An aesthetician is a professional dedicated to providing skincare treatments to clients, contributing to skin health promotion. If you’re looking to work in a spa or salon and are interested in being part of the well-being community, a career as an aesthetician can be a rewarding choice.

Understanding the common requirements for this profession and the benefits it can offer is essential to determine if this path is right for you.

In this article, we will elucidate what the aesthetician profession entails, explore the necessary steps to enter this field, detail average salaries and job prospects, and list some skills frequently used by these professionals.

What Is an Aesthetician?

An aesthetician is a skincare specialist whose focus is to assist patients in improving and caring for their skin. These professionals are trained to identify and treat various skin conditions, such as wrinkles, sun pigmentation, or imperfections.

An aesthetician can find job opportunities in beauty salons, spas, and diverse locations like hospitals, nursing homes, film sets, hotels, and specialized resorts. Regardless of the workplace, aestheticians play an important role in educating their patients on maintaining skin health at home and providing on-site facial treatments.

Aesthetician Responsibilities

The responsibilities of an aesthetician include applying cosmetic treatments to the skin, including facials, superficial chemical peels, body treatments, waxing, and makeup. Some professionals also perform more advanced treatments like full chemical peels, pore cleansing, light therapy, and hair removal.

Aestheticians may also work with patients who have experienced cancer or burns, assisting in skin recovery after surgeries or other procedures. Additionally, these professionals can choose to specialize in areas such as:

• Body wraps
• Aromatherapy
• Advanced facial massage
• Theatrical makeup
• Microdermabrasion
• Reiki

Becoming an Aesthetician

Here are some steps you can follow to become an aesthetician:

1. Enroll in a Cosmetology or Esthetics Program: Enroll in a state-approved cosmetology or esthetics program in the state where you plan to work as an aesthetician. Some states require candidates to have a high school diploma or GED before attending cosmetology or esthetics school, while others accept applicants as young as 16 years old.
2. Obtain a State License: Obtain a license to practice the profession in the state where you plan to work as an aesthetician. Each state may have distinct requirements and processes for obtaining the license, so it’s essential to research your state’s specific regulations to ensure you get the right license.
3. Get Certified: While many employers don’t require certification, having one can distinguish you from other job applicants. You can start the certification process after completing a cosmetology or esthetics program and acquiring two years of experience in the field. Once you meet the requirements, you can take an exam that, when passed, grants you certification.
4. Gain Experience: Apply for entry-level positions as an aesthetician. These professionals can work in spas or independent beauty salons, as well as larger companies like hospitals, hotels, and resorts. Working in the field provides the opportunity to improve your skills as an aesthetician and refine your techniques in performing facials, chemical peels, and other treatments.
5. Continue Your Education: Once you begin working in the industry, it’s essential to stay updated on educational requirements for practicing as an aesthetician, including renewing your state license. Most licenses require renewal after a certain number of years, so it’s crucial to be aware of the renewal deadline. Continuing education can also help you learn new treatment techniques and stay current with advancements in the field.

Aesthetician Salary and Job Outlook

According to data from Indeed, aestheticians earn an average annual salary of $59,797. This amount may vary depending on factors like location, experience, company size, certifications, and aesthetician specializations. Some common benefits offered to these professionals include 401(k) matching, tuition reimbursement, and professional development assistance.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 29% growth in employment for skincare specialists, including aestheticians, from 2020 to 2030. This growth rate is significantly higher than the average for all occupations during the same period. The BLS attributes this increase to the rising demand for skincare products and services as people seek to reduce signs of aging and adopt healthier lifestyles. This means that those wishing to pursue this career will have plenty of job opportunities available.

If you have any more questions or need additional information, please feel free to ask.