Trade Career Comparison

Which trade career fits you best?

Esthetician (Skincare Specialist)

Cleanse and beautify the skin through facials, body treatments, and hair removal. Analyze skin condition and recommend treatments and products.

$41,560/yr median

$27,160$77,330

Faster Than AvgModerateUnion: LowEntry: Moderate

Training Path

State-approved esthetician program (600-750 hours) + state licensure

Environment

Indoor

Outlook

Faster Than Avg (+7%)

BLS Code

39-5094

Pros

✓Growing demand with 7% projected job growth as skincare becomes a bigger part of mainstream wellness and self-care culture. More people are investing in professional skincare than ever before.
✓Relatively fast training — esthetician programs average about 600 hours (roughly 4-7 months full-time), making this one of the quicker licensed beauty career paths.
✓Multiple work environments and specializations — you can work in day spas, medical spas (med spas), dermatology offices, resorts, or open your own practice. Medical esthetics (lasers, chemical peels, microneedling) offers significantly higher earning potential.
✓Personally rewarding work — helping people with skin issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, or aging concerns directly improves their confidence and quality of life. The before-and-after results can be dramatic.
✓Good earning potential once established — while starting pay is modest, experienced estheticians in medical settings or with a strong client base can earn $50,000-$70,000+, especially with product sales commissions and tips.

Cons

✗Starting pay is low — the median hourly rate is around $20, and entry-level positions at chain spas or salons may pay close to minimum wage plus tips. It takes time and client-building to reach comfortable earnings.
✗The physical demands are more significant than people expect — you stand and lean over clients for extended periods, and performing extractions, microdermabrasion, and facial massage for hours puts strain on your hands, wrists, and back.
✗Benefits are often limited. Like other beauty professionals, many estheticians are independent contractors or part-time employees without employer-provided health insurance or retirement benefits.
✗Retail product sales pressure is common in many spa environments. Employers may set product sales targets, and some estheticians find the sales component uncomfortable or contrary to their desire to just focus on skin treatments.
✗State licensing requirements vary significantly, and your license may not transfer easily between states. If you move, you may need additional training hours or a new exam to practice.

What the Life Is Like

An esthetician's day revolves around facial and skin treatments. In a day spa, you might perform back-to-back facials, each lasting 50-90 minutes, with short breaks between to reset your treatment room, sanitize tools, and prepare for the next client. Treatments include cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, masks, serums, massage, and LED light therapy. In a medical spa or dermatology office, the work is more clinical — performing chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and pre- and post-procedure skincare under a physician's supervision.

Hours depend on your setting — spas and salons often require evening and weekend availability since those are peak booking times. Medical offices tend to follow more standard business hours. The pace can be relaxed or intense depending on the establishment. High-volume chain spas book clients tightly with minimal turnaround time. Boutique spas and medical practices tend to allow more time per client. The work culture in esthetics tends to be wellness-oriented, with an emphasis on creating calming environments.

The financial trajectory of an esthetician career depends heavily on your specialization and business model. Basic facial-only estheticians earn less than those trained in advanced modalities like chemical peels, microneedling, or laser treatments. Building a loyal client base is essential — your repeat clients are your bread and butter. Many estheticians supplement their service income with product recommendations and commissions. The most successful estheticians either specialize in medical esthetics (which requires additional training) or build their own practice with a strong personal brand and loyal following.

How to Get Started

Enroll in a state-approved esthetician program

Programs are available at cosmetology schools, community colleges, and dedicated esthetics schools. Requirements average about 600 hours of training but vary by state (from 260 hours in some states to 1,000+ in others). Curriculum covers skin anatomy, product chemistry, facial techniques, hair removal, makeup application, sanitation, and business practices. Tuition typically runs $3,000-$12,000.

Pass your state licensing exam

After completing your program, you take a state licensing exam that typically includes written and practical components. The written portion covers skin science, sanitation, safety, and product knowledge. The practical portion requires demonstrating facial techniques and procedures. Contact your state board of cosmetology for specific requirements and exam format.

Start building experience in a spa or salon

Your first position will likely be at a day spa, salon with esthetics services, or a chain spa like Massage Envy or Hand and Stone. These employers provide a steady stream of clients while you build your skills and confidence. Pay may be modest initially, but the experience and client relationships you develop are valuable. Look for employers who invest in continuing education.

Pursue advanced training and specializations

Basic esthetics gets your foot in the door, but specialization drives earnings up. Consider training in chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling, LED therapy, lash extensions, or dermaplaning. Medical esthetics (working in a dermatologist's office or med spa with lasers and advanced treatments) typically requires additional certification and offers significantly higher pay.

Build your client base and professional brand

Use Instagram and before-and-after photos to showcase your results. Encourage reviews on Google and Yelp. Consistency, genuine product recommendations (not pushy sales), and excellent results build the word-of-mouth referrals that sustain a career. Many estheticians build a personal brand around a skincare philosophy or specialty.

Consider independence or medical esthetics

As your career develops, decide whether to pursue booth or suite rental for independence, work in a medical setting for higher-acuity treatments and better pay, or open your own practice. Medical estheticians who work with laser equipment and advanced modalities can earn significantly more than spa estheticians. If you go independent, you will need business insurance, a strong marketing plan, and financial literacy around taxes and expenses.

Felony Record & Licensing

Varies by State

State licensing varies. Similar restrictions to cosmetology — check your state board before enrolling.

Check your state's licensing board before enrolling in a program. Rules vary significantly.

Training Funding & Support

Pell Grants Are Available Again

As of July 2023, the FAFSA no longer asks about drug convictions. The FAFSA Simplification Act restored Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students. If a past drug conviction kept you from financial aid before, you can apply again.

WIOA Workforce Funding

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds free job training, career counseling, and supportive services (transportation, work clothes, childcare) for people reentering the workforce. Contact your local American Job Center (careeronestop.org) to see what's available in your area.

Ban-the-Box & Fair Chance Hiring

Over 37 states and 150+ cities have "ban-the-box" or fair chance hiring laws that prevent employers from asking about criminal history on job applications. Many require waiting until after an interview or conditional job offer. These laws are expanding rapidly — check your state's specific rules.

Licensing laws vary by state and change frequently. This is general guidance, not legal advice. Always verify with your state's licensing board before enrolling in a training program.

Data last verified March 2026 · View sources

We verify our data against official sources. Verification dates show when we last checked — they do not guarantee the information is still current. Laws, rates, and thresholds can change at any time. Always confirm critical information at the official source or with a qualified professional.

National Employment Law Project (NELP) — Fair Chance Hiring

General trade accessibility levels for people with felony convictions — categorized as generally-accessible, varies-by-state, often-restricted, or highly-restricted

https://www.nelp.org/policy-issue/criminal-records-and-employment/

Verified March 2026

trade-schools.net — Jobs for Felons

Trade accessibility and reentry employment guidance for specific trades

https://www.trade-schools.net/articles/jobs-for-felons

Verified March 2026

Hire Felons — Reentry Employment Guide

Employer reentry hiring policies and trade accessibility for people with felony convictions

https://www.hirefelons.org/

Verified March 2026

ASE — About ASE Testing

ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification — no criminal history screening

https://www.ase.com/certification-series/

Verified March 2026

OSHA — Powered Industrial Trucks

OSHA forklift certification — employer-provided, no criminal history screening

https://www.osha.gov/powered-industrial-trucks

Verified March 2026

EPA — Section 608 Technician Certification

EPA Section 608 refrigerant certification — no criminal history screening

https://www.epa.gov/section608

Verified March 2026

Federal Student Aid — FAFSA Simplification Act

Pell Grant eligibility restored for people with drug convictions and incarcerated individuals, effective July 1, 2023; PELL_GRANT_RESTORED_DATE: "July 2023"

FAFSA Simplification Act, Pub. L. 117-103 (2021); 20 U.S.C. § 1070a

https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/fafsa-simplification

Verified March 2026

National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) — Ban the Box Legislation

Ban-the-box and fair chance hiring laws — 37+ states + DC + 150+ localities as of 2026; BAN_THE_BOX_STATE_COUNT: 37; BAN_THE_BOX_CITY_COUNT: 150

https://www.ncsl.org/labor-and-employment/ban-the-box-legislation

Verified March 2026

NELP — Ban the Box: U.S. Cities, Counties, and States

Fair chance hiring law coverage — 37+ states + DC + 150+ localities; BAN_THE_BOX_PRIVATE_EMPLOYER_STATES: ["California", "Illinois", "New Jersey", "Washington"]

https://www.nelp.org/publication/ban-the-box-fair-chance-hiring-state-and-local-guide/

Verified March 2026

U.S. Department of Labor — Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO)

WIOA Section 169 workforce funding for reentry — job training, career counseling, and supportive services

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, 29 U.S.C. § 3224; WIOA Sec. 169

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/reentry

Verified March 2026

Legal Information Institute — 18 U.S.C. § 922

18 U.S.C. § 922(g) — federal prohibition on felons possessing firearms, effectively barring law enforcement careers

18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/922

Verified March 2026