Considering Esthetician Career

I answered a question for someone looking into a career change. I get asked about esthetician pay alot so here is my response.

Researching wages is so difficult. There are different pay systems such as hourly, hourly plus tips, fee for service, and a percentage of the service value. You will frequently find that only part time positions are available. Smaller spas may not offer any benefits. Vacation is not encouraged because when you are not there, they do not make any money. It takes time to build a clientele to the point that you are making steady money. As a new esthetician with no clientele, I made $10 an hour during the first 3 months of training. But over the next three years I was compensated very nicely. From my research, it looks as if the industry is continuing to grow and the salaries may be $50K before long.

Things to consider. You will work nights and weekends because that is when clients can come. You will work holidays. If the office closes for a holiday, you may be asked to make up the time during your regular week. You will stand on your feet countless hours. Your back and shoulders will hurt. You will spend a great deal of time waxing clients. You have to be able to do a brazilian, keep the client calm, be chatty to distract them, do a good job without appearing to be staring and get it done in the designated time, usually 30 minutes.

On the other hand, if you have a giving spirit, you have found a great opportunity. I have massaged the hands of women who could not uncurl their fingers, rubbed the shoulders of stressed out moms, given scalp massages to a new widow with small children. I have helped acne prone teenagers clear up their skin, I 've encouraged women to make time for themselves, I've listened and I've just been quiet, all depending on the need. So for me, those are my fringe benefits. I hope this helps.