Esthetician Salary & Career Info

The Skin Care and Spa Industry is a fast-growing and exciting industry to be a part of. As the industry matures, the need for highly trained and knowledgeable professionals is at an all-time high. Professional Estheticians are needed in a wide range of businesses, from day spas and salons, to cruise ships and destination resorts.

The modern medical practice has also found the skills and ablilities of highly-trained professional estheticians to be extremely helpful, making the medical practices of dermatologists and plastic surgeons exciting arenas for a skin care specialist to put his or her talents and abilities to work.

What can I expect to earn as an Esthetician?

An Esthetician's wages can vary greatly depending on several factors. The area in which you work, whether or not you will be commission based or salaried, your education and industry experience and client base all influence the wages of an esthetician.

As a newly licensed esthetician, you can expect to start at a lower wage than when you have gained some experience. However, with the right education you can improve your chances for higher wages by securing employment with an elite salon, spa or medical practice.

As with any career, the longer you are employed by any one employer, the higher your wages will be. This is especially true for us as estheticians, as we are usually dependant on a loyal clientele, which takes time & effort to build.

2006 Median Wages for Skin Care Specialists By State

What exactly does an Esthetician Do?

• Advise clients about colors and types of makeup, and instruct them in makeup application techniques.
• Apply chemical peels in order to reduce fine lines and age spots.
• Cleanse clients' skin with water, creams and/or lotions.
• Collaborate with plastic surgeons and dermatologists in order to provide patients with preoperative and postoperative skin care.
• Demonstrate how to clean and care for skin properly, and recommend skin-care regimens.
• Determine which products or colors will improve clients' skin quality and appearance.
• Examine clients' skin, using magnifying lamps or visors when necessary, in order to evaluate skin condition and appearance.
• Give manicures and pedicures.
• Keep records of client needs and preferences, and the services provided.
• Perform simple extractions to remove blackheads.
• Provide facial massages.
• Refer clients to medical personnel for treatment of serious skin problems.
• Remove body and facial hair by applying wax.
• Select and apply cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, and tonics.
• Sell makeup to clients.
• Sterilize equipment, and clean work areas.
• Tint eyelashes and eyebrows.
• Treat the facial skin to maintain and improve its appearance, using specialized techniques and products such as peels and masks.
• administer medications or treatments
• advise clients or customers
• apply customer service techniques
• apply health or sanitation standards
• clean rooms or work areas
• collect payment
• inventory stock to ensure adequate supplies
• maintain appointment calendar
• maintain customer records
• make appointments
• order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
• schedule meetings or appointments
• sell merchandise
• use hair, cosmetic, or nail care instruments

Source: Occupational Information Network: Skin Care Specialists.