Estheticians are part of the growing family of beauty and personal appearance services industry. They are skin care professionals who are trained to help their clients look their best. They are trained to assess the condition of their client’s skin, and to make recommendations about the best ways to accentuate the positive and minimize the negative. They may cleanse and exfoliate the skin. They may recommend waxing or laser treatments to remove unwanted hair. They might suggest a chemical peel or exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells and reduce fine line wrinkles. They might suggest the best face wash and moisturizer for their client’s skin type. They might apply makeup, or teach their client how to apply their own makeup.
U.S. News ranks the career of Esthetician at #83 on its annual list of the 100 Best Jobs. One of the main reason the occupation made the list was job opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, new employment opportunities for skin care specialists are expected to expand by 12 percent between 2014 and 2024, which is fast than the average of all occupations in the country. The top 25 percent of estheticians earned more than $41,000 per year, and those who worked in the medical field (in general or surgical hospitals, in outpatient care facilities or nursing care facilities) were the most highly compensated for their skills.
Educational requirements for estheticians varies by state, but every state except Connecticut requires completion of a cosmetology or esthetician program, ranging from 300 to 1,500 hours, and applicants must pass a practical and written exam in order to obtain a state issued esthetician license. Once you get your license, your education has just begun. With new techniques, new products and new styles constantly emerging, continuing education is a must to stay on top of your game.