We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Esthetician Careers?

By Britt Archer
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 20,972
Share

Many people aspire to help others, and an esthetician career is one of the paths some individuals choose to pursue. Estheticians, or licensed skin care professionals, work with a variety of people to help improve image, self-confidence and overall health. There are several different career paths they can pursue, and each focuses on slightly different areas. No matter which path is chosen, there are a plethora of opportunities available in the growing demand for estheticians.

A majority of those pursuing an esthetician career ultimately choose to work in a spa or salon setting, with some individuals opting to open their own place of business. Estheticians in this setting focus primarily on non-medical skin care, massage and the application and selection of cosmetics for clients. An esthetician working in this field might also choose to take specialized classes or training on sales and product knowledge, as retail makes up a large percentage of most spa or salon incomes.

Medical esthetician careers are in ever growing demand. Medical estheticians may work in a doctor's office, hospital or specialized medical practice, and often require more training than an esthetician working in a spa. The treatments a medical esthetician might provide are varied, depending upon the location the practitioner is working in. A medical esthetician working in a hospital's burn unit may provide instruction to patients on how to conceal burn scars with cosmetics, while a medical esthetician working in a dermatologist's office may routinely perform treatments to restore patients' skin to its optimal condition.

There are still more esthetician careers in the world of make-up artistry. Some estheticians choose to specialize in the application and selection of cosmetic products, which can lead to work in the film and theater industry, or provide freelance work for weddings, photographers and more. The many choices in esthetician careers closely resemble the paths available in cosmetology, and an individual seeking esthetician training should examine both career paths closely to decide which is right for his or her needs.

Esthetician careers almost always require special training, and in the United States the requirements for becoming an esthetician or cosmetologist vary by state. Almost all locations in the United States require estheticians to be licensed by the state in which they are working. Training is usually provided by local cosmetology or esthetician schools, and may take as little as two years to complete, with more specialized training also available. The U.S. Barber and Cosmetology Association's local chapters often offer a list of schools where training can be obtained, and those wishing to pursue esthetician careers are advised to speak with their local chapter first.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Ocelot60 — On Mar 27, 2014

@talentryto- I have a cousin who works as an esthetician in a dermatologist's office, and she loves her job. She helps patients who are planning to have certain procedures, and instructs them on how to use various skin care products, medications, and makeup.

Cosmetic and plastic surgeons also often hire estheticians to work in their offices. Doctors in these fields often carry lines of cosmetics, and estheticians in their offices help clients select the best products for their needs. Estheticians in these medical fields also help patients learn to apply makeup as they heal from various procedures. They also sometimes preform non-invasive procedures such as facials and peels. It is very rewarding work for individuals who like to be around people and enjoy helping them look their best.

By Talentryto — On Mar 26, 2014

Does anyone know what it is like to work as a medical esthetician? What other types of doctors might hire for such a position? I have a friend who wants to be an esthetician, but also has some medical training.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-esthetician-careers.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.