Dreaming of a career in skincare and wellness? You can learn how to get an esthetician license faster than you think, and start transforming lives, one glowing face at a time.
Whether you’re starting fresh or changing paths, esthetics offers a rewarding future for those passionate about skin health and self-care. Training and licensing can often be completed in under two years, depending on your state.
Once you’re licensed, consider beginning your journey with a trusted brand like PCRK Group and Massage Envy. With 130+ locations nationwide, we’re here to help you build a thriving, sustainable career—one guest at a time.
Your Roadmap to Becoming an Esthetician
Esthetics is ideal for those passionate about skin wellness, personal care, and helping others feel their best. The first step toward becoming a licensed esthetician is deciding if this career aligns with your personal goals. Next, assess whether you can commit the time and financial investment required to pursue this rewarding path.
Timelines When Getting an Esthetician License
How long it takes to get an esthetician license depends largely on your state. Training ranges from 260 to 1,500 hours based on local rules.
Some states also require hands-on experience or internships at wellness facilities. For example, Florida requires 260 hours, Pennsylvania requires 300, while others may require up to 1,500 hours before you can take the exam.
If you want to fast-track your esthetician license, consider training in a state with lower hourly requirements to finish your education and get licensed faster.
Timelines can also vary if you’re choosing between an esthetician or a massage therapist career. While both require hands-on training, licensed massage therapists usually complete around 1,000 hours of education. Licensed estheticians may need more or less training depending on location, which impacts how long it takes to get licensed and which path suits your goals.
Steps to Getting an Esthetician License Explained
There are several pivotal steps involved in getting your esthetician license, and each one plays an important role in preparing you for a successful career in skincare and wellness.
- Research Licensing Requirements for Your State: Every state sets its own licensure requirements, which play a key role in determining how to become an esthetician where you live. In some states, completing esthetics training and passing the licensing exam is sufficient. In others, you may also need to complete an internship or gain hands-on experience before becoming eligible for licensure.
- Enroll in an Accredited Training Program: Once you understand your state’s requirements, the next step is enrolling in a reputable, accredited esthetics program. You can choose to study full-time or part-time, depending on your availability and financial situation. We recommend selecting a program accredited by a trusted organization, such as the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).
- Gain Work Experience in the Wellness Industry: Hands-on experience is essential for applying your training in a real-world setting and preparing for your career. Interning or working in a wellness-focused facility, such as those operated by PCRK Group, gives you the chance to observe seasoned professionals, build your confidence, and strengthen your resume before officially entering the job market.
- Pass the Esthetics Licensing Exam: After completing your training, you’ll need to pass your state’s esthetics licensing exam, which may include written, practical, or both types of assessments. The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) administers the licensing exam in many states.
- Apply for Esthetician Jobs: Once you’re licensed, you’re ready to start your career. With more than 130 Massage Envy locations nationwide, PCRK Group supports your wellness career with mentorship, nurturing work environments, free continuing education, and networking opportunities to fulfill your professional goals.
What Affects the Length of Esthetician Training?
Several factors influence how long it takes to become fully qualified:
Exams & Licensing Requirements
Figuring out how long it takes to get an esthetician license usually comes down to your state’s specific exam and training requirements. In most cases, it takes between six months and a year and a half to complete your education and pass the licensing exam, depending on where you plan to practice.
Fastest Ways to Get Your Esthetician License
If you’re curious about how many hours are needed for an esthetician license, requirements can vary by state—but in some cases, the minimum can be as high as 1,500 hours. This training must be completed before you’re eligible to take the licensure exam and receive certification. The timeline also depends on whether you attend school full-time or part-time.
One of the best ways to fast-track licensure is by passing the exam in a state with fewer training requirements for estheticians. For instance, you can complete your training in Florida in just 260 hours, or 300 hours in Pennsylvania. By choosing states like these, you can expedite the licensure process and begin working soon after at a wellness facility of your choice, or start your career at PCRK Group.
You can also study online to speed up your esthetician training. This approach is often more affordable and gives you greater flexibility with your schooling schedule.
Career Opportunities After Getting Licensed
Once you’ve become a licensed esthetician, a wide range of exciting career paths becomes available—each offering unique ways to grow your skills and serve clients in the wellness and beauty industry.
- Spa Esthetician: At PCRK Group, we seek licensed estheticians passionate about overall wellness. As a spa esthetician at one of our many Massage Envy locations, you’ll perform customized facials, offer expert skin wellness guidance, and build lasting relationships with guests who trust you to help them look and feel their best.
- Medical Esthetician: As a medical esthetician, you’ll work in a clinical setting alongside dermatologists or plastic surgeons, providing advanced skincare services such as laser treatments, chemical peels, and pre- or post-surgical skin support.
- Makeup Artist: In this creative role, you’ll combine your knowledge of skin with artistry, working across industries like beauty, fashion, media, and entertainment to help clients achieve their ideal look.
- Waxing Specialist: Waxing specialists use techniques such as traditional waxing, threading, and laser hair removal to help clients achieve smooth, hair-free skin. These services are in high demand at spas, salons, and even barber shops.
- Lash and Eyebrow Specialist: This niche role focuses on high-impact services like lash extensions, brow shaping, and tinting. It’s a growing specialty within the esthetics field, offering creative, detail-oriented work with visible results for clients.
- Cosmetic Sales Consultant: At PCRK Group, you’ll help guests discover and understand top-tier wellness products from brands like Jan Marini, PCA, and rareESSENCE. You’ll educate clients on skincare routines and recommend personalized solutions to support their goals at home.
- Spa or Salon Manager: If you’re ready to move into a leadership position, management roles offer the chance to oversee day-to-day operations, mentor junior staff, and create a positive guest experience. At PCRK Group, there are clear paths for advancement and ongoing professional development.
Start Your Esthetician Career with PCRK Group Today
Now that you know how to get an esthetician license and what the training journey looks like, you’re one step closer to starting a career that makes a real difference. At PCRK Group, we provide a nurturing environment where new estheticians can grow, learn from seasoned professionals, and thrive in a supportive wellness culture.Ready to get started? Join us at PCRK Group and Massage Envy—and help your guests achieve healthier, more radiant lives every day.