Esthetician vs. Cosmetologist: Your Career Guide
If you’re interested in a career in the beauty industry, you’ve likely considered two popular paths: becoming an esthetician or a cosmetologist. Both professions focus on helping clients look and feel confident in their own skin but they differ in their training, skills, and approaches to client services. One focuses on the science of skin care while the other opens a broader landscape of beauty services.
Choosing between becoming an esthetician vs. cosmetologist depends on understanding the key differences. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a breakdown of what makes each path unique.
What’s the Difference Between an Esthetician and a Cosmetologist?
While estheticians and cosmetologists have some overlapping skills, there are critical differences between the roles.
Esthetician
Estheticians are specialists who focus exclusively on skin health and beauty. Their expertise can include:
- Facials and skin analysis
- Chemical peels and treatments
- Full-body treatments and waxing services
- Professional makeup application
Estheticians study skin science, from skin physiology to treatment technologies. They’re trained to analyze skin conditions and recommend personalized routines based on clients’ individual skin types, needs, and goals.
Cosmetologist
Cosmetologists are versatile beauty professionals trained in a range of services. Their skillset includes:
- Haircuts, coloring, and styling
- Nail care and design
- Professional makeup application
- Basic skin care
Cosmetologists have broad training in transforming a client’s aesthetics. This broader scope allows them to offer comprehensive beauty services under one license.
Scope of Practice
The key distinction between cosmetology vs. esthetician professionals lies in their day-to-day services. State licensing boards strictly define the services that each can perform.
Estheticians must complete specialized training and pass state board exams focused on skincare procedures, safety protocols, and sanitation standards. Their license permits them to perform specialized skincare services.
Cosmetologists complete training that covers multiple beauty disciplines. While they can perform basic skin care, their license also covers hair services, nail care, and makeup application.
Some states require additional certifications for advanced treatments in both fields.
Training and Education Requirements
Before you start either career, you’ll need proper training and licensing. Here’s what you should know about the difference between cosmetologist and esthetician programs.
Length of Programs
The journey to becoming a licensed esthetician vs. cosmetologist requires different time commitments:
- Esthetician programs typically take 6 to 9 months of full-time study to complete. They require between 600 and 900 hours of training, depending on state requirements.
- Cosmetology programs are more extensive and usually take 9 to 18 months of full-time study to complete. They require 1,000 to 2,100 hours of training, depending on state requirements.
Coursework and Skills Learned
Esthetician students focus on:
- Skin anatomy and conditions
- Product chemistry and ingredient science
- Advanced facial techniques
- Chemical peels and exfoliation
- Safety and sanitation protocols
- Client consultation skills
Cosmetology students focus on:
- Hair cutting, coloring, and styling for different hair types
- Chemical processing and treatments
- Nail health, manicure, and pedicure techniques
- Equipment sterilization and safety
- Scalp and hair analysis
- Advanced color theory and formulas
Licensing Requirements
Both career paths require professionals to pass state board examinations that include written and practical tests. Specific licensing requirements vary by state, but they typically include:
- Completion of state-approved program hours
- Graduation from a state-approved program
- Successful demonstration of practical skills and knowledge
Licensed estheticians and cosmetologists must also regularly renew their licenses to stay current.
Career Opportunities and Job Prospects
Common job settings for estheticians include:
- Medical spas and wellness centers
- Luxury day spas and resorts
- Dermatology and plastic surgery offices
- High-end skincare boutiques
- Cruise ships and destination resorts
- Self-employed practice
- Skincare product companies
Common job settings for cosmetologists include:
- Hair salons and barbershops
- Fashion and editorial work
- Film and television production
- Bridal services
- Cruise ships and resorts
- Product education and sales
- Self-employed business ownership
Salaries and Career Growth
The earning potential between licensed estheticians vs. cosmetologists is similar but it varies based on factors like location, experience, clientele, and whether you’re self-employed or work for someone else. Keep in mind that average salaries also depend on whether you work full or part time.
Average Salary for Estheticians
The median salary for skincare specialists, including estheticians, as of August 2025, is $19.98 per hour, which amounts to a yearly salary of $41,560 working 40 hours per week. Estheticians have opportunities to increase earnings through specialization and building a large client base.
Average Salary for Cosmetologists
The median salary for all hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists as of August 2025 is $17.03 per hour, which amounts to a yearly salary of $35,420 working 40 hours per week. Cosmetologists have opportunities for higher earnings through tips, commission, and business ownership.
Career Growth Opportunities
Both careers offer paths for advancement.
Estheticians can:
- Specialize in medical esthetics or advanced treatments (may require advanced training)
- Move into product development or sales
- Open their own business or clinic
- Become brand educators
- Work with dermatologists or plastic surgeons
Cosmetologists can:
- Become business owners or managers
- Work as platform artists or educators
- Develop their own product lines
- Transition to editorial or entertainment settings
- Become platform artists
Pros and Cons of Cosmetology vs. Esthetician Careers
Consider the advantages and challenges of each path.
Esthetician Pros and Cons
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Cosmetology Pros and Cons
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Can I Study Both Cosmetology and Esthetics?
Yes—many beauty professionals pursue dual licensing by studying both cosmetology and esthetics! Holding both licenses opens doors to increased earning potential, opportunities in more diverse settings, and a wider client base. Many professionals start with one license and add the other as their career progresses. This allows them to build experience and clientele along the way.
Which Career Is Right for You?
Between esthetician vs cosmetologist career paths, the best choice for you aligns with your interests and goals. Consider your answers to these five questions as you decide:
- Would you prefer focusing deeply on skin care or offering diverse beauty services?
- Are you more interested in medical-like settings or traditional salon environments?
- Which do you enjoy more: the science of self-care or the creativity of beauty?
- Would you rather master one specialty or maintain multiple skills?
- Are you more passionate about helping clients with specific concerns or creating new looks?
Esthetician vs. Cosmetologist Programs: Making Your Choice
Whether you choose to be an esthetician or a cosmetologist, both paths offer a way to help clients feel their best through tailored services. Your journey ahead depends on where your passion lies—in specialized skincare or versatile beauty services. If you’re ready to explore either path, your next steps involve looking for accredited programs.
The admissions team at Paul Mitchell Schools is here to help you start your beauty career journey. Learn more about our esthetics and cosmetology programs and find a school near you to explore your options.
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Skincare Specialists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/skincare-specialists.htm (visited November 12, 2025).
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