Estheticians can do many jobs that others in the beauty industry cannot. By narrowing their focus, they are able to learn all things skincare and have a deep understanding of their field. But is it really worth it to become an esthetician?
If you want to offer specialized skincare services, becoming an esthetician is the only way! But some beauty professionals, who offer broad services and don’t have the extra time or funds to get their esthetician license, find it less worthwhile.
Let’s dig in and explore pore by pore to see what being an esthetician is like, and discover whether it’s worth it for you!
What Do Estheticians Do?
Estheticians offer skincare services to their clients. They work in a large range of jobs within the skincare industry, such as:
- Paramedical Esthetician
- Skincare Specialist
- Beauty Vlogger
- Beauty Writer or Blogger
- Business Owner or Entrepreneur
- Esthetician Instructor
- Inspector
- Licensing Examiner
- Manager of a Spa, Salon, or Other Facility
- Sales Representative
Responsibilities you will have as an esthetician
- Managing time and scheduling appointments
- Communicating effectively with coworkers and clients
- Examining clients’ skin
- Performing skincare procedures
- Recommending skincare and makeup products
- Applying makeup or teaching clients to apply makeup
- Providing hair removal services
- Giving massages
Depending on your career choice, you may do much more than this. For example, business owners will need to manage money, employees, and resources.
Although most estheticians work in a spa or salon, that is not always the case! There are a plethora of career options for estheticians to explore.
How Do I Become an Esthetician?
Most states require estheticians to be at least sixteen or eighteen years old to begin esthetician schooling. Twenty states also require you have a high school diploma or GED.
Find out more about your state’s esthetician requirements here.
The link will also show you how much training your state requires in order to become a licensed esthetician.
The number of educational hours required varies greatly by state, so it’s good to know the laws and regulations you will have to follow specifically.
In some states, it’s possible for hard workers who can attend school many hours a week to complete their education in months. In others, you must complete years’ worth of education before you’re eligible for testing.
The Esthetician Exams
Once your education is complete, the last step is to take exams (usually both written and practical) to obtain your license.
Most states require you renew your esthetician license every other year.
The only exception to all of the above is Colorado, which does not require an esthetician license. Instead, you will have to obtain your cosmetology license in order to become an esthetician.
Luckily, the steps required to get your cosmetology license are fairly similar to those outlined above.
Want to know what your exam will look like before you take it? Take a look at our free practice cosmetology exam!
Is Being an Esthetician a Good Career?
Like with anything, esthetics is a good career for some people and a bad one for others. It depends on who you are and what you want your work to look like.
Since there’s no way for us to answer this question for you, here are some pros and cons for you to consider so that you can decide for yourself!
Pros
- Make others feel good in their skin, which is a rewarding experience!
- Express your creativity.
- You have the potential to work for yourself through creating a product, working on contract, or opening your own salon.
- Interact with people from all walks of life—you have ample opportunity to socialize and will never get bored!
- Earn extra income from commissions and tips.
- Esthetics offers a good salary, especially if you go into one of the more lucrative fields (like paramedical esthetics).
- There’s a great employment outlook for estheticians.
- You don’t need any formal education or degree.
- Flexible schedule.
Cons
- You will likely work long hours, especially at the beginning of your career.
- Busy times may be inconvenient, such as weekends, evenings, or holiday seasons.
- Some customers may be difficult.
- You may work with irritating products or fumes.
- Standing for long periods can cause health problems.
- You might face lots of competition, especially if you’re running your own business.
- It can be difficult to get started and gain clients as someone new in the field.
Do Estheticians Get Paid Well?
The median salary for estheticians is $31,290.
Some may earn much more than this, while others will earn less. Estheticians can earn additional income outside of their yearly salary through tips and commissions.
The best way to be paid well as an esthetician is to have a good business sense and offer great customer service. Happy customers are more likely to become repeat customers, and they’re more likely to tip generously and buy products from you!
The profession you go into as an esthetician also helps determine your salary. Medical estheticians earn more on average than those who work at a spa or salon.
Are Estheticians in High Demand?
Esthetics is a faster-growing career than most, with an expected growth rate of 11% by 2028. To put this in perspective, the average growth rate for any given job is 5%.
There are so many careers for estheticians to take on, and the skincare industry is booming with activity. You’ll find no shortage of jobs in this industry!
Conclusion
Esthetics can be such a rewarding career for the right person. It’s hard work, but completely worthwhile when you see the results in a client’s smiling face.
We hope this post has encouraged you to explore the career even further. And, if you’ve decided esthetics isn’t right for you, consider browsing the blog for some other great career options!
