If you’ve been asking yourself what a master esthetician is or how Utah licensing works today, you’re not alone. The short answer: Utah’s esthetics licensing pathway has changed, and all new esthetics students now pursue a master esthetician license rather than a basic esthetician license. While Utah previously offered both basic and master esthetician licenses, the state now requires new students to complete master-level education in order to become licensed.
Both basic and advanced esthetician paths lead to rewarding careers in skincare, but they differ in training hours, the procedures you’re licensed to perform, and where you can work. A basic esthetician license requires 600 hours and opens doors to spas and salons. A master esthetician license requires an additional 600 hours and qualifies you for clinical settings, medical spas, and advanced procedures like chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments.
At Skin Science Institute, with campuses in Sandy and Orem serving students throughout Salt Lake City, Utah County, and surrounding communities, we specialize in master esthetician training with program options for both brand-new students and previously licensed estheticians. Below, we break down the difference between the former basic esthetician pathway and today’s master esthetician license requirements so you can better understand your options and choose the path that fits your goals.
Basic Esthetician Classes: What The Foundation Level Covers
If you are researching esthetician school in Utah, it is important to understand how licensing has evolved. Utah previously offered a Basic Esthetician license that focused on foundational skincare education and entry-level esthetics services. While this pathway is no longer available to new students, understanding what the basic curriculum included helps explain how today’s master esthetician programs are structured.
Traditional basic esthetician training covered the foundations of skincare: the building blocks every esthetician needs before advancing into more clinical or corrective procedures. A standard curriculum included lessons on eyelash services, lash tinting and perming, facials, waxing, manicuring, sanitation, client care, and other essential esthetics techniques.
Graduates who previously earned a basic esthetician license often work in day spas, salons, and skincare studios, providing facials, waxing, and beauty services. Utah’s beauty and wellness industry continues to grow, and many licensed basic estheticians have chosen to expand their scope of practice by pursuing master esthetician training. To learn more about where the industry is heading, check out our post on why esthetics is one of the fastest-growing careers in Utah.
In Utah, the basic esthetician license pathway was recently eliminated, meaning that the state will only issue master esthetician licenses or equivalent permits beginning in 2026. Because of recently passed SB 330, new esthetics students in Utah will need to meet the 1,200 master esthetician hours in order to obtain their esthetician license.
The good news is that you can make the choice to become a master esthetician at any time. If you’re already a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist, you can enroll directly in our 600-Hour Intermediate Master Esthetician Program and build on the skills you already have.
Master Esthetician Requirements in Utah: Hours, Licensing, and What to Expect
Today, becoming a master esthetician in Utah means completing 1,200 hours of approved education and training.
If you’re already a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist, you can enroll directly in our 600-Hour Intermediate Master Esthetician Program and build on the skills you already have. This program is designed specifically for professionals who want advanced esthetician training and expanded clinical knowledge without repeating foundational coursework.
For students with no previous beauty school experience, we offer a comprehensive pathway that combines foundational esthetics education with advanced clinical and corrective skincare training into one complete licensing route. Our 1200-Hour Comprehensive Master Esthetics Program is designed exactly to provide foundational esthetics training along with advanced clinical and medical esthetics. For students starting with no prior experience, this is the most direct path to becoming a licensed master esthetician in Utah.
Whether you come in as a licensed esthetician ready to level up or as someone brand new to the skincare field, there’s no wrong time to begin your esthetics education. Some students completed foundational training before Utah licensing changes and came to us specifically for master-level instruction. Others start with us and complete the entire journey under one roof. Either way, Skin Science Institute is built to meet you where you are with hands-on esthetician training, experienced instructors, and campuses in Sandy and Orem.
Advanced Esthetician vs. Basic Esthetician: Procedures and Scope of Practice
Master estheticians are sometimes called medical estheticians because they perform more complex and potentially dangerous procedures. While basic estheticians may work in a clinical setting, they more often work in spas or beauty salons, providing facials and waxing services. Many of our graduates report they enjoy this work, creating and mixing facials based on the client’s goals and seeing how pleased they are with their results.
Other students are more interested in working in a doctor’s office or dermatology clinic. In these settings, master estheticians perform procedures such as:
Chemical peel: A chemical peel is the least invasive of the skin-care procedures master estheticians do in a medical setting. For a chemical peel, the esthetician applies a mild acid to the skin, leaving it on for a preset period of time depending upon the patient’s goals. The acid is then removed, and within a few days, the patient’s skin begins to peel, shedding its top layer. The skin underneath is brighter, and discoloration is lessened.
Mistakes made with chemical peels can result in chemical burns and scarring, and this is why only master estheticians are allowed to perform this procedure.
Microdermabrasion: During a microdermabrasion procedure, a master esthetician uses a tool that abrades the surface of the skin. It is similar to a chemical peel, but works immediately, and the penetration is deeper. Microdermabrasion is often recommended to improve the appearance of scars, including stretch marks.
The risks of microdermabrasion include bruising, abrasions, dryness and skin sensitivity.
Microneedling: A microneedling tool is equipped with dozens of tiny needles that penetrate the skin. The needles cause micro-injury to the skin, and in the healing process, the skin becomes plumper and more youthful-looking.
It is possible to buy microneedling tools online for home use, but this is very dangerous. Microneedling usually results in some bleeding, and improper use can lead to infection, scabbing and scarring.
Dermaplaning: Dermaplaning has even more risks because it involves a blade. The procedure involves removing hair from the face with a blade, leaving skin baby-smooth and soft. Done incorrectly, dermaplaning can result in irritation, breakouts and infection.
Laser skin resurfacing: Lasers are substitutes for scalpels and other types of blades, and require the same caution when using. The purpose of laser skin resurfacing is the same as the skin care procedures mentioned above — to remove the dull, outer layer of skin to reveal the fresh, new inner layer. It’s fast and relatively painless, so it’s popular, but again, the proper training is required.
Esthetician School in Utah
What we listed above is just a sampling of what you’ll learn in master esthetician classes at Skin Science Institute. Our students report that becoming highly trained in their field gives them a stronger sense of confidence, professional accomplishment, and expanded career opportunities within the skincare industry.
At Skin Science Institute — with campuses in Sandy and Orem, serving students from Provo, Lehi, Bluffdale, Salt Lake City, and throughout northern Utah — we offer two paths to your master esthetician license:
- The 600-Hour Intermediate Master Esthetician Program: for licensed estheticians or cosmetologists ready to advance into clinical and medical esthetics.
- The 1200-Hour Comprehensive Master Esthetics Program: for students with no prior training who want to complete their entire esthetics education in one place.
Both programs include hands-on training through our student spa and clinic, experienced instructors, small class sizes, and career-focused support designed to help students succeed after graduation. Whether your goal is working in a spa, medical spa, skincare clinic, or wellness environment, we are committed to helping you build a successful skincare career in Utah. Apply now or request a free info pack to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician vs. Master Esthetician
A master esthetician is a licensed skincare professional who has completed advanced training beyond the basic esthetician level. In Utah, that means an additional 600 hours of instruction in clinical-grade procedures, corrective treatments, and advanced modalities like chemical peels, microneedling, and laser therapy. It’s a separate, state-issued license — not just a title.
In Utah, you must complete 1,200 hours of training to become a master esthetician. Another path would be to first hold a basic esthetician or cosmetology license, then complete an additional 600 hours of approved master esthetician training. After that, you’ll need to pass the NIC National Advanced Esthetics written and practical exams to earn your master license from the state.
The scope-of-practice difference is significant. Basic estheticians are licensed for facials, waxing, lash services, and similar treatments. Master estheticians can perform procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, dermaplaning, and laser skin resurfacing — services that command higher price points and open doors to medical spas, dermatology offices, and plastic surgery clinics. Most master estheticians earn noticeably more than their basic-licensed counterparts.
Not necessarily. If you’re starting with no prior esthetics training, our 1200-Hour Comprehensive Master Esthetics Program is designed for you. This program combines the foundational curriculum with advanced master-level training into one complete program. If you already hold a basic esthetician or cosmetology license, our 600-Hour Intermediate Master Esthetician Program lets you pick up right where your training left off.
The timeline depends on your educational background and schedule. Students beginning with no prior beauty school experience typically complete 1,200 hours of education, while previously licensed estheticians or cosmetologists may complete 600 hours of advanced training to qualify for master licensure.
