6 Careers You Can Have As An Esthetician

Medspa Institute of America is dedicated to educating and inspiring students to achieve success and prepare students for employment in the esthetics industry. Our teachers have extensive experience working in a variety of settings, including dermatology offices, plastic surgeon clinics, spas, and medspas.

Our goal is to provide you with support as you pursue your dreams and give you the tools you need to be a successful licensed esthetician. When joining our 600-hour esthetician course, you can learn with professional equipment and be included in a professional network to help you grow in your field. 

If you’re interested in becoming an esthetician, you might be thinking, “What career paths are available for estheticians?” Luckily, many career opportunities can suit your interests. To help you make a more informed decision, we’re going to share six career paths that estheticians can follow. 

Career 1: Skincare Specialist at a Spa or Salon

A skincare specialist provides treatment to improve the appearance and health of a client’s skin. Skincare specialists typically provide an array of services including facials, full-body treatments, and more. 

Skincare specialists typically work in salons, beauty and health spas, and occasionally medical offices. Moreover, skincare specialists often work as part of a team, which can be a rewarding experience as you work with a team of passionate professionals to deliver an excellent customer experience.

Career 2: Medical Esthetician

A medical esthetician is a licensed skin care specialist who works in a medical setting to help patients improve their appearance. Medical estheticians essentially work with people to address different cosmetological and dermatological issues. 

Most medical estheticians work with dermatologists or in a medical spa setting. A medical esthetician will assess the client’s skin care needs, recommend treatments and products, and perform a variety of procedures based on skincare needs.

One benefit of working as a medical esthetician is that you will be licensed to provide advanced treatments, such as laser treatments, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. 

To enhance career opportunities, medical estheticians can obtain additional certifications or training. For instance, many estheticians get certified in specific areas, such as laser hair removal, permanent makeup, and manual lymphatic drainage. Depending on your passion, you can obtain a certificate to offer your clients service in that area.

Being a medical esthetician can be a rewarding career as estheticians can help clients with serious skin conditions. This not only helps to boost your clients’ confidence but helps them lead an improved quality of life.

Career 3: Makeup Artist

Estheticians are great candidates for a makeup artist career because they learn about makeup application as part of their esthetics education. Makeup artists can specialize in one or more industries, including weddings, film, and television.

One of the best things about working as a makeup artist is that there are many opportunities to branch out. You can become a freelance makeup artist where you market your services and develop a positive reputation for special occasions. You can also position yourself to work with cosmetic brands or consider joining a salon or spa.

As a makeup artist, you can build a solid client base and reputation by promoting your work on social media and developing a professional portfolio for others to view your work.

Career 4: Spa or Salon Owner

As an esthetician, you might be interested in going the entrepreneur route. You can open a spa or salon and offer your services to your target clientele. As a business owner, you’ll have the opportunity to choose the clients you want to work with and have the freedom to create a tailored schedule that fits your lifestyle.

If you choose an entrepreneurial path, you will need to understand how to run a successful business. You’ll also need strong leadership skills and learn how to market your business to attract a steady flow of clients and develop a long-term sustainable business.

Career 5: Esthetics Educator

An esthetician educator teaches students about skincare, makeup, waxing, and other beauty services. There are a variety of settings that esthetics educators can work in, including salons, community colleges, and vocational schools.

After working in the esthetics industry, you can complete an esthetic instructor program to take your career to the next level. When completing the program, you will work alongside a licensed esthetics instructor where you can learn and practice teaching classes.

In addition to enrolling in a program, you’ll also need to hold an esthetician or cosmetology license. Moreover, estheticians need specific training on topics, such as hygiene, sanitation, and facial treatments. Lastly, it is required to pass a state board exam to become licensed to teach.

Esthetics educators can also become independent instructors and offer workshops or masterclasses. This career path is rewarding as you get the opportunity to teach, mentor students, and prepare them for a successful career in esthetics.

Career 6: Beauty Product Specialist or Consultant

As you evolve in your career as an esthetician, you will be able to take on additional roles, such as a beauty product specialist or consultant. For instance, you can use your experience and expertise to create beauty products for the cosmetic industry. 

Another option is to become a consultant for skincare and cosmetics brands. Or, consider selling beauty products and services to consumers.

Estheticians can explore opportunities to work with top beauty brands in product innovation or as a brand ambassador. Estheticians bring excellent experience to product specialist, sales, and consulting roles thanks to their extensive product knowledge and skincare expertise.

As an expert in the field, you’ll have the opportunity to travel and network with industry professionals to continue growing in your field.

Choose the Best Path to Expand Your Esthetician Career

There are many opportunities for estheticians to explore their interests and expand their careers. Estheticians have many options when it comes to their careers. Estheticians can consider paths, such as medical estheticians, makeup artists, educators, and more.

Before choosing a path, take some time to explore your career interests and goals. Interested in pursuing one of these careers? Learn more about the esthetics program at Medspa Institute and start your journey today!