How to Become a Esthetician
Overview & Salaries
Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you depends on the industry and company you apply for. Those looking for an entry positions will likely need to complete a state-approve cosmetology program. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then a bachelors degree along with specific product and treatment certifications can help you stand out in the hiring process.
Start your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started as a esthetician.
How Much Do Estheticians/Skin Care Specialists Make?
$28,640 (national median salary, to view salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)
Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+17,700
Specialization Options:
Product specialist, dermatology, and facial specialst
(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Skincare Specialist page)
Discover the Best Places to Become an Esthetician
The state of Texas leads the nation in employment for estheticians and skincare specialists, where 3,800 are presently employed, and making an annual mean wage of $34,210. California is second in employment, with 3,750 estheticians and skincare specialists serving statewide, and earning an average yearly salary of $35,270.
Employment and Salary Information by State for Estheticians
Use our interactive map below to find out which areas of the United States are currently experiencing the greatest amount of growth and job availability for graduates looking for a career in Skincare. The associated information has been gathered from the Bureau of Labor statistics, representing data collected in 2012.
Employment and Information Data for Esthetics
Why Become a Esthetician?
Estheticians perform many cosmetic treatments including waxing, facials, exfoliations and cleansings. If you enjoy making people look and feel better, esthetics would be the right career path for you. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, esthetics career paths have a projected growth rate of 40% over the next 10 years.
Using your knowledge of skin anatomy, you can beautify those around you and improve the look and health of their skin. Being an esthetician gives you the chance to work with LED light therapy, microdermabrasion, glycolic peels, aromatherapy, Brazilian waxing and body wraps. Seeing the positive effects your treatments have on your clients is a rewarding part of the job. Instead of working in a corporate office, you will have the opportunity to meet a variety of clients and enjoy a peaceful and social environment throughout the day.
Recommended Courses to Help You Become an Esthetician
- Facial Procedures
- Cosmetology Science
- Skin Anatomy
- Skin Care Procedures
- Makeup Application
- Hair Removal
- Esthetic Pharmacology
Degree Options to Help You Become a Esthetician
Esthetician Certificate
Esthetician students practice in a simulated salon environment and learn about the techniques and science behind common skin care procedures.
Esthetician Associate Degree
Associate degree students learn a variety of skin care and cosmetic procedures including hair removal, makeup application, facials, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
Associated Skin Care Professionals
The Associated Skin Care Professionals is an organization that offers a State Regulatory Guide including what is required to complete a cosmetology program.
National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC)
American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS)
Professional Beauty Association (PBA)
After completing an approved cosmetology program, specialists take an exam to get a state license. Licensing requirements vary by state. The NIC, AACS and PBA provide licensing information with sample exam questions.
