What does an Esthetician do?
Estheticians are typically employed at spas and salons, although some Estheticians work at a Dermatologist’s office to provide non-medical skin treatments and beautifying procedures to help clients feel better about their appearance or achieve a particular look. Estheticians use their knowledge of skin conditions to properly moisturize and exfoliate a client’s skin before applying carefully selected creams, gels and other treatments. Estheticians offer relaxation services like facial massage for clients who want to be pampered. They can use natural ingredients, chemicals and specialized machinery to accomplish treatments, give aftercare instructions and recommend products to their clients after a service.
Esthetician Skills and Qualifications
There are a few skills that will assist an esthetician in their role, including:
- Communication: Estheticians will recommend certain skincare treatments, products and procedures based on the needs of the customer. Strong communication skills are important to understand these needs. Nonverbal communication skills will assist the esthetician in understanding when the customer is uncomfortable during a treatment or service.
- Problem-solving: Customers will often turn to an esthetician to solve their skincare problems. Whether they are dealing with dry skin or facial hair, it is the role of the esthetician to find a solution to their problem.
- Time management: Estheticians often see multiple clients in one day and sticking to a schedule is important. The ability to organize and monitor time is necessary to meet customer needs, especially when dealing with strict time requirements.
- Sales: Sales skills can assist an esthetician in succeeding in their role. It is often the responsibility of both the health club and the esthetician to bring in additional customers for skincare services and sometimes to sell products as well.
Esthetician Salary Expectations
An esthetician can expect an average salary of $20.30 per hour. Some esthetician salaries will range between $7.25 – $55.62 per hour depending on geographical location, type of work environment, and level of experience. Estheticians who work in an upscale health club and have extensive experience in skincare services will often earn more than an entry-level esthetician who works in a small salon. Salons that are located in an area with a higher median average salary tend to have customers who are willing to pay more for skincare services. The number of estheticians in relation to the number of customers can also make a difference in pay amount. Additionally, the more skilled that an esthetician is at their service, the more their customers are willing to pay them.
Esthetician Training and Requirements
Most companies require an esthetician to complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program before working with customers. In this program, aspiring estheticians will receive course and clinical training in skincare techniques. Students are required to complete a certain number of field trainings, often under the supervision of a licensed esthetician. After the completion of the esthetician program, students are expected to study for and successfully pass an exam. Successful completion of the exam will lead to a state license. The specific requirements of clinical hours and required training will vary from state to state. Some estheticians will choose to continue education to increase the number of services that they are allowed to offer as an esthetician or cosmetologist.
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Job Description Samples for Similar Positions
If you are looking to fill a similar position, but not an esthetician, that you might find one of these job description samples to be useful: