Cosmetologist
Cut, color and style hair and help clients look and feel their best.
- $35,790
- 9–18 months
Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care career
Esthetician
Also called: Skin Care Specialist · Aesthetician · Facialist · Lash Technician
What estheticians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an esthetician do?
Skincare specialists clean and beautify the skin with facials, exfoliation, waxing and other treatments, and recommend products and routines. The median pay is $45,330 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4–9 months, and employment is projected to grow +8.8% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$45,330$21.79/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+8.8%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year14,200Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardBLS classification
- Time to train4–9 monthsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs104,200Employment, 2025
What estheticians do
Estheticians help clients care for their skin. They analyze skin, give facials, perform exfoliation and superficial peels, remove hair by waxing, apply makeup, and in some states do eyelash extensions. They recommend products and routines, and some work in medical spas or dermatology offices assisting with advanced treatments.
Estheticians complete a state-approved esthetics program and pass a licensing exam. Required hours vary by state. Growing interest in skincare makes this one of the faster-growing beauty careers.
Typical duties
- Analyze clients’ skin
- Perform facials and treatments
- Exfoliate and apply masks
- Remove hair by waxing
- Recommend products and routines
- Sanitize tools and treatment rooms
- Keep client records
Work environment and schedule
Estheticians work in spas, salons, medical spas and dermatology offices, in calm treatment rooms.
Schedule: Many work evenings and weekends, with full-time and part-time options.
A day in the life
- Prepare the treatment room and review client notes.
- Analyze skin and perform a hydrating facial.
- Perform a brow and lip wax.
- Do a superficial chemical peel.
See a full day in the life of an esthetician →
Esthetician salary
Half of estheticians earned more than $45,330 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $29,580 for the lowest 10% to $82,050 for the top 10%.
Full esthetician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an esthetician
- Enroll in esthetics school
- Complete hours
- Pass the exam
- Work in a spa or salon
- Advance
Estheticians complete a state-approved esthetics program, often several hundred to about 750 hours depending on the state, then pass a licensing exam.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an esthetician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Skin analysis
- Facial techniques
- Waxing
- Chemical exfoliation
- Sanitation
People skills
- Gentleness
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Attention to detail
All esthetician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Calm, client-focused work
- Fast-growing field
- Short training
- Medical spa opportunities
Cons
- Income depends on clients
- Repetitive motions
- Product sales goals
- Weekend work
Certifications and licenses
- State esthetician license: Required in nearly all states.
- Master esthetician license: Advanced license in some states.
- Lash extension certification: Training for lash services.
- Medical esthetics training: Training for med spa work.
Career path
- Esthetician: Perform treatments.
- Senior or Master Esthetician: Advanced services.
- Medical Esthetician or Educator: Work in med spas or teach.
- Spa Manager or Studio Owner: Run a business.
Learn the job before day one
Our Esthetician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as perform a basic facial and wax eyebrows, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Esthetician vs. Cosmetologist · Esthetician vs. Nail Technician · Esthetician vs. Makeup Artist · Esthetician vs. Massage Therapist
Esthetician FAQ
How long is esthetics school?
Often 4 to 9 months.
Can estheticians do lash extensions?
In many states, yes, with training.
Can estheticians work in medical settings?
Yes, in med spas and dermatology offices within scope.
How much does an esthetician make?
The median annual wage for estheticians was $45,330 ($21.79 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $29,580 and the highest 10% earned more than $82,050.
How long does it take to become an esthetician?
Most people need about 4–9 months of training. Estheticians complete a state-approved esthetics program, often several hundred to about 750 hours depending on the state, then pass a licensing exam.
Do you need a degree to be an esthetician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-5094 (Skincare specialists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Skincare specialists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.