Esthetician Schools & Programs

Estheticians and skincare specialists earn a median salary of $41,970 per year, with employment projected to grow 17% through 2032 – much faster than the national average (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Esthetician programs teach the science and techniques behind facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and other skin treatments, preparing graduates to earn a state esthetics license and work in spas, dermatology offices, or medical aesthetics clinics. With roughly 13,200 annual job openings, trained skincare professionals are in strong demand.

What Is an Esthetician Program?

Esthetician programs focus specifically on skin care science, facial treatments, hair removal, and makeup application. Unlike full cosmetology programs, esthetician training does not cover hair cutting or nail services. Students learn skin anatomy, product chemistry, and a range of treatment techniques through both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice on real clients. Programs typically prepare graduates to sit for the state esthetics licensing exam. Some schools also offer advanced or master esthetician tracks that cover medical-grade treatments like laser therapy and chemical resurfacing.

What You’ll Learn

• Skin anatomy, physiology, and analysis (skin types, conditions, disorders)
• Facial treatments including cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and mask application
• Chemical peel procedures and microdermabrasion techniques
• Hair removal methods: waxing, threading, and sugaring
• Makeup application for daytime, evening, and special events
• Sanitation, disinfection, and infection control protocols
• Product chemistry and ingredient analysis
• Client consultation, treatment planning, and contraindication screening
• LED light therapy and other non-invasive skin rejuvenation techniques
• Retail product knowledge and client home-care recommendations

How Long Does Training Take?

Esthetician programs range from 260 to 1,000 required hours depending on the state. Most full-time programs take 4 to 9 months to complete, while part-time and evening schedules can extend training to 12 months. Some states distinguish between basic estheticians and master estheticians (or medical estheticians), with the advanced license requiring 1,200 or more hours. Community college programs may combine esthetics training with an associate degree over two years. Tuition for esthetician programs generally ranges from $3,000 to $12,000 depending on the school, program length, and geographic location. Additional costs include a student skin care kit ($150 to $500), textbooks, licensing exam fees, and uniforms.

Admissions & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required in most states
• Minimum age of 16 or 17 depending on the state
• Students typically need to purchase a skin care kit (products, implements, towels) – kits range from $150 to $500
• No prior experience or portfolio required for entry-level programs
• Some schools require a physical exam or health clearance
• Background checks may be required depending on state licensing rules

Licensing & Certification

All states require an esthetics license to perform skin care services professionally. After completing the required training hours at a state-approved school, graduates must pass a licensing exam that typically includes a written test and a practical demonstration. Hour requirements vary significantly: California requires 600 hours, New York requires 600 hours, Texas requires 750 hours, and Virginia requires 600 hours. Many estheticians later pursue advanced certifications such as the NCEA (National Coalition of Estheticians, Manufacturers/Distributors & Associations) credential or specialized training in laser treatments and medical aesthetics. States that offer a master esthetician license typically require additional training hours beyond the basic license.

Career Outlook & Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that skincare specialists earn a median annual wage of $41,970, with the top earners making significantly more in high-demand markets and medical settings (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Employment for skincare specialists is projected to grow 17% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increasing consumer interest in anti-aging treatments, preventive skin care, and medical aesthetics. The field generates approximately 13,200 job openings annually. Estheticians who pursue advanced training in medical aesthetics or specialize in high-demand treatments like chemical peels and laser therapy often command higher earnings.

Where You’ll Work

Estheticians find employment in a variety of settings. Day spas and resort spas are the most common workplaces, followed by dermatology offices and plastic surgery clinics where medical estheticians perform pre- and post-procedure skin care. Other settings include medical spas (medspas), wellness centers, beauty salons that offer skin care services, and retail environments where skincare brands employ estheticians for consultations. Some experienced estheticians open their own practices or work as independent contractors.

Online vs In-Person Options

Esthetician training is heavily hands-on, and the clinical hours must be completed in person at a licensed school. Some programs offer theory coursework (skin science, product chemistry, state law) in an online or hybrid format, but facial treatments, extractions, waxing, and client services require supervised in-person practice. Fully online programs cannot fulfill state licensing requirements for estheticians. If you are considering a hybrid program, verify with your state board that the format is accepted before enrolling.

Browse by Location

• View all locations: Esthetician by state

Career Guide

Explore related career guides in our trades career center including cosmetology.

FAQs

What is the difference between an esthetician and a medical esthetician?

A basic esthetician performs facials, waxing, makeup application, and general skin care treatments. A medical esthetician (or master esthetician in some states) has advanced training and works under physician supervision performing treatments like chemical peels, laser hair removal, microneedling, and pre/post-operative skin care. Medical estheticians typically need additional training hours and may work in dermatology offices, plastic surgery clinics, or medical spas.

How much does esthetician school cost?

Esthetician program tuition typically ranges from $3,000 to $12,000 depending on the school, program length, and location. Additional costs include a student kit ($150-$500), textbooks, licensing exam fees ($50-$150), and any required uniforms. Many esthetician schools participate in federal financial aid, and some offer scholarships or payment plans.

Can estheticians perform laser treatments?

Laser and light-based treatments are regulated at the state level. Some states allow licensed estheticians to operate certain lasers and IPL (intense pulsed light) devices under physician supervision after completing additional training. Other states restrict laser use to physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants only. Check your state’s regulations before investing in laser training.

How does esthetician training differ from cosmetology school?

Esthetician programs focus exclusively on skin care, facials, hair removal, and makeup application. Cosmetology programs are broader, covering hair cutting, coloring, styling, nails, and skin care. Esthetician programs require fewer training hours (typically 260 to 1,000 hours compared to 1,000 to 2,100 for cosmetology) and can be completed in less time. If your primary interest is skin care rather than hair services, an esthetician program provides more focused and efficient training.

What is the job outlook for estheticians compared to other beauty careers?

Esthetician employment is growing at 17%, which is much faster than the 8% growth rate for cosmetologists and hairstylists (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). This stronger growth reflects rising consumer demand for professional skin care services, anti-aging treatments, and medical aesthetics. The trend toward preventive skin health and the expansion of medspa services contribute to the strong outlook.

Can I work as an esthetician while attending school for a master license?

In most states, you can work as a basic licensed esthetician while pursuing additional training for a master or medical esthetician credential. This allows you to earn income and gain practical experience while expanding your skill set. Check your state’s requirements, as some advanced programs require full-time attendance that may limit your work schedule.

Do estheticians need to complete continuing education?

Most states require licensed estheticians to complete continuing education (CE) hours for license renewal. Requirements typically range from 4 to 16 hours every one to two years. CE topics may include new treatment techniques, sanitation updates, product chemistry advances, and changes to state regulations. Some states accept online CE courses, while others require in-person attendance.

Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.

Browse Esthetician Schools by State

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.