How Do I Get a Job as a Licensed Esthetician?

As job openings related to esthetics are predicted to grow up to 17% in the next few years, a career in skincare has become an exciting prospect. As new services and skincare treatments hit the market, both spa and at-home services are in high demand.

Estheticians are essentially skincare experts that provide a range of services relating to the overall health, appearance, and feel of our skin. They also specialize in anti-aging treatments and skin-healing therapeutics. As skincare science advances, estheticians have to learn how to use the latest in skincare technology. An esthetician will typically provide facials, chemical peels, waxes, skin conditioning and healing treatments, blemish extraction, microdermabrasion, and other skincare specialties. With all the ways you can treat and repair your skin, there are many areas of focus for estheticians.

Choose an Accredited Esthetician School

In order to enter the professional world of esthetics, it is expected that a prospective esthetician completes a training course at an accredited institution. Accreditation is important, as it ensures your program has been officially recognized and will get you the training hours you need to reach licensure. Esthetician courses are typically between 600-800 hours to complete and are often available at a full-time or part-time class schedule.

PJ’s College of Cosmetology offers an accredited esthetician course that is completed in 700-750 hours. This course gives students the experience they need to work full time at a spa or run their own skincare business.

Gain Your License

Licensure is an important step in becoming a fully recognized esthetician. This can vary between states but generally involves a state examination board (State Board of Cosmetology) that tests the applicants on both written and technical skills. There is a fee to take the exam. It is generally only available to those who completed a training program with an accredited institution and fulfilled the required hours.

Indiana License Requirements

• All applications must be accompanied by the $40.00 application fee.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicant must have completed tenth grade education or equivalent.
• 700 hours of esthetics education completed at an Indiana beauty culture school.
• Pass written examination through PSI.

Kentucky License Requirements

• 750 hours completed at an accredited school (out-of-state hours must be certified by the State Board or Official Licensing Agency).
• Applicant must have completed 12th grade education or equivalent.
• Pass written and practical examination.
• Payment of license and examination fees.

Establish Your Specialty and Join an Apprenticeship

During your time in an esthetician training program, it is a good idea to master all the techniques you are taught, but to keep in mind how you want to establish your career. Which branch of esthetics do you want to focus on? Do you want to work solo or with a network of estheticians? These are all important questions to ask yourself as you begin your esthetics journey.

Some skincare professionals will do a general range of services, while others choose to focus on one aspect (such as hair removal) and open a salon devoted to that service. As for the type of employment, some estheticians will choose to own their own business, while others work at an established salon, spa, resort, dermatologist’s office, or even on cruise ships or behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Those with an entrepreneurial spirit often enjoy building their own skincare or cosmetic brand.

As you are just beginning your career, it can be beneficial to join and apprenticeship or internship. Job shadowing and connecting with a mentor can help you learn the specifics of a job position and guide you on the day-to-day details of handling clients.

Use Your Esthetician License and Build Your Career

This is the moment where your hard work has paid off. Whichever route you have decided to go within the esthetics industry, there is an abundance of job prospects. All you have to do is trust in your training, abilities, and the skills you have practiced.

As you are starting out, networking, contacting salons and institutions directly, or browsing traditional job boards can all help you get to the interview stage. Additionally, in today’s market and connected world, it is wise to think of alternatives. Show off your skills online by making a website or online portfolio advertising your services. There is no limit to how you can reach new audiences and find new professional opportunities. Once you have landed that dream job or have built up your own salon, all you have to do is continue to demonstrate your expertise, build relationships with clients, and always look for ways to keep building your brand and client list.

If you have questions about how to start your esthetician career, PJ’s College can help. Our enrollment advisors are available to answer any career guidance questions and aid in the enrollment process. Fill out an information request or call 800-62-SALON (72566) to speak to an advisor today.