A Career as an Esthetician

If you are passionate about skin and working with others, one of many esthetician jobs might be right for you. Estheticians don't just do facials. They are professionals who have attended cosmetology or esthetician schools and have a license. Some esthetician jobs even involve running your own businesses.

Job Description

Esthetician jobs require a license in order to perform cosmetic skin treatments, such as facials. However, many estheticians do much more than that. Esthetician jobs may include:
  • Facials: A good esthetician may be able to clear up blemishes and improve the skin’s appearance with regular facials.
  • Head and neck massage: An esthetician is trained to give a client a head and neck massage. This massage is usually performed during facials.
  • Medical esthetician: A medical esthetician will instruct clients in the right techniques for applying cosmetics or caring for skin after surgery, radiation or other skin trauma.
  • Waxing: These esthetician jobs specialize in hair removal.

Salary Guide

Like other careers, esthetician salary will be higher the more experience and clients you have. Factors such as what type of services you are offering and where your business is will determine the price you can charge, and your ultimate esthetician salary.
 
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage including tips for estheticians in May 2008 was $13.81. The number of esthetician jobs is also expected to grow in this field, by about 38 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Education, Training and Work Experience

Esthetician schools give students the skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry. Not interested in a traditional four-year college? You may be able to find an esthetician school that has full-time programs that will prepare you for esthetician jobs in as less as one year.
 
While attending esthetician school, you’ll learn various aspects of the industry that will prepare you for esthetician jobs, including:
  • Classes in anatomy
  • How to perform a facial
  • Proper hair removal techniques.
 

Career Advancement

Your career path in esthetician jobs will vary depending on where you work. Many will find esthetician jobs in a spa or salon, while others prefer to be self-employed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, although entry-level workers typically earn less, esthetician salary increases considerably for those with experience. The more experience held in esthetician jobs, the more clients you can expect to have.

Related Associations and Groups

If you're interested in obtaining one of many esthetician jobs, attending esthetician school, or finding out more about average esthetician salary, feel free to consult the following groups. Association with these professional groups may increase your likelihood of succeeding in esthetician jobs:
  • Association of Cosmetology Salon Professionals
  • National Cosmetology Association
  • Society of Dermatology Skin Care Specialists.
 
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