What Does an Esthetician Do?
An esthetician is a licensed skincare professional who specializes in improving and maintaining the health and appearance of a client’s skin. They perform a variety of treatments, including facials, chemical peels, exfoliation, and hair removal. Estheticians also evaluate skin conditions, recommend personalized skincare regimens, and provide guidance on products and treatments that support long-term skin health.
Estheticians work in salons, spas, dermatology offices, med spas, and wellness centers. Some specialize in advanced or medical-grade procedures, while others focus on relaxation and self-care services. Regardless of the setting, estheticians combine technical skill with a personalized approach to help clients look and feel their best.
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Esthetician Core Responsibilities
- Perform skincare treatments such as facials, extractions, microdermabrasion, and masks
- Assess skin conditions and recommend customized treatment plans
- Provide hair removal services, including waxing, sugaring, or threading
- Apply chemical peels, serums, and specialized products as needed
- Maintain cleanliness and sterilization of tools and treatment areas
- Educate clients on skincare routines, products, and aftercare
- Maintain detailed records of treatments and client preferences
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations
- Upsell retail products and book follow-up appointments
- Stay current with skincare trends, tools, and technologies
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in skincare techniques including exfoliation, cleansing, and extractions
- Knowledge of skin types, conditions, and contraindications
- Experience with tools like LED therapy, high-frequency machines, and dermaplaning blades
- Understanding of ingredients and skincare product formulations
Soft skills
- Strong interpersonal and client relationship-building skills
- Active listening and ability to make clients feel comfortable
- Attention to detail in treatments and cleanliness
- Sales and product recommendation skills
- Time management in scheduling and service delivery
Education
- Completion of an accredited esthetics or cosmetology program
Certifications
- State-issued esthetician license (required in all U.S. states)
- Additional certifications in microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser treatments may be preferred for advanced roles
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in medical or dermatological environments
- Familiarity with booking software or CRM tools for client management
- Bilingual skills to serve a diverse clientele
- Advanced training in holistic or Ayurvedic skincare practices
National Average Salary
Esthetician salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Esthetician is:
$40,804
Sample Job Description Templates for Estheticians
Junior Esthetician
Position Overview
The junior esthetician is an entry-level, licensed skincare professional who assists with treatments and client consultations while continuing to build hands-on experience. Working under the supervision of senior staff, this role is ideal for recent graduates looking to grow their confidence and refine technical skills in a supportive environment.
Responsibilities
- Support senior estheticians during treatments and client sessions
- Perform basic skincare services such as facials, exfoliation, and extractions
- Sanitize tools, restock treatment rooms, and maintain a clean workspace
- Greet clients, assist with intake forms, and record treatment notes
- Learn and observe advanced techniques and product applications
- Recommend basic skincare products and educate clients on aftercare
- Follow all safety, hygiene, and licensing regulations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Foundational knowledge of skincare treatments and skin analysis
- Familiarity with esthetic tools such as steamers and LED devices
- Understanding of product ingredients and basic contraindications
- Ability to follow sanitation protocols and treatment guidelines
Soft skills
- Eagerness to learn and take direction
- Professional demeanor and client service orientation
- Attention to detail and organizational habits
- Positive attitude and teamwork
Education
- Completion of accredited esthetics program
Certifications
- Active state esthetician license (required)
Licensed Esthetician
Position Overview
A licensed esthetician delivers a wide range of skincare treatments to help clients maintain healthy, glowing skin. This role requires full competency in skincare services, product knowledge, and client interaction. Estheticians may work independently or as part of a salon, spa, or medical aesthetics team.
Responsibilities
- Perform custom facials, exfoliation treatments, extractions, and masks
- Analyze skin types and recommend appropriate services and skincare products
- Conduct hair removal treatments such as waxing or threading
- Maintain detailed client notes and progress records
- Promote retail products and advise on proper skincare routines
- Ensure all tools and workspaces are sanitized according to health regulations
- Attend trainings to stay current on skincare techniques and trends
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in facials, peels, hair removal, and skin consultations
- Experience using devices like high-frequency, ultrasonic, or LED machines
- Ability to assess skin conditions and create tailored care plans
- Knowledge of product ingredients and how they impact skin health
Soft skills
- Exceptional customer service and interpersonal communication
- Ability to explain services and educate clients on skincare
- Time management in a fast-paced service environment
- Professionalism and discretion in client care
Education
- Completion of accredited esthetics training program
Certifications
- Valid esthetician license in the practicing state
Senior Esthetician
Position Overview
The senior esthetician is a highly experienced professional responsible for delivering advanced treatments, mentoring junior staff, and building long-term client relationships. This role combines technical excellence with leadership and is often involved in product sales, training, or service development.
Responsibilities
- Perform advanced skincare treatments including chemical peels, dermaplaning, and microdermabrasion
- Lead client consultations and develop customized treatment plans
- Provide oversight and training for junior estheticians
- Maintain client records and track treatment progress
- Upsell services and products based on client needs and goals
- Ensure compliance with sanitation and safety standards
- Contribute to service menu updates and staff education
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in advanced skincare techniques and equipment
- Strong product knowledge and treatment customization
- Experience with skin conditions such as acne, aging, or sensitivity
- Sales proficiency in recommending home-care regimens
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentorship of less-experienced estheticians
- Strong consultation and client retention skills
- Confidence in handling client concerns or adverse reactions
- Business awareness and goal-setting abilities
Education
- Completion of accredited esthetics program
- Continuing education or advanced training preferred
Certifications
- Active esthetician license
- Additional certifications in peels, lasers, or dermaplaning preferred
Lead Esthetician
Position Overview
The lead esthetician oversees the esthetics department or team, balancing client services with staff leadership, training, and scheduling. This role ensures consistent service quality, compliance with regulations, and fosters a positive, high-performing team environment.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily operations and ensure treatment protocols are followed
- Perform advanced esthetic services for high-value or complex clients
- Mentor and train estheticians to maintain consistent service quality
- Oversee supply inventory, scheduling, and client flow
- Set service goals and contribute to revenue and retail sales targets
- Stay updated on new products, tools, and treatments to integrate into services
- Represent the esthetics department in team meetings or business planning
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of aesthetic techniques and service customization
- Team management and staff development experience
- Operational knowledge of scheduling and treatment planning
- Strong retail and sales skills
Soft skills
- Leadership and coaching abilities
- Conflict resolution and performance management
- Client-focused approach with business acumen
- Strong communication and decision-making skills
Education
- Accredited esthetics education with at least 3–5 years of experience
Certifications
- State esthetician license
- Certifications in advanced modalities (e.g., laser, microneedling, medical aesthetics) recommended