Esthetician

Esthetician Career Overview

Estheticians, also called skin care specialists, are responsible for the daily care and advanced treatment methods of client's skin. They perform facials, hair removal procedures, makeup applications and even massages to cleanse and beautify the skin. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, estheticians held 38,000 jobs in 2006 and can expect a 34% employment increase within the next few years.

Skin care specialists work in various salons, spas, resorts, department stores, and hotels. Many estheticians will work in a full service spa or salon while other estheticians own or run their own skin care specialist salon. Estheticians must be personable, trustworthy and reliable in order to gain the respect of their customers and improve client retention. Estheticians should be familiar with various products including cleansing agents, lotions, wraps, oils, and steam machines and must be knowledgeable about the various skin problems and effective treatment methods. Some estheticians will also be trained in more advanced treatments, such as laser hair removal, Brazilian waxing and skin peels.

Esthetician Training and Education

There are several beauty and career schools that have specialized esthetician programs for those who want to get into the skin care industry. There are over 150 institutes accredited by the National Accreditation Commission for Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and several more by the other two main accrediting commissions for cosmetology - the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) and the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT) . Accredited esthetician programs provide not only an assurance of the quality of education and training received, but also a guarantee that students are eligible for federal financial aid.

To become a skin care specialist, students will need to attend and pass an esthetician program and then study and pass a state licensure exam. Most state licensure exams require that a student have at least 600 hours of classroom studies, but some states require as few as 450 hours of schooling before taking the exam. According to the NACCAS, most schools will offer programs that run from 600 hours to 1100 hours depending on the caliber and the mission of the school.

Estheticians are trained in the fundamentals of skincare and skin types, makeup application, waxing and other hair removal procedures. Further, courses cover business practices and retailing, according to the Atelier Esthetiques Institute of Esthetics. Many schools also offer advanced training in areas such as Brazilian waxing, Microdermabrasion, speed waxing, salon and spa management and detoxifying treatments. Almost all schools offer part time, full time, and weekend courses.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that, although qualifications for the licensure exam will vary by state, most exams will consist of a written test, a practical test of styling skills, or an oral examination.

Esthetician Career and Salary Outlook

The NACCAS Job Survey 2007 data reports that skin care specialists made an average of $37,154 in full service salons and $40,126 in specialized skin care salons. These numbers are exclusive of tips, which, depending on the clientele and the area of establishment, can be quite substantial.

According to the NACCAS Job Survey 2007, only 4.0% of the nation's salon employers are estheticians. However, there will be a 34% employment increase by 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This incredible leap in the demand for skin care specialists is due to the growing desire to improve one's complexion and the importance of perfect, hairless skin emphasized in today's society.

With the right education and training, as well as a caring nature and healing touch, an aspiring esthetician can look forward to a prosperous and successful career in the skin care industry.

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