Traveling Esthetician

Estheticians offer spa services such as facials.

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Estheticians offer skin care services such as anti-aging or therapeutic facials. They learn to cleanse the skin, apply masques, perform facial, hand, and upper-body massage, and apply waxing and laser treatments. Some estheticians specialize in makeup application or makeovers. Most states require estheticians to undergo training at a beauty school, junior college or other educational institution, then obtain a state license. If you decide to become an esthetician, you’ll also need to continue your studies with continuing education courses each year to stay up-to-date with advances in your industry. Estheticians have several career choices in which they can use their skills.

Salons and Spas

Associated Skin Care Professionals, or ASCP, reports that 71 percent of estheticians work at least part of the time in beauty salons or spas. In salons and spas, you’ll either work for an hourly wage plus tips, or you’ll rent space in the salon and spa and operate as a self-employed private practitioner. Spa and salon jobs offer flexible hours and the chance to develop relationships with regular customers. These jobs also require you to spend a lot of time working on your feet, and if you’re self-employed, you’ll have to provide your own supplies and pay your own taxes.

Medical Spas and Doctors Offices

Medical spas differ from beauty spas in that they are operated under the direction of a medical professional, usually a doctor, and they offer more technical services, such as micro-dermabrasion and advanced laser treatments, as well as more traditional facials and waxing. The ASCP reports that 21 percent of estheticians work in medical spas and doctors offices. Some dermatologists and plastic surgeons employ estheticians to provide follow-up care and consultations for their patients. These types of jobs usually pay an hourly wage.