Graduation Information

Graduation requirements 

The Student must complete the following graduation requirements:

  1. Complete the required number of program clock hours.
  2. Complete and submit all assigned skill practical assessments through Coursekey, to demonstrate completion of State requirements.
  3. Pass the school’s final written and practical exams.
  4. Complete the required theory hours and pass all written theory exams.

Upon meeting all requirements listed above for graduation, the Student will receive an official transcript. Students may also request an official current transcript from the School, at any time following graduation. 

Upon meeting all requirements listed above for graduation, having all monies owed to the school and/or a payment arrangement made with the School, the Student will receive a graduation/completion certificate.

Career Services 

Career opportunities for Cosmetologists include, but are not limited to, Hair Stylist, Color Stylist, Makeup Artist, Nail Technician, Educator, Salon Owner or Manager, Product Trainer, Platform Artist, Esthetician, and many more.

Although Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa does not guarantee employment upon graduation, Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa  does maintain an aggressive job placement program and will inform students of job openings and opportunities. Paul Mitchell The School Costa Mesa coordinates placement programs with local and national salons by sending out surveys and inviting salon owners and guest artists to teach and speak there.

Employment and Career Opportunities for Barber, Hairdresser, Hairstylist and Cosmetologist: 

Salon Hairstylist 

Hospital Hair-Care Service 

Cosmetology School Owner 

Free-lance Hairstylist 

Salesperson/Retail Specialist 

Manufacturer’s Representative 

Salon Owner/Manager 

Makeup Artist 

State Board Examiner 

Hair Color Specialist 

Stage and Film Makeup Artist 

State Board Inspector 

Artificial Hair Services Specialist 

Beauty and Fashion Consultant 

Trade Publication Writer 

Platform Artist 

Photo Stylist 

Salon Barbering 

Cruise Ship Stylist/Barber 

Cosmetology School Instructor 

Free-lance Barbering 

Employment and Career Opportunities for Esthetics:

Esthetician 

Salon or Spa Owner 

Educator or Instructor 

Free-lance Esthetician 

Salesperson/Retail Specialist 

Manufacturer’s Representative 

Makeup Artist 

State Board Examiner 

Stage and Film Makeup Artist 

State Board Inspector 

Cruise Ship 

Trade Publication Writer 

39-5000 Personal Appearance Workers 
39-5010 Barbers, Hairdressers, Hairstylists and Cosmetologists 
39-5011 Barbers 
Provide barbering services, such as cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair; trimming beards; or giving shaves.
39-5012 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.Excludes "Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance" (39-5091), "Manicurists and Pedicurists" (39- 5092), and "Skincare Specialists" (39-5094).
39-5094 Skincare Specialists 
Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance.Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.
Illustrative examples: Electrolysis Operator, Facialist, Medical Esthetician 

2019 Median Pay: The median hourly wage for barbers was $14.50 in May 2019.
The annual mean wage in California is $30,450 to $33,430.

The median hourly wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists was $12.54 in May 2019.
The annual mean wage in California is $38,390.

The median hourly wage for skincare specialists was $16.39 in May 2019.
The annual mean wage in California is $36,430.
Number of Jobs 2018: 766,100

Job Outlook 2018: Employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 8% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.Population growth will lead to greater demand for hair care services.

Students can refer to the Department of Labor website http://www.bls.gov for additional information regarding employment opportunities and availability.

GRADUATES COMPLETING A PROGRAM AND REENROLLING IN A NEW PROGRAM

Students that graduates from one program within the school and wishes to enroll in another program within the school, a determination of the state laws will determine the amount of hours that will be transferred into the new program, the student will need to meet the quantitative and qualitative components of SAP for the new program.