Is being an Esthetician as bad as everyone is making it sound?

I have a bachelors degree and for the past 5 years been working in an industry that I really hate. I've been looking into advanced degrees but skin therapy really appeals to me for a variety of reasons and I feel that I can finally achieve doing something I love. Once certified I either wanted to go into a medi-spa or work for a corporate skin care company

Im planning on starting a program at Dermalogica in a month and was extremely excited about this new endevour, but now I am starting to have doubts, especially after reading a number of forums on this site. However a lot of them are from quite a few months ago during the worst of the recession and I wondered if things have changed at all.

Am I wasting $10,000 becoming an esthitician? It sounds like everyone is out of work and underpaid. I make $32,000 a year now with full benefits, do I have any hope of making anywheres near that as an esthi? Am I better off taking that tuition money and sticking it in the bank? As much as a dream it is do to what you love....it makes it harder to love if you cannot support yourself.

Are spas flexible with hours? If I am unable to get a full time job as an esthi I would have to get some other 9-5 job and do facials, etc. during nights and weekends.

I really need any help or advice as this is a big change for me. I already get strange looks from people when I tell them i want to do Skin Therapy. They think it's for high school kids who aren't going to college and I always corrected them and told them all the possibilities it holds...now Im not so sure.

Thanks!

If this is your dream, you should pursue it!

People had the same reaction to me when I said I wanted to go be an esthetician. That was about 3 years ago. And now I'm a happy Skin Therapist. Read my blog and keep me posted on your progress. www.confessionsofanesthetician.com

You will love your new chosen career!

TraMi

No don't do it it's not worth it, if you can do something else go that route. At the salon they pay you 10$/Hr and at the doctor's 20$/Hr but they will only give you part time, do the research and see for yourself . No medical or payed vacations also. I am an esthetician for about 6 years now and I'm always broke :(((( And if you want to work in a different state you have to take the state board again!

If what mm, from North Arlington NJ, says is true then is she/he saying all estheticians are broke?

This is not true. There are thousands of successful estheticians out there who make over $75,000 a year if not 6 figures. Yes, there are some who only make $25,000 and some who are broke like mm. You have to decide how successful you want to be and pursue your dreams.

Good luck to you.

I wouldn't suggest becoming an esthetician. I graduated in 2003 and got my license and applied everywhere. Nobody wants to hire a newly licensed esthetician. It is very competitive out there. Spas pay you a commision per service. It sucks because you will never have a steady paycheck. You will never know how much money you will bring in that month. I aslo heard that most spas have slow seasons. They don't even pay or even offer you benefits. And yes, most spas will require you to work weekends.

Thanks for all your comments.
Although I must say I am still very confused. I get so many mixed messages. I guess it is just a risk that I have to decide whether to take or not.

Think about it. Everywhere I applied at all wanted EXPERIENCE. I also found that it is very competitive for jobs with the oversaturation of Estheticians. Just look at the job market in your area and see what they require. Also the economy is crap! Nobody hardly gets facials like they used to and spas in my area are closing because of it. That is what people cut out first. Estheticians make six figures?! Are you serious?! That maybe true if you are EXTREMELY luckly and get a good job that works with a wealthy clientele. Please Liesy28 read all the other forums about Esthetician. What they say is true! I felt like I wasted my time and money to become an Esthetician.

TraMi Skin Care in Santa Cruz, California said: If what mm, from North Arlington NJ, says is true then is she/he saying all estheticians are broke?

This is not true. There are thousands of successful estheticians out there who make over $75,000 a year if not 6 figures.

Thanks for your comment. I needed a good laugh.

You said that were thousands making over $75K net.

Name six.

This forum and comments are meant to be helpful not for the display of sarcasms.
To answer your question...simple, attend a Trade Show and you will meet thousands of successful estheticians.

It is not "helpful" to either not know what one is talking about, or to give out misinformation. Jeff has been in this industry for many years, and I have been this industry for ten.

The truth is that there are very FEW estheticians who make anywhere NEAR $75K per year. I know of two personally who meet this mark, but to be REAL, the truth is that most estheticians are struggling right now.

lpt

If you are not a self motivated entrepreneur you will not make money. If you pick and choose which services you are going to offer you will not make money. For example, if you're not good at waxing, don't do brazilians, don't keep up with the trends, you are less likely to make money. If you were trained poorly and your touch sucks, you wont make money. Be a specialist and business will follow you regardless of the economy.

Liesy - this is a challenging time to be an esthetician. If you do not have an entrepreneurial approach you will not meet your income goals....working for someone else at $10-20 per hour simply does not cut it, though it will be worth your while to be an employee while you "learn the ropes". Before you make your decision, do some self scrutiny - are you outgoing? Can you drive business and self promote? Can you retain clients? This is not a job for someone who wants to sit around and wait for someone else to bring the clients to them. Might have worked in 2006, but it certainly doesn't work now.

You might be able to find some public schooling that will let you study for considerably less than the $10,000 per year you are currently looking at. The truth is, the real education for most estys is something that happens after they graduate. Most schools only teach to the lowest common denominator ..... and it's only after you graduate that you learn how little you know.

EE

And, just one other thing - it's extremely unusual to find an esty job with benefits. Not impossible, just unusual....

I wonder if you could study without giving up your day job? If you decide to pursue your dream (with eyes wide open!) it might be good if you could maintain your income while doing so.

EE

Jeff B in Dallas, Texas said: Thanks for your comment. I needed a good laugh.

You said that were thousands making over $75K net.

Name six.

In my area, I know many Estheticians who make these figures, myself included. As the positive comments below from Estheticians who are not broke indicate, the difference is the motivation level. If you are a self started and are willing to work hard, you will do well.

Welp, congrats on going to Dermalogica! I attend a very well known esthi school in the city myself, and we went to IDI's student days. Very smart choice. My school is known for getting studentsgood jobs, but I know Dermalogica is extremely respected as well.

I agree with LPT, facelady and EE.
You not only need to be motivated but you must be innovative.

BTW the national average is around 30K.

If you are looking at salaried (to make 75K net) income you would have to gross at least over 85K and make $18.00 per hour working 80 hours a week, 52 weeks a year.

(Sorry about not making long comments. My hand was recently badly mauled breaking up a dog fight (between a douberman and a pit bull) and I still don't have full use of my hand and fingers.)

BTW I can name two esthys who have a 6 figure income. Christine Heathman and Rhonda Allison. However, their income is the result of them having their own company. Not from performing esthetic services.

I have been an aesthetician for over 8 years. I love what I do, and I have been extremely successful. I started in NYC in spa's, then to medical spa's, and now I work for one of the top plastic surgeon's in the country. As long as you have a passion for what you do, and continue your education in your field, you will be successful. it's all about your attitude and how good of a people person you are. the skills come with the experience and education. Love what you'll do, and you won't work a day in your life.....except the commute, ha! Good luck!

Thanks Ered for echoing my sentiments! Finally a positive person. I agree! Do what you love and the money will come.

I must, with respect for everyone's opinion take issue with the idea that being truthful is somehow not "positive". Of course there are exceptions to the rule, and I am speaking as one of those exceptions. I am doing VERY well in esthetics, and am so very thankful I get to do what I love.

The facts are neutral. Neither positive or negative. Fact is that in this economy it IS more difficult for estheticians to get full-time work, and/or work that pays really well. Very difficult. I call it being real.

lpt

" First Of All ".. It is sad when a particular career, such as becoming esthetician gets ( knocked ). I have over time read countless blogs on various career posting for teachers, nurses, acting, etc. There is and will always be what I call "Haters" or jealous people out there who don't have what Or all it takes to be in the beauty industry. As in many others. There is and will be people " On Top " of their game. Others are not. It also depended on location.. location. Some states have many.. huge resort/spas. Some states cater to the elite and wealthy. Some the stars. Someone for example who lives in Idaho is not going to land the jobs and pay that someone who lives in LA Or NYC will. Also.. Tra Mi Skin Care above.. "Look At Her Picture" She is absolutely gorgeous. The beauty industry wants beautiful people working on them period. This industry is about looking your best and that is bottom line. Its is true. Jeff B.. unless you as a man look like Brad Pitt Or close to it.. that is the reason your commenting like your are and reason for your ill success in this industry. Women who are beautiful will have it a lot easier and get more jobs. That is just the way the industry is and works. Also in CA the industry is hottier and the wealthy reside. IF you choose to not target these markets and the states that have this clientele you are limited. Most people in this line of work over time get botox and have face lifts of some kind to keep themselves looking fresh. I went for a job in a spray tanning shop. The woman was in her thirties.. very sloppy .. over weight and un attractive. Her face has acne all over it. Her hair was un kept, pulled back and greasy. I wanted to say .. "Hang It Up". However.. I bit my tongue. Beautiful people who want to stay beautiful want beautiful people to work on them. Period. Also.. why put others down about this field just because you can't make a living doing it, which there is reasons for? This is not fair to them. Period.

While you wait for a job to hire you.. cosmetic counters and make up boutiques in the mall always... are looking for help and people. They love that you have a license. Also.. I spoke to several women who with their license have expanded on service to add to their resume. Two women took those permanent eye lash classes. They are only doing the lashes because this is an extremely hot and sought after service. They do this from home. They make a killing a day because this service is time consuming and costly. You can be a make up artist or work for a company like Loreal or go to peoples house and do wedding making, facials and body wraps for bachelorette parties.. and proms. A friend of mine made a "Killing" in the Spring and Summer months on the weekends doing just that. You can contract yourselves out to Opera Houses and Theaters. By me that is huge. You can do a lot prior to waiting for a spa to hire you. This way.. your gaining experience. Also where I live the laser centers will hire and train you.. just as long as you work anywhere for one year and get some training. Sephora always hires as well and you can just air brush if you want. You can write your own ticket. You have to be a husstler and motivated. Some go back for massage and add that on your resume and that is another bridal weekend skill.. cha ching. Don't let the nay sayers and less thens in this field that have or are bombing out get you down. That is like asking an actor that can't get a job or many...how he or she likes their career. But.. ask Brad Pitt or Jennifer Anniston and you get a whole positive story and experience. Again.. if your not on top of your game.. looking Or striving to look perfect and obtaining the perfect body.. for get it.

starrfilled,

"is the reason your commenting like your are and reason for your ill success in this industry."

Interesting. I didn't know I had "ill success". What makes you think that I have had ill success?