Esthetics Schools in California

Esthetics schools in California teach students to perform various skin care treatments, including skin analysis, facials, hair removal and cosmetic applications.

Find Esthetics / Skin Care Programs in California

Over 4300 estheticians work in the Golden State, and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates this number will grow by 25 percent by 2020.

California Esthetician Licensing Requirements

The California State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology regulates estheticians in the state. They have established two methods to obtain an esthetician license. Candidates can either complete 600 hours in a classroom program, or 1200 hours as an apprentice of a licensed esthetician. With either method, students will learn how to:

– Analyze skin
– Recommend skin care treatments
– Perform skin care regimens
– Use hair removal techniques on clients
– Apply cosmetics
– Maintain good sanitation and hygiene in the salon

When students have finished their training, they must pass both a written and a practical examination. The written test is 100 multiple-choice questions. During the practical exam, students perform basic skills techniques on manikin heads, provided by the student. Students demonstrate disinfection and sanitation, consumer safety, set up of their equipment and supplies, preparation of the manikin, and the student’s ability to perform the procedures.

Employment Outlook for Estheticians in California

With the BLS predicting 25 growth nationwide for estheticians, the future looks sunny for licensed estheticians in California.

Jobs for estheticians are available at salons, spas, resorts, hotels, department stores, doctors’ offices and throughout the film and television industry. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for California estheticians is $34,600 before tips. California employs more estheticians than any other state in the nation.

The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA, metropolitan area employs more estheticians than any other city in the country. The San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos metro employs the ninth most, and the San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City metro ranks 10th in the nation for highest employment of estheticians. The Oakland-Fremont-Hayward city region has the third highest average annual salary for estheticians in the nation, at $48,670 per year, or about $23.40 hourly. The San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City metro ranks as the fifth highest paying city in the country with annual salaries averaging $44,200.