Esthetics and Skin Care Careers

Estheticians are responsible for maintaining the health and well-being of clients’ skin by utilizing a number of skin treatments including hair removal, facials, peels, massages, body wraps, waxing and beauty product recommendation.  In addition, estheticians are also taught  to identify the warning signs of numerous medical skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and eczema.  Although not licensed to diagnose or prescribe medicine to treat these skin conditions, estheticians often times help clients manage the symptoms.

In order to work in the esthetics and skin care field, you must go through a program approved by the state you expect to practice in as well as pass a state exam to get the license. The Aesthetics International Association also recommends continued education after your licensure to guarantee you are up to date on new techniques, technologies and products.

Esthetics Work Environment

Skin care professionals have a number of options on employment settings once licensed.  Typically, estheticians will work in salons and day spas to provide clients with rejuvenating skincare treatments.  Healthcare facilities, dermatologist offices and plastic surgery practices often times employ medical estheticians as well.  Estheticians work long hours, including nights or weekends and must be able to adapt to altering work hours.  According to the Associated Skin Care Professionals association, 90 percent of practicing estheticians have been in the industry for less than 12 years while 73 percent have practiced less than five years.

Licensing Requirements

Like other cosmetology career paths, skin care professionals must meet the licensing requirements of the state they are practicing in to ensure the health and safety of clients.  A recent survey by the Professional Beauty Association found that 94 percent of voters support licensing of estheticians to guarantee safety.  Estheticians must complete a specialized training program typically completed after a student receives a G.E.D. although some states allow students to compete the program in vocational or career high schools.

Salary Expectations

According to AlliedHealthWorld.com, esthetician’s make a national average salary of $32,000.  Factors that influence salary include, experience, work setting, additional education acquired and gratuity.

New Mexico, Alaska, Arkansas, Oregon and Maine are among the top paying states for skin care professionals with an hourly range between $18 and $22.

The skin care field is expected to include a good job outlook between now and 2020 and is projected to grow by more than 25 percent.  The majority of this growth will be in spas or salons as they continue to offer more and more services.  California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts are among the top states for employment in the esthetic industry.

Become Part of a Professional Esthetics Association

We recommend becoming a part of a professional esthetic association to stay updated on industry trends as well as to network with some of the brightest professionals around the country.  In addition to these national associations, there are many state specific organizations that you can join as well.

• Aesthetic International Association
• Allied Health Association
• American Acne and Rosacea Society
• American Association for Esthetics
• Associated Skin Care Professionals
• National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers, Distributors and Associations
• National Psoriasis Foundation
• National Rosacea Society 

Browse All Esthetics / Skin Care Schools in the U.S.