Aestheticians are in a profession that is at once fun, challenging, and growing. Those who pursue this as a career path will find that they have many options available for them. Some may take a more therapeutic, clinical, and medical route while others may choose to work in a beachfront, spa setting. That is to say that aestheticians are a rather common profession found all over the nation.
In fact, the position is ever-growing. The BLS shows that the profession is slated for a growth rate characterized as much faster than average. Aestheticians also earn a good salary which they can grow as large as they like when they become independent entrepreneurs. This is but one of many viable professions available in the marketplace. If you are just starting out or are thinking of starting over, consider this fun, challenging, and worthwhile profession.
What is the difference between an aesthetician and an esthetician?
These two terms, aesthetician and esthetician, may sound alike and have other meaningful similarities, but they are quite distinct. While both professions seek to help people look their best, aestheticians work in a medical environment. Estheticians, on the other hand, work in spas and salons to help people express their beauty. While both professions are attained by way of certifications, medical aestheticians have their own special training that enables them to work in a clinical environment, such as a doctor's office or hospital. While both professions are engaged with skin care, hair removal, and a range of helpful techniques, medical aestheticians can also work with patients whose skin may have been damaged by surgery or injury.
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What Does an Aesthetician Do?
A medical aesthetician works in a clinical setting, helping patients with skin concerns. With additional training, they provide treatments like laser therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, acid treatments, and injections. Entry into this field has relatively few barriers.
Most aestheticians don't have a background in dermatology or medical fields, and may not have worked in a salon or spa. To become an aesthetician, you simply need a willingness to work closely with clients, a desire to help with their skin-care goals, and the determination to complete a certification program. Given the delicate nature of treatments involving chemicals and injections, it's important to be confident in your comfort level with these procedures.
Salon and spa aestheticians need similar training and comfort levels to provide their services. However, they are not as likely to encounter delicate cases such as people recovering from plastic surgery or who suffer some dramatic dermatological ailment. Non-medical aestheticians will probably need to have deeper knowledge of cosmetics and beautifying, skin care products.
Where Do Aestheticians Work?
Aestheticians can work in a variety of environments. Medical aestheticians in particular can work in a wide range of venue. That is, if they are licensed to practice as an aesthetician, they can work in a doctor's office, dermatological clinic, or even a relaxing resort spa. Many work as subcontractors under doctors who wish to expand their practice with a non-insurance, cash-based revenue stream. Others can bring their special skills and legally endorsed scope of practice to a spa, where clients may desire intensive treatments such as a chemical peel or Botox injections.
This field is ripe for entrepreneurial professionals. Some enjoy working as rather nomadic professionals who can work on tropical resorts, cruise ships, or medical offices in their Midwestern hometowns. With this in mind, this practice is perfect for younger people who wish to travel and explore at the same time that they develop a career.
Why Become One?
There are many reasons to become an aesthetician. You might enjoy helping others and working closely with clients. This role involves tasks like hair removal, applying facial treatments, and skin massage—services that require a level of comfort with personal interaction. While not everyone feels at ease providing such treatments, those who do often find joy in delivering great results for their clients.
Another reason to become an aesthetician is the opportunity for creativity. Aestheticians can work in settings like doctor’s offices, luxury spas, or even on cruise ships. With a license, you could open your own business, partner with a physician, or start your own spa.
If you have friends skilled in services like pedicures, manicures, massage, or hair styling, you could team up to create a day spa or even offer on-site services to clients at their workplaces. Some aestheticians take entrepreneurship further by creating and marketing their own skincare products, opening the door to additional revenue streams or even building a skincare empire.
How to Become an Aesthetician
GED or High School Diploma
The baseline educational level you'll need to earn aesthetician certification is a high school diploma or a GED. You'll need this to get an entry level job and community colleges and vocational schools for aestheticians require them, too. If you wish to some day open your own business, you might want to combine your aesthetician training with an associate degree in business. Studying business or accounting can help you manage your business expenses, including taxes.
If the GED option is unfamiliar, you may wish to explore that as a choice. Essentially, the GED is an exam that serves to test your knowledge and affirms that you have the knowledge that a typical high school graduate should have. If you are no longer in school and have neither a formal diploma nor a GED, you can take a course that will brush up your knowledge so that you can pass the test.
Choose an Accredited Aesthetician Program
The first step to becoming an aesthetician is selecting an accredited program that meets your state’s licensing requirements. Research vocational schools, cosmetology schools, or community colleges that offer aesthetician training. Make sure the program is state-approved and provides the number of training hours required for licensure, which can range from 300 to 1,000 hours depending on where you live.
During the program, you’ll study both the science and art of skincare. Coursework often includes anatomy, skin analysis, facials, waxing, makeup application, and sanitation practices. Many programs also offer hands-on training through clinics or externships, giving you practical experience working with real clients.
When choosing a program, consider factors like location, tuition costs, class schedules, and additional certifications offered. Completing an accredited aesthetician program ensures you’re equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed and qualifies you to take the state licensing exam.
Pass the Licensing Exam and Get Your License
After completing your required training hours, the next step is passing your state’s licensing exam. This exam typically includes both written and practical components, testing your knowledge of skincare techniques, safety protocols, and state regulations. Once you pass, you can apply for your aesthetician license. With your license in hand, you're officially ready to begin your career in the beauty and skincare industry!
Salary and Job Outlook
Aestheticians are in a unique position. While many are regular employees who are hired to complete specific duties, others are independent entrepreneurs who make their own way. This makes measuring their salary and employment outlook a little difficult. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary for skincare specialists in general is $20.77/hour, or around $43,200 per year. The pay range goes up to around $39, according to their statistics. The top yearly salary is shown to be around $81,000 per year.
Some aestheticians may also go on to become spa managers, medical assistants, or move into non-medical work as an aesthetician. Keep in mind that it's more difficult to track data for aestheticians who work on an independent, entrepreneurial basis. Those who work for themselves may make more, or less. However, they will all be more able to make their own schedule and create an aesthetics practice that best suits them.
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Similar Careers
- Massage Therapist:
Depending on your state's regulations, you will probably need to earn a certificate to practice as a massage therapist. Most massage therapists work as independent business owners, but some work in a salon-style work environment. Others may work as employees of hotels, resorts, or cruise lines. - Manicurist / Pedicurist:
You'll need a certificate to practice as a manicurist or pedicure specialist, also known as nail technicians. These professionals typically work in salons, but some do work as independent entrepreneurs. Some aestheticians and skin care technicians who open their own businesses will earn this added credential in case their nail technician is out or on vacation. - Physical Therapist:
This profession requires a doctoral degree, but many practice as physical therapist assistants with a bachelor's degree, or less. This profession aims to help people recover from injuries, surgeries, or to regain mobility lost from any other malady. - Athletic Trainer:
For those who love sports this is a terrific position. You may be part masseuse, part sports medicine practitioner, and part coach as you help athletes perform to their top potential. Athletic trainers are found working for teams that span from Little League through to the Big Leagues.
Necessary Skills
- Friendly Demeanor:
Since you'll work in such close proximity to people, it’s vital that you express a calm, friendly demeanor. Your clients may feel anxious so if you can put them at ease the session will be a success. - Organization:
Not only will you need to have all of your tools handy when a client is in a session, but you'll have to organize your schedule. If you are invoicing people or an institution it is imperative that you remain on top of your billing schedule. Double billing can look unprofessional and if you miss an invoice you will lose money. - Medical Knowledge:
Your specialty is the skin so it will be vital that you have a deep and professional level understanding of that huge organ. - Interpersonal Communication:
You will need to have very good listening and speaking skills so that you can accurately interpret what people want from a skin treatment. You'll also need to be able to communicate details of the treatment you are about to provide. It will also be helpful if you can interpret body language in case someone is reticent to vocalize their discomfort. - Administrative Skills:
If you choose to venture into your own business you will need to be able to perform duties involving accounting, invoicing, and scheduling. If your practice grows you may need to hire employees and thus manage their payroll, benefits, and maintain a comfortable working environment.
Maintaining Certification or Licensure
Once you have your license you may need to maintain that license by taking continuing education units (CEUs) or at least renewing your license. CEU courses may be provided by a national association for aestheticians or some other board-approved outlet. Make sure that, if you take a course with the intention of renewing your license, it is approved by your state's Cosmetology Board.
Though not every state requires CEUs, they are sure to require renewal. This might involve little more than completing a form and paying a licensure fee. Regardless of your state's renewal requirements you should be sure to submit all of your paperwork in a timely fashion. If your renewal forms are late, you may be fined or find that your license is suspended for a short time. Please consult with your state's Board of Cosmetology so that you understand their current regulations.
Finally, you might want to enhance your credentials with national certification. The National Coalition of Estheticians Association, for instance, offers a 4–6-week course that culminates in enhanced credentials. You will still need to maintain your state-level licensure wherever you live
Continuing Education
Continuing education is always a good idea, even if it's not a requirement of your state licensing board. You might decide to return for training in related areas such as massage therapy, cosmetology, or hair styling. If you can receive an additional license or certification in a related area, you can expand your services. When your practice is diversified, you'll have more options. For instance, if you open your own spa, you might be able to fill in when someone is away on vacation. If you operate a one-person operation, you can fill your schedule with a variety of clients.
If you practice in a physician's office, you might be interested in joining the medical community as a medical assistant or a nurse. In this case, you'll need to return to school for a new certificate or a degree. It's always a good idea to consider what your next career move will be and discover what additional education you'll need to accomplish your goals.
sources:
- https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/cosmo/licensee-applicant-resources/how-do-i-get-an-individual-license/aesthetician.html
- https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/HLO/Pages/Board-Cosmetology-Esthetician-Information.aspx
- https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Licensed_Medical_Aesthetician/Hourly_Rate
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/skincare-specialists.htm
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