Esthetician Jobs in the United States

Esthetician Jobs Overview

A career in esthetics can be incredibly gratifying and innovative. Professionals working in esthetician jobs are licensed skin care specialists trained to apply treatments and perform procedures that promote the health and beauty of the skin. There are plenty of opportunities for progression into specialized fields such as medical esthetics, spa therapy, and makeup artistry. If you have a passion for helping others feel confident, and thrive on continuous learning, a job as an esthetician could be your perfect match.

The overall employment of estheticians and skin specialists is forecast to grow 29% over the next decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This is, in part, due to the increase in luxury spas and an aging population.

The role of an esthetician involves using their knowledge of skin conditions to improve the overall appearance of their client's skin. You might use natural ingredients, chemicals, and special equipment to administer therapies and treatments such as facials, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, light therapy, microdermabrasion, and scrubs.

Some typical duties of an esthetician include:

• evaluating clients' skin and offering recommendations for treatments
• maintaining a sanitary environment for procedures
• providing facial, hair removal, and acne treatments
• performing massages on the face and scalp
• applying face and body masks, wraps, and scrubs
• referring clients to other healthcare professionals for more severe skin conditions

Looking to expand your service job search? Take a look at these possibilities:

• masseuse jobs
• hair stylist jobs
• nail technician jobs

Esthetician Education and Skills

To become an esthetician, you'll have to complete a state-approved program and pass a written and practical exam to obtain your license. All states require licensure except Connecticut. You can expect to spend anywhere from 300 to 1,000 hours in the classroom, depending on the state in which you reside.

To apply for your license in most states, you'll have to be at least 16 years old and have a 10th grade education. The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) provides updated examinations and state licensing information.

If you are interested in applying for an apprenticeship, 12 states currently recognize the completion of an esthetician apprenticeship to fulfill the requirements for licensure. This route typically takes much longer to complete, but you'll earn a wage while receiving on-the-job training.

To succeed as an esthetician, you'll need valuable skills such as:

• the ability to communicate effectively
• strong customer service
• problem-solving
• time management
• physical stamina
• sales acumen

To learn more about the skills and responsibilities required in this role, check out Monster’s example esthetician job description.

Update Your Esthetician Resume

First impressions count, so make sure your resume is updated, polished, and void of any imperfections such as grammatical errors, lack of action verbs, or a vague career summary. It’s also important to give specific examples of your accomplishments and remember to list all your certifications and training. For ideas on how to give your resume that extra sparkle, check out our sample esthetician resume.

Let your personality and skills shine through in your cover letter. Taking the time to write a compelling narrative of who you are and what you can bring to the role will give you a winning chance at landing an interview. We have many sample cover letters to get you started and actionable cover letter tips and advice to help you get hired.

Interviewing for Esthetician Jobs

Before you interview for an esthetician job, make sure that you’ve brushed up on your performance skills so you can show up confident and enthusiastic. Do your due diligence by researching the company and prepare for common interview questions and practice answering with specific real-life examples. Using the STAR method when answering behavioral-based questions can prove to be very valuable and will help you ace your interview.

How Much Do Esthetician Jobs Pay?

There are many factors to weigh up when assessing how much you can earn as an esthetician, such as your location, employer, and education. The median salary for an esthetician is $41,184, although, with more experience, you can make as much as $58,300.

If you want to see location-specific salaries, check out Monster’s Salary Tool, where you can search for your job title in the city you live in. You can also compare the renumeration for similar jobs and see the skills needed to progress your career.

Enhance Your Job Search with Monster

Ready to look for esthetician jobs? Start by creating your Monster profile today. Upload your resume, search and apply for jobs and sign up for customized job alerts. Plus, we'll connect you with recruiters in your field who can help your career flourish.