How to Become a Licensed Esthetician

Want to become a licensed esthetician? Most programs take less than a year, and you can launch your career helping clients improve their skin health, confidence, and wellness. This guide walks you through everything—from education and licensing to career options and pay.

If you’re passionate about skincare, beauty, and helping others feel their best, a career in esthetics offers creativity, flexibility, and job stability.

What Does an Esthetician Do?

Estheticians are skincare professionals who specialize in treatments that promote healthy, glowing skin. Depending on their training, they may work in spas, salons, dermatology offices, or medical aesthetics clinics.

Common duties include:

• Performing facials and exfoliation treatments
• Analyzing skin types and recommending skincare regimens
• Waxing, threading, and hair removal
• Applying makeup and cosmetic treatments
• Assisting with medical skincare under supervision

The best estheticians combine artistry with science—helping clients look and feel their best every day.

Growing demand for wellness, anti-aging, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments makes this one of the most in-demand beauty careers.

How to Become a Licensed Esthetician (6 Steps)

1. Finish high school or earn a GED
   You’ll need this before enrolling in a licensed esthetics program.

2. Enroll in an esthetics or skincare training program
   Programs teach anatomy, skincare chemistry, facial techniques, and sanitation.

Esthetician Training Programs

3. Complete required training hours
   Each state has unique requirements, usually between 600–1,500 hours of classroom and hands-on work.

4. Pass your state licensing exam
   Exams typically include written and practical components.

5. Apply for your esthetician license
   Once you pass, you can apply to work legally in salons, spas, or medical practices.

6. Advance your career
   Gain certifications in advanced treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or medical aesthetics.

Where Estheticians Work

• Day and resort spas
• Dermatology and medical offices
• Beauty salons and wellness centers
• Cruise ships and hotels
• Self-owned studios or mobile skincare services

Many estheticians start in spas and later open their own businesses or become educators.

Skills That Make Great Estheticians

• Strong communication and client care
• Artistic eye for detail and balance
• Knowledge of skin types and ingredients
• Manual dexterity and precision
• Business and sales skills for product recommendations

Successful estheticians combine scientific understanding with people skills and an artistic touch.

Pros & Cons of the Esthetics Trade

Pros:

• Fast training (under 1 year)
• High job satisfaction helping clients look and feel great
• Wide range of specializations
• Opportunity to start your own spa or studio

Cons:

• Physically demanding (standing, repetitive motion)
• Income may depend on clientele and location
• Continuing education required to stay current

Start Your Esthetics Journey

Whether you want to work in luxury spas, medical skincare, or own your own business, becoming a licensed esthetician opens the door to a rewarding, creative, and flexible career.

Find esthetician schools near you and start your skincare journey today.

Related Beauty & Wellness Careers

• Cosmetology Careers
• Beauty Professional Careers
• Massage Therapy Careers
• Personal Trainer Careers

Esthetician Salary by State