If you’re exploring a career in wellness and skincare, you may be asking, “What is an esthetician?” Estheticians are licensed professionals who specialize in a range of skin services—from basic facials and exfoliation to more advanced treatments like chemical peels, hair removal, makeup application, and lash services.
To become a licensed esthetician, you’ll need to complete a state-approved esthetics program, pass a licensing exam, and explore specializations that align with your goals. At PCRK Group, we’re here to guide you through every step and help you unlock exciting opportunities in the world of esthetics.
Why Choose a Career as an Esthetician?
There are several reasons why an esthetics career might suit you:
- Shared Passion for Beauty and Confidence: Many who pursue esthetics are passionate about skin services, beauty, and well-being. They enjoy helping others look and feel their best by improving the health and appearance of their skin.
- Promising Job Growth Projections: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, esthetician jobs are projected to grow by 10% from 2023 to 2033—much faster than the national average for other careers.
- Attractive Pay and Career Potential: Estheticians typically earn around $20 per hour, totaling approximately $41,560 annually, making esthetics an attractive career choice.
What Does an Esthetician Do?
Estheticians perform treatments on clients to promote healthy skin. Some common examples of skin services they offer are advanced facial massages and microdermabrasions. Their ultimate goal is to educate clients on proper at-home care and recommend professional services and products to support their wellness goals.
Education and Training Requirements for Estheticians
If you’re curious about how to become an esthetician that’s fully licensed, most states require practitioners to complete 600 to 1,500 practice hours through an accredited esthetics program.
If you’re also wondering, “How long does it take to become an esthetician?” It takes between 6 months and a year and a half in total. The timeline for becoming a professional esthetician or massage therapist largely depends on the state and whether you do full-time or part-time training.
How to Become an Esthetician: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to become a licensed esthetician.
1. Research State Licensing Requirements
Start by researching state-specific licensing requirements for practicing esthetics. Please note that each state has different training standards. For example, Pennsylvania requires just 300 hours, while Texas expects you to complete 750 hours in comparison.
2. Complete an Accredited Training Program
Candidates can enroll in an esthetics program at a school of cosmetology, a specialized esthetics school, or a junior college. Aspiring estheticians can do their training with one of the following nationally accredited esthetics programs:
- National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS)
- Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)
- Council on Occupational Education (COE)
- Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
Although many companies don’t require certification, it can highlight your passion for the field and dedication to its techniques. The most popular certification available to estheticians is the National Esthetician Certification, offered by the National Coalition of Estheticians Association (NCEA).
3. Pass the Licensing Exam
Most states require candidates to first apply for licensure to confirm their eligibility to become estheticians before taking the exam. In many cases, a candidate must be at least 16 or 17 years old and have a high school diploma, GED, or a 10th-grade education at a minimum, depending on the state in which they wish to eventually practice.
The purpose of a licensure exam is to prove you have the requisite knowledge and skills gained through an esthetics program or apprenticeship. Esthetics licensure exams often comprise a written or practical section issued by the National-Interstate Council on State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC). Depending on the state, students are required to either do the written or practical exam, or both, which often tests them on the following topics:
| Written Exam | Practical Exam |
| Sanitation and infection control Human physiology and anatomy Skin conditions, disorders, and diseases Hair, follicle, and growth cycles Basic chemistry Skin services, treatments, and products Factors affecting the skin Integumentary system and skin histology | Set up and client protection Face cleansing and steaming Facial massages Manual forehead extraction Eyebrow hair removal Facial mask and makeup |
4. Start Applying for Jobs to Gain Experience
Once licensed, seek esthetician career opportunities to gain hands-on experience. PCRK Group offers opportunities at Massage Envy locations nationwide, where we support our estheticians with continued training and growth.
Skills and Qualities Every Successful Esthetician Should Have
Learning how to become a licensed esthetician is more than just receiving a top-notch education. Ideal candidates should also:
- Have advanced knowledge of skin services and beauty
- Specialize in various skin services (e.g., facials, hair removal, makeup application, etc.)
- Show expertise in hygiene and sanitation
- Be personable and empathetic
- Be active listeners and excellent communicators
- Have outstanding organization and time management skills
- Be proficient in business and marketing
- Work collaboratively in teams
- Invest in continuing education
These traits can go a long way to help wellness professionals thrive in fast-paced, client-centered environments.
Career Opportunities and Growth in the Skincare Industry
Licensed estheticians can pursue roles in wellness centers, retail, resorts, and medical offices. It’s possible to even branch into sales, marketing, or public relations with beauty and skincare brands.
If you’re still asking yourself, “How do you become an esthetician with long-term growth?” The key is aligning with supportive employers like the PCRK Group, which prioritizes your career advancement. If you want to leverage our promising Massage Envy career opportunities in the wellness industry, estheticians must hold a valid stretch service provider license to work, ensuring clients receive quality, results-driven care.
Ready to Start Your Esthetics Journey? Take the First Step Today!
Massage Envy, part of the PCRK Group, offers extensive esthetician employment opportunities across 13 states (Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, New Mexico, and Wisconsin). Our employees enjoy competitive pay, ongoing education, healthcare benefits, discounts on wellness services and products, and a nurturing work environment.
If you’ve been asking, “What is an esthetician?”, now you know—it’s more than a job; it’s a meaningful career in wellness, beauty, and client care, with real potential for growth.
Ready to take the next step? Discover ways of becoming a massage therapist or esthetician, and so much more, with PCRK Group and Massage Envy today.