How Much Do Estheticians Make?

 Let me tell you a little secret: the love of the work doesn’t pay the bills! As entrepreneurs, we know that there are plenty of easy ways to waste time and energy for no payoff. Usually, you spend your early years as an esthetician working for someone else. 

I’m here to tell you that even though the average hourly wage for an esthetician is roughly $25, that doesn’t have to define your future. 

If you take control of your business, the sky’s the limit! Let’s dive into how much estheticians make, depending on a whole bunch of different factors.

Estheticians specialize in a number of services

I’d like to think that estheticians are worth more than the national average. Many services affect the most important part of most people’s daily lives: their faces. You’d think that people would be happy to pay more to support their beauty regimen, and that depends on a few factors. 

Generally, there’s a lack of respect for the industry outside our salon doors. People who haven’t experienced skilled care don’t see what we do as necessary. The explosion of “do-it-yourself” options makes it seem like you should! 

With many of our services, the chemicals and processes involved aren’t safe for home application. For these, customers are usually willing to pay for an experienced practitioner. In fact, the average salary for an injection specialist bumps into six figures!

Waxing & hair removal

Removing unwanted hair is a significant part of some beauty businesses. Whether through dermaplaning, sugaring, or waxing, our expertise keeps skin hair-free and smooth. Some states allow estheticians to practice laser hair removal as well. 

Done right, these services make life easier for our clients. More technical services usually require further education and licensing. And if we can pass that cost onto the consumer, it’s worth it.

Facials and skincare

The face is one of our body's most seen, yet weathered parts. It’s exposed to the elements and frequently picks up the dirt and grime around us. Your face can look dull, wrinkled, and uneven without proper care. 

Most of us have a solid skincare routine, but it’s usually not enough. Peels remove that keratinized layer and reveal the beauty beneath. They’re also ideal for treating some skin conditions you can’t address with home regimens alone. Chemical peels, though, are best applied in a salon or medical spa, not at home.

Facials and other skincare services help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also leave you with the dewy, glowing complexion everyone wants. 

Injectables

These fall into the “don’t try it at home” category due to the use of injected chemical compounds.

Excellent injectable services, in some states performed by doctors only, are worth paying a premium for. If done right, they can transform your face and melt away decades!

Other niche services

Estheticians also practice unique services depending on their area of specialization. If they’ve spent time developing skills like microblading or powder brows, hybrid eyebrow tinting, or LED light treatments, they may offer them. And some spas sell specialized skin care products to boost their bottom line. 

Depending on their specialty, these can significantly boost the esthetician’s average wage. 

Average esthetician income varies by location

The amount you can charge for your services varies depending on where you live. As a rule, if the cost of living where you practice is high, the market will bear a higher price. However, the same is true for low-cost areas.

What is the national average income for estheticians?

As we mentioned earlier, the average hourly wage for an esthetician is $25. This works out to $52,000 a year. That’s not that bad for an entry-level beauty professional. However, if you take out taxes and booth rental, things look decidedly different.

How much do estheticians make working at a studio?

Working at a studio, estheticians aren’t responsible for overhead costs. They are, however, paid less than the national average. This is because their employer takes out the costs and pays them less. Many studios employ non-skin care professionals to schedule and clean, all of which subtract from your bottom line. 

How much can estheticians make with their own business?

On average, estheticians who own their businesses make between $30k and $60k. But this isn’t a hard and fast rule. With the right direction and motivation, owner operators can make as much as they’re willing to work for! Six figures, even seven, are possible with the right approach. 

Raya helps estheticians become 6-Figure Beauty Bosses!

We started out just like you. Fresh out of esthetician school, looking for our first job. And just like you, we were frustrated with what was out there. But, with determination and the right strategy, we found a winning formula. Together we can break the mold of what estheticians make. 

With 6-Figure Beauty Bosses, we’re offering you access to our templates for success! Check out our website and get in on the best-kept secret in beauty.