Esthetician: Career Guide

What Does an Esthetician do?

An Esthetician specializes in skin care and provides a variety of services aimed at improving the health and appearance of the skin.

This role includes performing skin evaluations, recommending appropriate treatments, and applying facial and body treatments to clients. Estheticians often work in spas, salons, or medical settings where they administer facials, extractions, waxing, and various skin treatments using a range of products and technologies. They also educate clients on proper skin care techniques and the benefits of continual skin maintenance. Estheticians must stay abreast of the latest products and advancements in skin care to offer the best solutions and innovative treatments for their clients.

Through personalized care plans, they help clients achieve and maintain healthy, radiant skin.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Estheticians in the field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Analyze clients’ skin condition and recommend appropriate treatments and products.
• Perform facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and other skin treatments.
• Advise on and administer facial and body hair removal techniques such as waxing and threading.
• Provide guidance on proper skincare routines and lifestyle choices to enhance skin health.
• Keep records of client needs and preferences, and the treatments provided.
• Stay current with the latest industry trends, techniques, and products.
• Ensure strict hygiene and sanitary practices in the treatment area.

How to Become an Esthetician

Launching a career as an Esthetician requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• State license in esthetics or cosmetology, which requires completing an accredited program.
• Experience in various skin treatments and familiarity with skin care products.
• Understanding of skin biology, chemical compounds in products, and their effects on skin.

Requirements & Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively consult with clients.
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of skincare and beauty products and trends.
• Ability to perform detailed work with precision and care.
• A professional appearance and a keen sense of aesthetics.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods and perform skincare treatments.

Esthetician Salary Guide

Wondering what Estheticians earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for an Esthetician in the U.S. is approximately $45,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Estheticians may receive a wide range of benefits.

Esthetician Salary Career Steps

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$56,250
Senior	11+ years	$49,500
Experienced	6-10 years	$45,000
Mid Level	3-5 years	$40,500
Entry Level	0-2 years	$33,750

How to Advance Your Career

Estheticians can advance to senior roles such as spa manager, lead esthetician, or skincare specialist. Some may choose to specialize in areas like medical esthetics or become sales representatives for skincare products. Others may pursue further education to become instructors in esthetics programs or open their own spa or treatment center.

Typical Work Environment

Estheticians typically work in clean, well-lit settings such as spas, salons, hotels, or medical offices. They may also be employed in retail settings where they perform treatments and promote skincare products. Work schedules can include weekends and evenings to accommodate client availability and may involve part-time or full-time hours.