According to industry data, the versatility in services offered by cosmetologists often translates to diverse income opportunities. According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a cosmetologist is $23.74 per hour in United States – around $8 more on average than an esthetician.
However, on average, an esthetician can expect to make between $40,000 and $60,000 annually. The average salary for cosmetologists can fall between $25,000 and $40,000 annually.
Overall, while both professions can be lucrative, estheticians often have the potential to earn slightly more, especially if they specialize in high-demand areas or upscale markets. However, individual earnings can vary widely based on personal circumstances and market conditions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for estheticians is $38,060. In contrast, cosmetologists earn a median income of $33,400 a year. The Bureau lists manicurists and pedicurists separately, but they have a similar median income of $31,130 per year.
The esthetician will perform numerous facials, body treatments, waxing of face and legs, and cosmetic applications. The cosmetologist will cut hair, shampoo & condition, style, apply hair treatment applications as well as perform facials, waxing of the face and legs and learn the basics of cosmetic applications.
For instance, while a cosmetologist in California may perform facials after completing the required hours during their cosmetology program, they would not be able to offer treatments like microdermabrasion or chemical peels unless they acquire additional esthetician certification.
A medical esthetician will provide advanced, medical-level skincare. They are trained to be familiar with chemistry, nutrition, pharmacology and advanced makeup techniques, working with chemical peels, exfoliants and other, more intensive treatments.
Although estheticians cannot give Botox injections, many alternatives to Botox can be provided by estheticians and fall within their scope of practice. You can choose one of these alternatives as a stand-alone option or get these treatments in conjunction with Botox to make the effects last longer.
To make $100,000 a year as an esthetician, take the time to calculate clear revenue goals and then align your service offerings accordingly. For example, you can focus on offering high-ticket treatments or packages, such as monthly memberships for popular services, to help you reel in a six-figure esthetician salary.
Estheticians and cosmetologists receive different licenses after undergoing specialized training. Estheticians are eligible to receive their licenses after approximately 600 hours of education. Comparatively, cosmetologists take about 1,500 hours of training courses.
However, I soon learned that many estheticians only last about three years in the career before moving on. Clients can be challenging, the workload is high, and the work itself takes a physical and emotional toll.
Cosmetology programs typically cover a wider range of skills but in less depth, while esthetics programs offer in-depth study of skincare and its related practices. Licensing and requirements: Both careers require professional licensing, which can involve different requirements depending on your state.
What kind of estheticians make the most money? Estheticians specializing in medical treatments, such as laser therapy or advanced skincare procedures, tend to earn the highest salaries.
To give Botox injections, you must be a physician, physician assistant, dentist, registered nurses or nurse practitioners, and other licensed healthcare practitioners. In most cases, the minimum degree requirement for most professionals is a four-year bachelor's degree in pre-medicine, biology, or related science.
In the U.S., no state allows estheticians to perform Botox treatments on their own. Your local state laws (or country) will significantly determine what an esthetician can do. They can perform medical procedures in some states, however, they are still not allowed to provide Botox injections.
Who can perform it? It is most often performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. In California, aestheticians cannot penetrate the skin and should not perform microneedling.
When it comes to making the most as an esthetician, the more services you specialize in, the better. Services such as eyelashes, microblading, and waxing can help your earnings significantly. It also helps to do research on trending services that are in demand, bringing in more business.
In California, cosmetologists are licensed for hair cutting, coloring, and styling as well as esthetics (skincare, makeup, facials, waxing, sugaring, brows, lashes, etc.)
When it comes to the best-selling esthetician services, it's hard to beat hair removal. Most methods require consistent appointments to maintain results, so it can be easy to fill your calendar with regular clients. Services like waxing have low overhead costs, meaning you'll take home more of each payment.
One of the biggest hurdles in cosmetology school is learning diverse skills. You'll cover everything from: Hair Techniques: Precision is crucial when learning intricate haircutting, advanced coloring techniques, or complex styling. Every small detail counts.
Cosmetologists provide a broad range of services to treat and beautify hair, nails, and skin. Many go on to become hairstylists, hair colorists, barbers, or makeup artists. While they can provide basic skin services, they do not offer advanced treatments like microdermabrasion or chemical peels.
According to Salary.com, the average salary of a cosmetologist in the United States is between $20,000 and $30,000 per year. This figure varies depending on education, certifications, skills, and experience. The average hourly pay for a cosmetologist is $15.35, with a range of $6.73 to $27.88.