If you love interacting with people and are interested in skincare and beauty, becoming an esthetician may be the right career choice for you.

Estheticians deal with the skin, and their goal is to make it look as good as possible. From skincare treatments and skin-refining technology like lasers to applying makeup and advising clients on skincare regimens, estheticians are all things beauty when it comes to the skin, the biggest organ of the body and one of the most noticeable indicators of beauty and health.

The beauty business employs nearly 650,000 people in the United States alone, with a projected job growth rate of 13% between 2016 and 2026. According to current estimates, the industry generated over $532 billion in sales in 2017 and would have a market value of over $800 billion by 2023.

Consider becoming an esthetician if you want a rewarding job in a growing industry where you can make a daily difference in people’s lives. Continue reading to learn more about what an esthetician is, how to become one, and how to be successful in your future profession.

What is an Esthetician?

A professional skincare specialist is known as an esthetician. Estheticians are required to be able to analyze and enhance the skin’s health and be qualified to provide various treatments and services.

While they are not qualified to diagnose and treat major skin diseases like dermatologists, they are educated and experienced in identifying and helping manage common skin concerns such as acne, dry skin, pigmentation, sun damage, and aging. Estheticians can also get training in specialty procedures like microdermabrasion and chemical peels.

Here are some of the basic services provided by estheticians:

• Consultations, cleansing, and analysis of face and body

• Manual facials and treatments

• Machine or electrical facials and treatments

• Body treatment and back treatments

• Makeup

• Hair removal

You may be able to perform more specialized services with advanced training for aesthetics, such as:

• Advanced treatment

• Microdermabrasion

• Chemical exfoliation

• Lymphatic drainage treatment

Education and Training Requirements

To practice as an esthetician, you must first receive a professional license. State-by-state licensing standards vary, but you must be at least 16 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

When it comes to education and aesthetics training, you should aim to receive at least 600 hours; however, many states demand at least 600 hours. Many states also require apprenticeship hours, which can be as high as 3,200 hours. Enrolling in an aesthetics training center such as the Institute of Advanced Aesthetics is the best approach to meet these criteria.

You could earn a certificate in as little as six months, depending on the curriculum you choose. You’ll still need to meet the apprenticeship hours requirements once you’ve completed your training. Some states enable you to complete these hours while still in school, while others allow you to do them after you graduate. After you’ve satisfied all of the prerequisites, you’ll need to take the state board exam.

The exam will likely include both a written and a practical portion. You’ll be required to demonstrate some procedures to a test proctor in addition to answering questions. If you pass both, you’ll receive an esthetician license and be allowed to begin looking for work.

How do you establish yourself as an Esthetician and advance your career?

You should use your esthetician education and training to figure out which specialties are a suitable match for your skills and interests.

You can choose whether to work in a medical setting or in a salon or spa that focuses on beauty. You might be able to get work through your school, as well as through expos and product demonstrations for estheticians. Job opportunities are also available through local, regional, and national professional organizations for estheticians and related careers. Advanced aesthetics training can lead you to a career path that is both personally and financially rewarding.

How much does an Esthetician make?

According to the US Bureau of Statistics, the average pay for an esthetician in 2017 was around $45,400. Wyoming had the highest income, with estheticians earning an average of $55,500 per year. Keep in mind that this figure includes a variety of estheticians.

To earn the highest income as an esthetician, you’ll need to finish additional training and possibly receive a master esthetician or medical esthetician license.

Your salary as an esthetician will be determined by your experience and level of education, as well as where you work. Some jobs pay a yearly income, while others pay hourly.

Enroll in our aesthetics programs in Virginia to begin your career as an esthetician. We provide esthetics and advanced esthetics career training to help you get started in the industry.

Get in touch with us right away to enroll in one of our programs!