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What is an Esthetician?

An esthetician school helps students known as skin care therapists and work with customers providing skin care through the use of various natural and chemical treatments and techniques. Individuals in this field will typically work in spas or salons, offering their services alongside cosmetologists and/or nail care professionals.  Estheticians may also seek certification in newer techniques, or additional education in to provide greater specialization, potentially increasing one's employment desirability and increasing income.

Estheticians not only work in spas and salons but can also be found in a medical office.  In most cases, an licensed esthetician would world closely with a dermatologist in a walk-in office or via a referral system.  An esthetician is a licensed professional but not considered a medical doctor.   The requirements for licensure will vary by state but the hours of training range from 280 to 600 and the successful completion of a state examination which includes both written and hands-on components.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$24,330

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

90,630

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2025 Best Esthetician Schools

Career Technical Solution has a goal to prepare you to become ready for an entry-level career through its affordable education. It has online and live courses on health and beauty to help you succeed. Through this program, you will experience and participate in an internship that will develop the basic skills required in your area of interest.

Acceptance Rate

63.89

Tuition

$31,479 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

If you want to focus on cosmetology and want to work as an esthetician, the Casal Institute of Nevada will provide you the right training and experience to work as one. It’s not easy to handle customers requiring a variety of skin care services. You need proper education and practice to work as such. The school can equip you with the latest technology and equipment, so you know how to deal with your customers. It can also help you with obtaining a certification.

Acceptance Rate

79

Tuition

$21,301 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Universal Beauty School is a school that offers training in the cosmetology industry for residents of Sweetwater, FL. This school is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, and has done so continuously for the last nine consecutive years. This school primarily offers education in the area of cosmetology through professional and experienced teachers, increasing the chances that students who complete the program get the skills and education required to pursue licensure and gainful employment. In addition to cosmetology, Universal Beauty School also has a nail technology program for students who would like to pursue nail artistry, an esthetics program, which offers a comprehensive education in the area of skin care and treatment, and a hair styling program for individuals who wish to pursue a more fulfilling education in the management and styling of hair. In 2010-2011 close to seventy-two students graduated from this school, with students completing the programs with a graduate rate of around 88%. This school reported individuals had a federal loan default rate of approximately 11% in 2009. Universal Beauty School provides student services in the form of job placement options for graduates looking for work, remedial education classes for program or licensure preparation, and cosmetology career guidance & assistance to help students. City and state licensing procedures may differ, and as such it is recommended students look into getting a license in cosmetology. For additional information regarding consumer disclosures, interested students may visit the school's website.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$39,400 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Wilson Tech, located in Northport, New York, is a technical school that accommodates the needs of both high school and adult students. They also offer educational solutions to businesses and employers who need to train their staff on various subjects. Wilson Tech has a wide array of career certificate programs specifically for high school students who want to jumpstart their future career and collect college credits at the same time. These programs include: carpentry, construction, heating and air, welding, photography, digital film, medical assisting, cosmetology, nurse assisting, culinary arts, veterinary assisting, computer technology, auto body repair, aviation science, and more. Wilson Tech also offers programs that are tailored specifically to adult students who want to change careers or augment their current ones. These specialized programs include: cosmetology licensure, surgical technology certification, practical nursing licensure, medical assisting certification, sonogram tech, and many more. In addition to the many programs of study offered at Wilson Tech, there are also classes offered to employers who need to augment the education of their staff. These classes include: computer training, personal health, safety training, professional development, technical and industry specific training, workplace literacy, and more. These classes are conveniently located, competitively priced, and taught by instructors who have both industry and academic backgrounds. If you or someone you know would like to apply at Wilson Tech, or if you would like more information about the career studies certificates and programs offered there, click here to access Wilson Tech’s official website.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$43,050 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The esthetics program offered by the Laurel Technical Institute will teach you the basic skin care techniques as well as the skills you need to help your future clients. The program includes a variety of studies such as facial massage, professional make up, hair removal, specialized facial, use of facial machines, and many more. After completing the 600-hour program requirement, you will receive a certificate. You will also learn about physiology, infection control, chemistry, anatomy and more. 

Acceptance Rate

91.86

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Some people dream of becoming a proficient esthetician working in the best salons in town. However, this is a job that needs education and careful training, as you will be dealing with customers wanting a variety of skin care services. The services will vary depending on one’s needs.  To to be confident to perform the services, you need knowledge, training, and practical skills from the best schools in esthetics, like The Salon Professional Academy-Grand Junction.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$20,140 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Fila Academy focuses on beauty & cosmetology training for students located in High Point and surrounding areas. The cosmetology courses that are offered at this location are:

In one of the ways The Fila Academy may support its students is by offering students with help in finding employment.

The last reported accreditation for The Fila Academy was done by National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can see programs available, tuition, and disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$20,145 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

PCI Academy, located in the rural area of Ames, IA, offers cosmetology training for interested individuals. This school has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences since 1981. The main program offered by PCI Academy is in cosmetology, which prepares individuals with the skills and education necessary to obtain licensure and seek out gainful employment after graduation. The cosmetology training courses that may be offered at this location are:

Approximately 430 students completed their training at this school over the last few years. Between the years of 2007-2009 the estimated average default rate for students taking loans to cover the tuition costs for this school was around 4.95%. PCI Academy provides student services such as job placement options for students looking for work, remedial education classes for program or licensure preparation, and cosmetology career guidance to help students. Students should look up state licensing requirements to determine whether programs meet current standards. To learn more and get consumer disclosures, please visit pci-academy.com.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$23,624 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

If you are interested in studying and having a career in the esthetics field, you can enroll in the esthetics program developed by Penn Commercial Business - Technical School. You will learn various types of facials, skin care treatments, temporary hair removal, and skin analysis. This is a 12-week course in which you will receive a diploma after completing the required amount of training. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the licensing examination in cosmetology. 

Acceptance Rate

75.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Located in Onalaska, Wisconsin, The Salon Professional Academy - Onalaska is a private institution that offers career education for individuals interested in cosmetology. This school has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges since 2009. TSPA primarily offers education in the area of cosmetology through professional and experienced teachers, ensuring that students who complete the program are equipped with the skills and abilities needed to pursue licensure and long term employment. In addition to cosmetology, The Salon Professional Academy - Onalaska also offers a nail technology program for students who would like to pursue nail care and an esthetics program, which offers an excellent education in the area of skin care. In the most recent reported academic year, close to 59 students graduated from this school. The Salon Professional Academy - Onalaska offers services for students such as cosmetology career counseling to help students, flexible scheduling for those with irregular schedules, and job placement opportunities for graduates looking for work. Students are asked to look up local and state licensing regulations to make sure programs meet established standards. To see more and get consumer disclosures, you can visit the school site today.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$19,900 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Department of Technology and Occupational Sciences has an esthetician program that will help you learn about the science, business, and art of the beauty industry. You will be guided and trained by cosmetology instructors who have years of experience in the field. Through this program, you will also have the opportunity to experience laboratory work, in which you can practice and enhance your skills on actual customers and mannequins. You will also need to purchase academic resources such as books and cosmetology kit before admitting to the program. 

Acceptance Rate

65.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - North Dayton focuses on cosmetology training for students located in and around Dayton. Last year over 120 students completed their training and prepared for licensing. The cosmetology courses that are offered at this school are:

To help support students, Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - North Dayton may provide services to students, like:

  • Helping students find employment
  • Night and weekend classes available

Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology - North Dayton has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences since 1998. Please visit creativeimages.edu for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$19,350 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$20,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Morgantown Beauty College Inc is a school that provides training in the beauty industry for residents of Morgantown, WV. Morgantown Beauty College Inc has been accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences since 1993. This school's cosmetology program is designed to train students for immediate employment upon completion, providing all the skills required to prepare students for licensure and entry into the beauty industry. In addition to cosmetology, this school also offers an esthetics program, which offers an excellent education in the field of skin care and treatment, a cosmetology instructor training program for professionals that wish to teach cosmetology as a career, and a massage therapy program, which educates students with the skills that would be needed in spa settings.

The school enrolls about twenty-one students per year, providing students an excellent learning atmosphere. Morgantown Beauty College Inc reported students had a loan default rate of approximately 9.6% in 2009.

Morgantown Beauty College Inc provides job placement options for graduating students in need of employment. Local and state licensing procedures may differ, and as such it is recommended students lookup obtaining a license in cosmetology. For information and consumer disclosures, please visit school's website.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$19,902 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$25,240 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc – Alliance offers a cosmetology program designed to provide you with practical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for a career in beauty. It provides you with the latest training materials and equipment you’ll need to keep up with the modern industry. You will also work with professionals from top salons, which will help you in your future career. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$17,740 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$18,400 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

If you like to study esthetics or cosmetology, you can learn from the Salon Professional Academy-Fargo. It’s one of the finest schools in the country where you can learn and get educated about esthetics. They have state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, where you can practice and master the skills of esthetics. It should prepare you for your future when you join a salon, spa, or beauty center once you finish school. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$17,790 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc in Niles has developed an advanced esthetician program that provides practical experience, industry support, and hands-on training. This program will help you become skilled in skin care and esthetics as well as help you find a career in the field. The program can last for six months, and you can choose your own class schedule according to your needs. After graduation, you can work in a salon or even create a salon yourself. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$17,740 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

To have a rewarding career in cosmetology and esthetics, the Raphael’s School of Beauty Culture Inc – Boardman offers a program in the field that will provide you with various training and career opportunities. With its more than 50 years of experience in beauty culture, Raphael's School offers you with hands-on training and practical experiences that will help you become skilled professionals in skin-care and esthetics. You will also experience the experience of on-site cooperation with real customers. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$17,740 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$19,270 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$19,283 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$19,283 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$25,240 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$19,270 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Educational Requirements of Estheticians

An esthetician (also known as aesthetician) specializes in the treatment and care of skin in regards to beauty and is often considered a branch of cosmetology. Estheticians are responsible for hair removal, massage, and chemical treatments such as facials and body wraps. Additionally estheticians will need an understanding of cosmetics, creams, and relaxation methods. Vocational schools, beauty schools, and community colleges generally offer programs to become certified estheticians, and some programs offer an associate's degree. Some schools will offer cosmetology programs with a specialization in skin care.

Areas of study may include:

  • Disinfection and Sanitation
  • Makeup
  • Facials
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Superficial Chemical Peels
  • Salon Management and Spa Skills
  • Aesthetician Chemistry
  • Hair Removal

Most Popular Jobs for Estheticians

Estheticians will work in a number of locations, providing skin care to customers. Given the nature of treatments used, some of which may be potentially harmful if performed wrong, estheticians must be attentive and responsible. Individuals seeking employment should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and be able to work with customers over long periods of time. Estheticians require licensing to work in a given state, and each state has its own licensing requirements. The salary of an esthetician can vary based on experience, skill, hours worked and location.

Locations that employ estheticians include:

  • Spas
  • Hotels
  • Salons
  • Day Spas
  • Medi spas
  • Resorts
  • Dermatologist Offices

Job Growth, Salary and Related Esthetic Fields

The market for personal appearance workers is expected grow by 12% in the coming years, specifically work for estheticians is expected to increase as interest in preserving skin beauty becomes more widespread. The median wage is approximately $30,270 per year and the industry is expect to add approximately 6,600 estheticians through the next reporting period. One can expect an increase in salary by obtaining new skills through additional coursework, such as laser hair removal.

States with the Highest Number of Estheticians

  • California 5,930
  • Texas 4,410
  • New York 3,950
  • Florida 2,860
  • Illinois 2,180

Top Paying States for Estheticians

  1. Wyoming $58,240
  2. Vermont $56,540
  3. West Virginia $50,600
  4. Colorado $47,260
  5. Oregon $45,170

Those interested in obtaining certification as an esthetician may also want to consider a career in cosmetology, nail technician, electrolysis, or as a make-up artist. Additional research can be made by connecting with national associations in esthetics. Examples of the most popular organizations include American Association for Esthetics (AAE), Aesthetic International Association (AIA), and the Professional Beauty Association (PBA).

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