Average starting salary

Ginger123 in Tempe, Arizona said: I'm a teacher and earn 43k after 7 years in the profession. Can soemone tell me what I'm looking at starting at during my first year in esthetics. I will be takig medical esthetics this June, and hope to be done by December. What are my job prospects? :)

You must be willing to work for less and your best bet is to rent a room. Look for upscale areas and prepare to make less for the first couple of years. This is a tough time for the esthetics business because of the economic state of the country. People simply can't afford luxury items and a facial is luxury. I am always seeing ads for waxing specialists. If you like waxing, it's a great place to start. If you don't, bite the bullet, rent a room and discount your services. If you're working for $20 per hour, at least, you're working.

Could some of you working as an esthetician tell about the physical demands of this line of work? I have had 3 cervical fusions, so I live with a lot of neck pain plus have less mobility in my neck. I've spent the last 12 years working as a sales rep doing lots of driving and really need to find a new field of work. I really have a passion for skin care and the beauty industry. I know I could not handle the demands of doing hair or massage therapy.

Missy in Georgetown, Kentucky said: Could some of you working as an esthetician tell about the physical demands of this line of work? I have had 3 cervical fusions, so I live with a lot of neck pain plus have less mobility in my neck. I've spent the last 12 years working as a sales rep doing lots of driving and really need to find a new field of work. I really have a passion for skin care and the beauty industry. I know I could not handle the demands of doing hair or massage therapy.

After thirty years has taken its toll on my neck. However, the real damage was to my hands. After specializing in acne and acne lesion extractions, I developed Carpal Tunnel in both hands to the point that I lost feeling in my finger tips and muscle spasams in my hands. I was not assured that I could hold the instruments any longer. This resulted in my having to retire from working on the public. I have now had two surgerys for my right hand and will be having surgery on my left in a few months. Feeling is coming back to my fingertips (my doctor says it will take at least a year). Plus I'm having to learn to write again. I can't even read my handwriting now. LOL

Ginger123 in Tempe, Arizona said: I'm a teacher and earn 43k after 7 years in the profession. Can soemone tell me what I'm looking at starting at during my first year in esthetics. I will be takig medical esthetics this June, and hope to be done by December. What are my job prospects? :)

The esthetics industry in Tampa is very very slow. A couple of things I've learned since getting into this business is that there really are very few, if any, esthetic *jobs* and the ones that do exist have dozens and dozens of applicants with experience. Every esthetic graduate should be prepared to *rent* a room and purchase basic esthetic equipment. A lot of dermatologists and plastic surgeons in this business are also hurting, so they want you to come into their practice with equipment and the ability and knowledge of how to market yourself. I've been in this business for four years - unless your school offers placement or a working internship, it's a very tough start. Best to work at least part-time until you find an opportunity.

Hi-
I live in Seattle and am currently in esthetics school. I am thinking about going into lashes and I realize it can take a significant amount of time to get really good at them. Does anyone know what an average monthly salary for a junior lash technician can be? How about a senior lash technician? I appreciate any info. Thanks!

Carie in East Chatham, New York said: I just got a second interview at a great spa. I have to give the owner a facial, being that I am right out of school, and they said they normally don't hire Estheticians right out of school, I'm nervous. Can anyone try and tell me the do's and don't of a second interview? It would be helpful since I really want this Job!

Breath and relax. Practice facials on a friend or relative before you go back on the second interview. Be confident and know what you are doing. You may have to go on numerous second facial interviews before you get your foot in the door. Don't get discouraged or give up. While you are waiting, I suggest you take some continuing education to refine your skills too. I hope you get a break and get that job. "Still Looking"

Sarah in Sacramento, California said: Barb, sorry to have to inform you of this, but no one is going to hire you 15 years from now, starting out, no clientele or experience. Thats the reality. Trying to start in this business at age 65+ is not what Spas are looking for, let alone having to train a 65 year old. They want young, experience, good looking role models to bring in clientele. If you were starting now as a side job and worked at it part time to get clients and then when your 65 want to just open your own place and handle clients that want to come to you fine, but a spa job or plastic surgeon, you will now get any jobs. This is a quazi glamour business and they are not recruiting 65 year olds to handle clients.

Excellent advise, I am already in those shoes at age 60 that's a hard fact to face. I shouldn't wonder why I haven't been hired... and is a good suggestion and is obviouse now to open my own or rent a place and handle clients that want to come to me. You are right, because I have been approached from friends and family with their skin concerns. Thanks for the reality check. I really love everyone's advice and expertise.

Sarah in Sacramento, California said: Barb, sorry to have to inform you of this, but no one is going to hire you 15 years from now, starting out, no clientele or experience. Thats the reality. Trying to start in this business at age 65+ is not what Spas are looking for, let alone having to train a 65 year old. They want young, experience, good looking role models to bring in clientele. If you were starting now as a side job and worked at it part time to get clients and then when your 65 want to just open your own place and handle clients that want to come to you fine, but a spa job or plastic surgeon, you will now get any jobs. This is a quazi glamour business and they are not recruiting 65 year olds to handle clients.

Hey Sarah, why don't you stifle some of that negativity your passing around? Gees!

Sarah in Sacramento, California said: I second your truthful comment! Seeing top estheticians making 150k per year is after years of building clientele and working ultimately working for yourself. We all had to start somewhere and work under other people for 10.00 per hour and no benefits to learn the ropes. Some people will never end up being "go getters" in this business and will end up working for other people all their lives. I would say if you ever get up to 20.00 per hour, in this business, working for others, you are topping out. Reality is, you are not going to make a good living being an Esthetician until years down the road and thats if you can break away and work for yourself and are booked everyday with top $$ services. I second your advice and say that if you have a job for 46k per 9 mos of work right now, keep it. In this economy it is even harder to get started being an esty, with people cutting back on services, even in the Dr's office. Even the medical jobs with a top Dr. are only offering 10 to 20 per hour, because they can offer that low right now in this economy and are taking advantage of it. There are 30 other Estheticians looking for that same medical job right now. Keep your job, and do the schooling for this on the side and build up a work clientelle part time so that you can transition over. I can not tell you how many times I had to keep one job as a place while I started another to get

Hi Sara,
I just move to VA fr Sacramento 2 years ago, so glad to see an esthetician fr my hometown. How is beauty biz in Sacto now? It was not good when I left Sacto. Over here, I have to go back to school for a Master Esthetician so that I can be able to do micro, ultrasonic, chemical peels, LED....just passed my practical with 96 and will take my theory on 2/7. After 12 years working in Sacto, I start everything all over again. Your comment is so truthful, contact me at estheticsbyconnie@yahoo.com to chat sometime.

Negativity? Re-read the comment. I am trying to be realistic and help this person with true information. I've been in the business for over 25 years, worked all over the world, taught, lectured, developed products and make well over 6 figures in this business, and you want to tell me to not give someone real help with this business. I believe I told her exactly what to do and how to proceed to be able to work in this field. I believe I was telling her exactly how it would be for someone over 50, just starting out, no experience and looking for the same jobs 20 to 30 year olds are looking for. Will someone else step in who has years of experience and are in the age group of 50's to 60's and tell this woman how the business goes. How about you Anne Martin, tell her the truth and give her some direction on starting out at her age. I believe the woman I wrote the reply to actually thanked me if I recall. Caddy in Seattle, go talk to Anne if you don't believe women with experience in this business.

As a skilled esthetician for 24 years, worked on commission first 8 yrs until I had my own successful small but beautiful salon for nearly 7 years. When my twins were age 3, another child 7, & husband worked nights dealing w/clients in Asia, my esty employee went for cancer treatment, I moved my biz to professional set-up in my home to gain valuable household time when there were 'gaps' in my treatment schedule. Loved my work but had to find a 'happy medium' then. Great for that stressful busy time, but that was 9 years ago; faithful clients retire,move,have many babies; priorities change (along w/economy). Unable to advertise or have website to create many new clients. The part-time situation came gradually & I was so busy w/active kids--a mistake for my biz, in hindsite! w/Groupons tempting clients away to a'great bargain'in bad economy, & med-spas on every corner offering high-tech laser treatments, I invested $$$$big bucks to get Laser-Certified at NLI in Scottsdale before making my move to go work for someone else. Upgraded my skills with laser & learned SO much. Very pleased with the training, but that was OVER a year ago! Its not that I'm getting "No's", I'm not even getting my foot in the door to talk to anyone at med-spas! 'Trained' on many lasers, learned as much as anyone could in 8 full days,sharing hands-on time w/only 5 other students. Still, can't say I'm 'experienced'. Thought my 20 yrs as esty would be valuable, espec since skin analysis important to determine laser settings. I'm skilled, fashionable, lively, not 'old & haggard' but not a young chick. Hoping that $$$$ wasn't wasted, but have decided to work in a BUSY salon doing the more traditional treatments I'm used to doing(which I love! and if busy, will be great!). Interview at a great salon in a few days. YES, I believe AGE IS a factor & med-spas want young beautiful technicians. Have you seen the girls who work there? Always BEAUTIFUL & YOUNG. I do love my work. And my clients.

Thanks for telling the truth of how it is right now. Seems a lot of people call this "negativity" and don't want to hear the truth. Better to get real truthful advice. If the economy was the way it was 10 years ago, anyone could make it in this business with a little business sense, savvy people skills and a cute place for people to come to, but not now.

I have been a stay-at-hom mom for almost 11 years and am seriously thinking of starting esthetician school but am a bit nervous after reading more negatives than positives regarding this career. I am not the bread-winner in my family, but I would like to supplement my husbands salary. I have two younger kids. Is this a decent career to have with younger kids? Once I graduate is it possible to start off working at a salon or spa during the day while they are at school or will I have to work mostly nights and weekends? Any input would be appreciated since I have to make a decision soon.

Finally done with ME exam, Yesssss.

MEG in Aurora, Illinois said: Once I graduate is it possible to start off working at a salon or spa during the day while they are at school or will I have to work mostly nights and weekends? Any input would be appreciated since I have to make a decision soon.

Meg - the busier times in a spa environment are mostly nights and weekends, i.e after work. However this doesn't mean that daytime hours aren't available because a lot of estys will choose to work the more lucrative and busier hours, leaving the less in demand times for others. Start checking around, and particularly look at some of the franchise operations (Massage Envy, European Wax Center etc.) While it is unlikely you would want to work for them forever, it's a good place to get a start, especially if you have constraints with your hours.

EE

EducatedEsthetician in California said: Meg - the busier times in a spa environment are mostly nights and weekends, i.e after work. However this doesn't mean that daytime hours aren't available because a lot of estys will choose to work the more lucrative and busier hours, leaving the less in demand times for others. Start checking around, and particularly look at some of the franchise operations (Massage Envy, European Wax Center etc.) While it is unlikely you would want to work for them forever, it's a good place to get a start, especially if you have constraints with your hours.

EE

Thank You EE for your input. I appreciate it!

Karen in Lewiston, Idaho said: Hi Ginger, and anyone else on here. I have read several of your comments and am a little perplexed at what everyone is saying about salaries and such for Aestheticians. I think it is the Best Profession because we are helping other people feel better about themselves. I've been in the business for 26 years and make an average of around $160,000.00 per year. One of my best months was $33,000.00 just for the month. Your income potential is up to you and how you conduct your business. There is nothing wrong with starting out working at a Spa, or Salon, for $10.00 per hour, so that you can see how things work, but there are other ways to "Boost" you into the spotlight, and Create your own Reality. The way you conduct yourself and your services you offer is going to determine who is comming to you, and how much you are in demand. I also consult with other Aestheticians at their practices, to improve and increase their businesses, and have worked in Europe and other places also, besides the US. Don't be discouraged, the $$ is endless, depending on what you want. The other thing about Paramedical Aesthetics is the Lazer operating rules are different for everystate. Most states allow the Aesthetician to use the Lazers in the Dr.'s office. They are now changing some of the laws, so that Aestheticians will be the ones to do these treatments, but in office nurses will not. They have to have their Aesthetician License. Anyone, feel free to contact me at: Jam858@hotmail.com with questions. Please use Subject: Aesthetics I can help on the lazer training questions also. Thanks Karen Fee

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Karen - I am beginning esthetics training in a few months in Colorado Springs, CO. I would like to chat with you regarding the profession and find out some of your best practices. Thanks.

Dee in Colorado Springs, Colorado said: Karen - I am beginning esthetics training in a few months in Colorado Springs, CO. I would like to chat with you regarding the profession and find out some of your best practices. Thanks.

My advice Dee, don't waste your money on this Esthetician course. Licensed Esthetician, CA -Ashley (2 yrs Licensed now)

Dee could you explain as to "why" esthetician courses are not recommended? I am in the process of signing up. You've been in it for two years now. What are your pros and cons?

I am considering getting my esthetician's license. I live in Pittsburgh, PA. I was a Hairdresser at a large salon quite a few years ago and I still keep my license renewed but I haven't done hair, other than my family, for quite a while. I became tired of it and really wanted a change. I then became an Admissions Rep. at various schools/colleges in the area which is all sales and it's a tough business & I am sick of it. I'm sick of bouncing from job to job. I would LOVE to work in a plastic surgeon's office, but mostly I am curious for any feedback about getting back into the beauty field and getting this license, income and anything else peeps. Thanks!!

Maccamare in Carnegie, Pennsylvania said: I am considering getting my esthetician's license. I live in Pittsburgh, PA. I was a Hairdresser at a large salon quite a few years ago and I still keep my license renewed but I haven't done hair, other than my family, for quite a while. I became tired of it and really wanted a change. I then became an Admissions Rep. at various schools/colleges in the area which is all sales and it's a tough business & I am sick of it. I'm sick of bouncing from job to job. I would LOVE to work in a plastic surgeon's office, but mostly I am curious for any feedback about getting back into the beauty field and getting this license, income and anything else peeps. Thanks!!

Eh don't waste your time. It's so hard to get into a plastic surgeons office those opportunities are rare. I have my esthetician, electrology and laser... I wish I knew better when I was younger. There's no stability in this field your income is made up of tips and commission. In this economy .."this is a luxury industry", people are cutting theses things out. I am determined to leave the field and pursue something medical. I won't allow this field to waste my time, ruin my neck, back, hands..etc. Especially without benefits. No health insurance, no PTO, no IRA , working every weekend, no vacation times.. at the most we can get 2 days off in a row. There's nothing this field can give you in the long term besides a bad back.

Sarah in Sacramento, California said: Negativity? Re-read the comment. I am trying to be realistic and help this person with true information. I've been in the business for over 25 years, worked all over the world, taught, lectured, developed products and make well over 6 figures in this business, and you want to tell me to not give someone real help with this business. I believe I told her exactly what to do and how to proceed to be able to work in this field. I believe I was telling her exactly how it would be for someone over 50, just starting out, no experience and looking for the same jobs 20 to 30 year olds are looking for. Will someone else step in who has years of experience and are in the age group of 50's to 60's and tell this woman how the business goes. How about you Anne Martin, tell her the truth and give her some direction on starting out at her age. I believe the woman I wrote the reply to actually thanked me if I recall. Caddy in Seattle, go talk to Anne if you don't believe women with experience in this business.

So true I am pretty young and I have heard people "the bosses" say that they want to display a young image. Beauty is associated with youth in this society so they hire young. That's why a lot of the time the front desk girls are all like college age, it's done on purpose.

Lynn L in Chandler, Arizona said: Stay tending bar - there's no money in the beauty business these days!

Some of you may think that we are jocking, but seriously consider another career this is not worth it at all!!!!Thank God my husband can support me, otherwise I will be homeless:-( Me personally I am going back to school for Nursing.

caddygirl in Seattle, Washington said: Hey Sarah, why don't you stifle some of that negativity your passing around? Gees!

Caddygirl? I think you live in lalaland is not negativity is "welcome to the real world baby"

Sarah in Sacramento, California said: Negativity? Re-read the comment. I am trying to be realistic and help this person with true information. I've been in the business for over 25 years, worked all over the world, taught, lectured, developed products and make well over 6 figures in this business, and you want to tell me to not give someone real help with this business. I believe I told her exactly what to do and how to proceed to be able to work in this field. I believe I was telling her exactly how it would be for someone over 50, just starting out, no experience and looking for the same jobs 20 to 30 year olds are looking for. Will someone else step in who has years of experience and are in the age group of 50's to 60's and tell this woman how the business goes. How about you Anne Martin, tell her the truth and give her some direction on starting out at her age. I believe the woman I wrote the reply to actually thanked me if I recall. Caddy in Seattle, go talk to Anne if you don't believe women with experience in this business.

I am with you 100%!!!Also in the top of the issues the practice or salon owner's wants you to be a marketing savvy, so they pressure you to make the most sales in skin care products that you can not matter of the patient real needs.It is really frustraiting!!!!

caddygirl in Seattle, Washington said: Hey Sarah, why don't you stifle some of that negativity your passing around? Gees!

I agree with you! she's so nasty! theres a difference between putting someone down and telling them the truth!

Medical Aesthetician in Dermatology in Tampa, Florida said: Caddygirl? I think you live in lalaland is not negativity is "welcome to the real world baby"

lalaland? VERY mature!