An esthetician is a licensed skincare professional who helps clients look and feel their best through non-invasive skincare treatments, professional hair removal, and personalized skin advice.
From facials and chemical peels to professional waxing, estheticians combine science, technique, and client care to improve both skin health and confidence.
While there are many specialties within esthetics, waxing has become one of the fastest-growing and most profitable career paths, offering licensed professionals the opportunity to build loyal clientele, generate recurring revenue, and even open their own businesses.
If you're considering a career in esthetics, here's everything you need to know.
What does an esthetician do?
Licensed estheticians perform a wide variety of treatments designed to improve the health and appearance of the skin.
Common services include:
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Customized facials
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Professional waxing and hair removal
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Chemical peels
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Microdermabrasion
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LED light therapy
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Skin consultations
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Lash and brow services
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Makeup application
Although estheticians often begin as general skincare professionals, many eventually choose to specialize.
One of the most popular specialties is professional waxing because it offers recurring appointments, relatively low overhead, and the opportunity to build long-term client relationships.
As your career grows, you may also pursue advanced certifications in services such as dermaplaning, microneedling (where permitted by state law), or medical esthetics.
If waxing interests you, our guide on How to Learn Professional Waxing explains why advanced education can help you stand out from the beginning of your career.
Where can estheticians work?
One of the greatest advantages of becoming an esthetician is the variety of career opportunities available.
Licensed estheticians can work in:
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Day spas
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Beauty salons
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Medical spas
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Dermatology offices
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Waxing studios
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Lash studios
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Luxury resorts and cruise ships
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Beauty retail
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Professional skincare brands
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Film, television, and fashion
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Education and product training
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Brand ambassador roles
Many estheticians also choose to become entrepreneurs by opening their own studio, salon suite, or mobile business.
If owning your own business is your goal, our guide on Opening a Salon Suite: An Esthetician's Guide is a great place to start.
Why so many estheticians specialize in waxing
While esthetics offers many career paths, professional waxing remains one of the most in-demand services in the beauty industry.
Unlike many treatments that clients receive only occasionally, waxing naturally creates recurring appointments every four to six weeks. This helps estheticians build a loyal client base while generating consistent income.
Waxing also requires relatively low overhead compared to many advanced skincare services, making it an attractive specialty for professionals who want to grow their business quickly.
Whether you work in a spa, a dedicated waxing studio, or your own treatment room, becoming highly skilled in waxing can open the door to long-term career success.
How to become an esthetician
Becoming a licensed esthetician requires both formal education and hands-on training.
1. Attend a state-approved esthetics program
Training requirements vary by state but generally range from 300 to 1,500 hours.
During school, you'll learn:
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Skin anatomy and physiology
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Sanitation and infection control
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Facial treatments
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Product ingredients
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Client consultations
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Professional ethics
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Business fundamentals
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State board requirements
2. Pass your licensing exam
After completing your education, you'll take your state licensing exam.
Depending on where you live, this may include both written and practical examinations.
3. Continue learning after graduation
Graduation is only the beginning.
Most esthetics schools teach the fundamentals, but the most successful professionals continue investing in advanced education throughout their careers.
Whether you specialize in skincare, lashes, or waxing, ongoing education helps improve your confidence, expand your services, and increase your earning potential.
Cirépil by Perron Rigot offers both online and in-person professional waxing training, covering everything from full-body waxing and Brazilian waxing to speed waxing techniques designed for licensed estheticians.
If you've recently finished school, our article Just Graduated Esthetic School... Now What? shares practical tips for building your career.
The qualities of a successful esthetician
Technical skills are only part of the job.
The most successful estheticians are also:
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Passionate about skincare
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Excellent communicators
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Patient and compassionate
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Detail-oriented
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Professional and reliable
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Business-minded
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Committed to continuous learning
Clients don't just come to you for treatments—they come to you because they trust you.
That trust is what turns first-time appointments into lifelong clients.
Career outlook
The skincare industry continues to grow as more consumers seek non-invasive beauty treatments and preventative skincare.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for skincare specialists is projected to grow faster than average over the coming years.
For licensed estheticians, that means more opportunities than ever before—whether you dream of working in a luxury spa, specializing in waxing, joining a medical practice, educating other professionals, or building your own successful business.
Frequently asked questions
What is an esthetician?
An esthetician is a licensed skincare professional who performs non-invasive treatments to improve the health and appearance of the skin.
What does an esthetician do?
Estheticians perform facials, waxing, chemical peels, skin consultations, brow and lash services, and other cosmetic skincare treatments.
Can estheticians specialize in waxing?
Yes. Many estheticians choose to specialize in professional waxing because it offers recurring clients, consistent income, and strong career growth opportunities.
How long does it take to become an esthetician?
Depending on the state, esthetics programs typically require between 300 and 1,500 training hours before taking the licensing exam.
Should estheticians continue their education after becoming licensed?
Absolutely. Continuing education helps estheticians refine their skills, specialize in services like professional waxing, and grow their careers.
