Esthetician job description

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.

Esthetician duties and responsibilities

Typical tasks in an Esthetician job:

• 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

Qualifications and skills

Education & qualifications

• 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

Skills & requirements

• 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 2026

The average salary for an Esthetician in the U.S. is about $45,000 per year. Pay depends on experience, employer, industry and region:

• Entry level0-2 years $33,750
• Mid level3-5 years $40,500
• Experienced6-10 years $45,000
• Senior11+ years $49,500
• Top earners20+ years $56,250

Based on public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Career-level figures are estimates derived from the national average.

Esthetician career path

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.

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.