,673 | $6,333 | $13,350 |
| Cinta Aveda InstituteSan Francisco, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 120 | $34,358 | $37,484 | $6,333 | $12,100 |
| Academy for Salon ProfessionalsNorthridge, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 144 | $32,970 | $28,166 | $6,017 | $9,250 |
| Hilltop Beauty SchoolDaly City, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 60 | $31,968 | $29,097 | n/a | $14,245 |
| The Salon Professional Academy-San JoseSan Jose, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 161 | $31,712 | $34,325 | $6,333 | $16,500 |
| Lytles Redwood Empire Beauty CollegeSanta Rosa, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 105 | $29,479 | $31,632 | $8,955 | $24,836 |
| J D Academy of Salon and SpaDanville, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 110 | $28,793 | $31,308 | $6,211 | $14,065 |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical CollegeLos Angeles, CA | Public community or technical college | Certificate | 147 | $28,311 | $17,455 | n/a | $1,238 |
| Moler Barber CollegeOakland, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 197 | $28,035 | $24,344 | $9,832 | $16,393 |
| Beyond 21st Century Beauty AcademySanta Fe Springs, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 97 | $27,610 | $24,888 | $3,666 | $16,415 |
| MIXED Institute of Cosmetology & BarberSacramento, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 105 | $27,532 | n/a | $8,677 | $16,000 |
| Citrus CollegeGlendora, CA | Public community or technical college | Certificate | 164 | $27,201 | n/a | n/a | $1,254 |
| Palomar Institute of CosmetologySan Marcos, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 255 | $27,131 | $30,892 | $5,319 | $16,250 |
| Coba AcademyAnaheim, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 90 | $27,090 | $28,431 | $6,333 | $15,125 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-SacramentoSacramento, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 387 | $26,633 | $32,313 | $6,333 | $9,360 |
| Modern Beauty AcademyOxnard, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 53 | $26,611 | $34,783 | $6,208 | $15,200 |
| Career Academy of BeautyGarden Grove, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 206 | $26,466 | $27,391 | $6,333 | $11,825 |
| MTI CollegeSacramento, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 132 | $26,155 | $28,154 | $6,222 | $19,520 |
| Institute of TechnologyClovis, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 56 | $26,107 | n/a | $6,722 | $33,367 |
| Bellus Academy-PowayPoway, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 312 | $25,966 | $27,366 | $8,389 | $15,448 |
| Hoss Lee AcademyRoseville, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 135 | $25,847 | $25,483 | $6,333 | $14,000 |
| Bellus Academy-El CajonEl Cajon, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 177 | $25,519 | $26,593 | $6,333 | $15,448 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-PasadenaPasadena, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 161 | $25,358 | $28,568 | $6,333 | $15,150 |
| International College of Beauty Arts & SciencesLos Angeles, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 86 | $25,313 | $17,949 | $6,333 | $11,100 |
| Victory Career CollegeCarson, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 58 | $25,292 | n/a | $6,333 | $12,600 |
| Skyline CollegeSan Bruno, CA | Community college | Certificate | 156 | $25,243 | n/a | n/a | $1,332 |
| Bellus Academy-Chula VistaChula Vista, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 314 | $24,789 | $24,943 | $6,333 | $9,994 |
| Los Angeles College of AestheticsLos Angeles, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 107 | $24,623 | $23,316 | $6,221 | $9,075 |
| Lu Ross AcademyVentura, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 234 | $24,299 | $30,318 | $6,333 | $19,000 |
| Federico Beauty InstituteSacramento, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 238 | $24,285 | $27,882 | $6,222 | $16,750 |
| Citrus Heights Beauty CollegeCitrus Heights, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 122 | $24,254 | $29,396 | $6,222 | $15,200 |
| Advance Beauty Techs AcademyCorona, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 73 | $24,202 | $25,616 | $6,228 | $15,650 |
| International School of Beauty IncPalm Desert, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 162 | $23,900 | $21,537 | $5,500 | $15,000 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Costa MesaCosta Mesa, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 333 | $23,844 | $31,080 | $6,333 | $14,075 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-San DiegoSan Diego, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 244 | $23,844 | $31,080 | $6,333 | $15,875 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-East BayPleasant Hill, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 215 | $23,698 | $32,183 | $6,333 | $20,075 |
| Salon Success Academy-UplandUpland, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 215 | $23,433 | $24,217 | $7,177 | $16,100 |
| My Le's Beauty CollegeSacramento, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 244 | $23,285 | $20,294 | n/a | $2,900 |
| Salon Success Academy-CoronaCorona, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 198 | $22,830 | $20,480 | $7,177 | $9,700 |
| Salon Success Academy-RedlandsRedlands, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 245 | $22,830 | $20,480 | $7,177 | $16,100 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-TemeculaTemecula, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 277 | $22,465 | $25,547 | $7,034 | $18,175 |
| Milan Institute of Cosmetology-VacavilleVacaville, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 190 | $22,434 | $24,392 | $6,333 | $14,585 |
| Fredrick and Charles Beauty CollegeEureka, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 63 | $22,340 | $16,882 | n/a | $13,100 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-Sherman OaksSherman Oaks, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 157 | $22,275 | $23,421 | $10,556 | $24,000 |
| CRU Institute of Cosmetology and BarberingGarden Grove, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 87 | $21,964 | $22,286 | $9,203 | $16,200 |
| Professional Institute of BeautyEl Monte, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 59 | $21,947 | $26,592 | $2,796 | $15,075 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-ModestoModesto, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 320 | $21,832 | $24,519 | $6,333 | $9,375 |
| Riverside City CollegeRiverside, CA | Community college | Certificate | 97 | $21,353 | $21,314 | n/a | $1,428 |
| Lyle's College of BeautyBakersfield, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 93 | $21,127 | $18,974 | $6,333 | $14,075 |
| Lyle's College of BeautyFresno, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 64 | $21,127 | $18,974 | $6,333 | $13,075 |
| Elite Cosmetology SchoolPALM DESERT, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 95 | $21,046 | $26,547 | $6,222 | $16,000 |
| Bridges Beauty CollegeVictorville, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 73 | $20,872 | n/a | $4,447 | $16,300 |
| California College of Barbering and CosmetologyStockton, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 250 | $20,763 | $30,415 | $6,333 | $21,150 |
| California Hair Design AcademyLa Mesa, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 101 | $20,714 | $25,247 | $6,333 | $16,750 |
| Milan Institute-BakersfieldBakersfield, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 321 | $20,696 | $23,833 | $6,333 | $16,645 |
| Milan Institute-ClovisClovis, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 434 | $20,696 | $23,833 | $6,333 | $14,070 |
| Milan Institute-MercedMerced, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 174 | $20,696 | $23,833 | $6,333 | $16,645 |
| California Beauty CollegeModesto, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 112 | $20,497 | $21,571 | $4,333 | $8,550 |
| Advance Beauty CollegeGarden Grove, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 483 | $20,439 | $19,196 | n/a | $4,420 |
| Milan Institute-Palm DesertPalm Desert, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 141 | $20,383 | n/a | $6,333 | $16,645 |
| Associated Barber College of San DiegoSan Diego, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 56 | $20,310 | $15,201 | $16,500 | $22,245 |
| MJ Barber & Beauty AcademyLa Quinta, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 83 | $19,973 | $18,660 | $5,491 | $14,100 |
| MJ Barber & Beauty AcademyHemet, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 112 | $19,973 | $18,660 | $5,491 | $14,100 |
| Design's School of CosmetologyPaso Robles, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 107 | $19,691 | $23,920 | $5,500 | $14,475 |
| Salon Success Academy-RiversideRiverside, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 150 | $19,680 | $22,601 | $9,231 | $16,100 |
| Santa Ana Beauty CollegeSanta Ana, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 0 | $19,536 | $19,321 | n/a | $7,100 |
| Milan Institute-VisaliaVisalia, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 360 | $19,459 | n/a | $6,333 | $16,645 |
| ZMS The AcademyLos Angeles, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 141 | $18,960 | $23,600 | $4,830 | $8,795 |
| Shasta School of CosmetologyRedding, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 96 | $18,916 | $12,349 | $6,222 | $15,300 |
| Hacienda La Puente Adult EducationLa Puente, CA | Public technical school | Certificate | 251 | $18,833 | $22,356 | n/a | $1,305 |
| North Adrian's College of Beauty IncModesto, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 131 | $18,497 | $26,922 | $6,333 | $18,145 |
| Diamond Beauty CollegeSouth El Monte, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 94 | $18,290 | $17,543 | n/a | $4,950 |
| Urban Barber CollegeConcord, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 150 | $18,230 | $21,285 | $10,667 | $14,950 |
| Sierra College of BeautyMerced, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 142 | $17,914 | $17,875 | n/a | $9,000 |
| San Bernardino Beauty CollegeSan Bernardino, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 62 | $17,564 | $17,330 | n/a | $16,000 |
| Coastline Beauty CollegeFountain Valley, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 187 | $17,268 | $16,931 | n/a | $7,625 |
| American Beauty CollegeWest Covina, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 213 | $16,911 | $21,344 | $6,333 | $18,000 |
| Asian-American International Beauty CollegeWestminster, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 548 | $16,654 | $19,354 | n/a | $1,250 |
| Butte CollegeOroville, CA | Community college | Certificate | 96 | $15,779 | n/a | n/a | $1,374 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-FresnoFresno, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 184 | $15,682 | $26,894 | $9,500 | $14,550 |
| Hinton Barber and Beauty CollegeVallejo, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 36 | $14,973 | $21,988 | $9,500 | $13,725 |
| Lancaster Beauty SchoolLancaster, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 90 | $14,868 | $17,949 | $6,333 | $15,200 |
| California Barber and Beauty CollegeSan Diego, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 48 | $14,023 | $14,044 | n/a | $13,450 |
| Baldwin Park Adult & Community EducationBaldwin Park, CA | Public technical school | Certificate | 74 | n/a | $29,058 | n/a | $1,365 |
| Cerritos CollegeNorwalk, CA | Public technical school | Certificate | 115 | n/a | $27,191 | n/a | $1,364 |
| John Wesley International Barber and Beauty CollegeLong Beach, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 27 | n/a | $24,152 | $4,100 | $15,790 |
| San Diego City CollegeSan Diego, CA | Community college | Certificate | 46 | n/a | $22,671 | n/a | $1,154 |
| Golden West CollegeHuntington Beach, CA | Community college | Certificate | 157 | n/a | $17,485 | n/a | $1,202 |
| ABC Adult SchoolCerritos, CA | Public technical school | Certificate | 27 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $5,000 |
| Allan Hancock CollegeSanta Maria, CA | Public community or technical college | Certificate | 21 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,158 |
| Allan Hancock CollegeSanta Maria, CA | Public community or technical college | Associate degree | 4 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,158 |
| Barstow Community CollegeBarstow, CA | Public community or technical college | Certificate | 41 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,104 |
| Barstow Community CollegeBarstow, CA | Public community or technical college | Associate degree | 13 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,104 |
| Butte CollegeOroville, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 14 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,374 |
| Central Valley Barber CollegeRiverbank, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 75 | n/a | n/a | $6,222 | $15,150 |
| Cerritos CollegeNorwalk, CA | Public technical school | Associate degree | 32 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,364 |
| Citrus CollegeGlendora, CA | Public community or technical college | Associate degree | 42 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,254 |
| College of San MateoSan Mateo, CA | Community college | Certificate | 32 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,332 |
| College of San MateoSan Mateo, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,332 |
| Compton CollegeCompton, CA | Community college | Certificate | 67 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,142 |
| Compton CollegeCompton, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,142 |
| El Camino Community College DistrictTorrance, CA | Community college | Certificate | 20 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,156 |
| El Camino Community College DistrictTorrance, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 11 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,156 |
| Fullerton CollegeFullerton, CA | Community college | Certificate | 97 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,150 |
| Fullerton CollegeFullerton, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 20 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,150 |
| Gavilan CollegeGilroy, CA | Community college | Certificate | 34 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,444 |
| Gavilan CollegeGilroy, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,444 |
| Golden West CollegeHuntington Beach, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 33 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,202 |
| Jama's Beauty & Barber CollegeWest Hills, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 14 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $15,270 |
| Laney CollegeOakland, CA | Community college | Certificate | 27 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,258 |
| Laney CollegeOakland, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 8 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,258 |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical CollegeLos Angeles, CA | Public community or technical college | Associate degree | 19 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,238 |
| Pasadena City CollegePasadena, CA | Community college | Certificate | 34 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,180 |
| Pasadena City CollegePasadena, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,180 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-San JoseSan Jose, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 86 | n/a | n/a | $9,537 | $13,205 |
| Pomona Unified School District Adult and Career EducationPomona, CA | Public technical school | Certificate | 52 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $6,000 |
| Riggins Urban Barber CollegeSan Diego, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 34 | n/a | n/a | $11,833 | $22,750 |
| Riverside City CollegeRiverside, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 13 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,428 |
| Sacramento City CollegeSacramento, CA | Community college | Certificate | 93 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,288 |
| Sacramento City CollegeSacramento, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 10 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,288 |
| Saddleback CollegeMission Viejo, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,156 |
| San Diego City CollegeSan Diego, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,154 |
| San Jose City CollegeSan Jose, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,366 |
| Santa Barbara City CollegeSanta Barbara, CA | Community college | Certificate | 35 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,242 |
| Santa Barbara City CollegeSanta Barbara, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 6 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,242 |
| Santa Monica CollegeSanta Monica, CA | Community college | Certificate | 166 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,158 |
| Santa Monica CollegeSanta Monica, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 16 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,158 |
| Santiago Canyon CollegeOrange, CA | Community college | Certificate | 32 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,160 |
| Santiago Canyon CollegeOrange, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 1 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,160 |
| Skyline CollegeSan Bruno, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,332 |
| Solano Community CollegeFairfield, CA | Community college | Certificate | 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,172 |
| Solano Community CollegeFairfield, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,172 |
| Southern California College of Barber and BeautyEscondido, CA | For-profit trade school | Certificate | 65 | n/a | n/a | $6,530 | $15,375 |
| Yuba CollegeMarysville, CA | Community college | Associate degree | 0 | n/a | n/a | n/a | $1,128 |
Cities with the most programs: Sacramento (6), San Diego (5), Los Angeles (4), San Jose (3), Garden Grove (3), Modesto (3), San Francisco (2), Oakland (2), Clovis (2), Pasadena (2), Corona (2), Palm Desert (2).
What counts: cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, nail technology and makeup.
Frequently asked questions
How many cosmetology and barber schools are in California?
112 schools in California awarded cosmetology and barbering certificates or associate degrees recently, according to the U.S. Department of Education: 111 certificate and 25 associate programs.
Which cosmetology and barbering program in California has the highest earnings?
San Jose City College in San Jose, where certificate graduates earned a median of $54,427 one year after finishing (programs with at least 5 graduates).
What is the cheapest cosmetology and barbering school in California?
By yearly tuition and fees, Barstow Community College in Barstow charges $1,104 (2025-26, in-state). Program fees, tools and licensing exams can add to that, so ask the school.
How much do cosmetology and barbering graduates make in California?
The typical certificate program in California reported median earnings of $22,465 one year after graduation and $24,185 four years after, for graduates who received federal aid and were working.
More in California: all trade schools · colleges
Other trades: Welding · HVAC · Electrician · Plumbing · Carpentry · Construction trades · Auto and diesel mechanic · Heavy equipment mechanic · Truck driving (CDL) · Culinary arts · Medical assistant · LPN and CNA · Dental assisting and hygiene · Phlebotomy and medical lab · EMT, surgical tech and imaging · Medical billing and coding · Massage therapy · Paralegal
Cosmetology and barber schools nationwide
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard (institution and field of study files), data release of October 15, 2026. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid and were working, not enrolled. What each figure covers.