Cosmotology Schools / Esthetician - Degree & Career
Everyone has skin but not everyone takes good care of it. That’s where estheticians step in. These professionals can take care of a wide range of duties. Some of these may include giving chemical peels, advising clients on makeup and skincare choices, cleansing skin and demonstrating proper care, extractions, pedicures and manicures, giving facial massages, waxing and much more. With opportunities for work available in salons and spas all over the nation, this can be a great career for those interested in helping others look great and stay healthy.
Salaries for estheticians can vary widely for a number of factors including location, whether or not you work on commission, and your personal education and experience in the field. As much in this field is determined by loyal clientele, those new to the field can expect to earn considerably less in the first few years of work. Overall, the average annual salary for an esthetician in the US is about $34,000. Those with licensure and certification in the field can expect to earn a little more, however.
Most estheticians will need to attend some kind of school or formal training in order to embark on a career in this field. Vocational colleges, cosmetology schools and even skin care specific programs exist to help you get the training you need to work in a spa or salon. Most programs will be very hands on and will expect you to work applying makeup and taking care of skin as well as learning about chemistry and anatomy. Your training will not necessarily be enough to get you a job, however, as you’ll also need to complete a licensure program to let potential employers know that you’re truly qualified for the job.
The beauty industry is one that rarely sees flagging sales and the obsession with looking young and beautiful isn’t likely to fade anytime soon so a career specializing in this field will likely guarantee a certain amount of job security. Because it is such a varied profession, opportunities for advancement are numerous. Some find progress in moving from working in a salon to owning their own business while others aim to work in the top spas and skin care facilities around the country. There may even be job openings for some in medical offices that specialize in cosmetic surgery, dermatology and even burn care.
