What Can You Do with an Esthetician License? A Guide

An esthetician license is more than a credential. It’s a gateway to a career where science meets artistry, and you can help others look and feel their absolute best. This license can open doors to numerous opportunities. It allows you to work in various settings and make a real difference in people’s lives. 

It’s a versatile credential—but exactly what can you do with an esthetician license? From luxury spas to medical settings, here’s how an esthetician license can create numerous career pathways in the industry.

What Can You Do with an Esthetician License? 7 Potential Paths

The beauty of an esthetician license is its flexibility. It allows professionals to choose from many different roles, each with its own advantages. These are some of the most prominent paths you can take. 

1. Skincare Specialists

As a skincare specialist, you can be at the forefront of helping others achieve their best skin. 

What They Do: Provide various services to help improve skin health and appearance. This career also involves educating clients about proper skincare routines and making product recommendations based on their unique skin types and needs. 

In this role, estheticians generally perform: 

• Comprehensive skin analysis
• Facials and chemical peel treatments
• Microdermabrasion treatments
• Personalized treatments
• Tailored skincare regimens 

Skincare specialists often work in dermatology offices, skincare clinics, spas, or cosmetic stores.

*Services that licensed estheticians may perform vary by state law, license classification, and employer policies. Some advanced treatments and procedures may require additional certification, supervision, or separate licensure. Always check your state licensing regulations.

2. Facial Specialists

These experts focus exclusively on customized facial treatments that can rejuvenate and transform their clients’ skin. Facial specialists use advanced facial techniques and deep knowledge of skin anatomy to perform treatments for clients with varied needs. 

What They Do: Create tailored facial treatments based on individual skin types and concerns. They perform a range of treatments, such as: 

• Anti-aging facials
• Acne-clearing treatments
• Hydrating facials
• LED and oxygen therapies

Facial specialists generally work in spas, wellness centers, beauty salons, or facial studios.

3. Waxing Specialists

While many beauty enthusiasts are turning to at-home solutions, the demand for professional waxing services remains on the rise. This could potentially make waxing a lucrative endeavor for licensed estheticians—many professional estheticians find success by exclusively specializing in waxing services.

What They Do: Provide hair removal services for all areas of the body, requiring technical expertise, skin sensitivity knowledge, and a gentle touch. This includes:

• Full-body waxing
• Eyebrow waxing
• Facial hair removal

Waxing specialists typically work in salons, spas, waxing studios, or their own practices.

4. Makeup Artists

An esthetician license provides a solid foundation for a career in makeup artistry. Makeup artistry is an opportunity to express your creativity through customized looks that enhance clients’ natural features. 

What They Do: Apply makeup while incorporating proper skincare techniques. With a deep understanding of different skin types and conditions, professional estheticians are uniquely qualified to select and apply products suited to individual skin needs. This can include makeup looks for: 

• Special events
• Bridal and weddings
• Editorial and photo shoots
• Everyday glam

Licensed estheticians who specialize in makeup artistry typically work in salons, event venues, photo studios, or freelance. 

5. Spa Therapists

Working as a spa therapist is a path that allows you to combine relaxation treatments with skin health knowledge for a holistic wellness experience. Specializing in spa services can be rewarding for those who want to infuse their career with a therapeutic touch.

What They Do: Provide comprehensive spa treatments that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. This role involves creating a peaceful environment where clients can unwind while receiving high-quality skin and body care. Beyond rejuvenating facials, they might offer: 

• Body treatments
• Aromatherapy services
• Specialized massage services

Spa therapists often work in luxury spas, resorts, or wellness centers.

6. Eyelash Extensions and Brow Artists

These detail-oriented specialists enhance natural beauty through precise eye-area treatments. This role taps into an esthetician’s penchant for precision work and eye anatomy knowledge, while allowing professionals to exercise creativity with customized looks. 

What They Do: Create custom eye enhancements through various techniques. Their scope of work can include:

• Lash extensions
• Brow shaping
• Tinting services
• Microblading

Eyelash extension specialists and brow artists generally work in beauty spas, lash studios, salons, or in their own practices. 

7. Esthetics Instructors

As mentors and guides, these experienced professionals shape the next generation of skincare specialists.

What They Do: Educate aspiring estheticians in theory and practical applications. These educators bring a strong esthetics foundation with cultivated teaching ability, drawing on industry experience and current trend knowledge to teach and inspire current or aspiring professionals. Instructors specialize in: 

• Technical training
• Theory education
• Practical demonstrations
• Coaching in communication 
• Licensure exam preparation

Esthetics instructors find careers in beauty schools, esthetician schools, vocational centers, and various esthetics training programs.

Where Can Estheticians Work? An Overview

One of the most exciting aspects of being a licensed esthetician is the variety of workplace settings available. Estheticians are not limited to traditional salon environments. Instead, their skills are in demand across multiple industries and locations. 

Salons and Spas

Traditional beauty and wellness spaces remain licensed estheticians’ most popular workplace options. These environments offer stable clientele and the chance to work alongside other beauty professionals. 

This setting might be especially appealing if you’re interested in leadership positions. Many spas allow estheticians to advance their careers in management roles as they gain experience. 

Medical Settings

The medical esthetics field is ever-expanding. Many healthcare facilities now incorporate esthetic and cosmetic services into their practice. 

Working in medical settings allows you to collaborate with healthcare professionals while performing advanced treatments. Here, estheticians can often gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and treatments unavailable in other settings. 

Cruise Ships and Resorts

Luxury resorts and cruise ships offer unique opportunities to practice esthetics while exploring the world. These positions may offer benefits depending on employer, such as competitive pay, accommodations, and travel perks. 

Professional estheticians can work with an international clientele, offering a range of services catering to guests seeking relaxation during their vacation. 

Freelance or Mobile Estheticians

Many estheticians choose an entrepreneurial path. Taking on freelance work or offering mobile services offers flexibility when setting your own schedule, choosing your clients, and even specializing in certain services. 

This inherent flexibility extends to clients, too. Mobile estheticians typically build a successful business by bringing convenience to their clients and offering services in home or office settings. 

Product Sales and Educator Roles

Esthetician expertise makes you valuable to skincare and cosmetic companies. Many estheticians work as brand representatives, trainers, or product educators, sharing their knowledge with other professionals and consumers while representing prestigious beauty lines. 

These positions are ideal if you enjoy teaching and are passionate about guiding others. In this role, you can conduct workshops, demonstrations, and training sessions for industry peers in the beauty industry. 

Services You Might Offer as an Esthetician

What services can you perform with an esthetician license? Licensed estheticians can provide a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Custom facial treatments
• Chemical peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Professional hair removal services
• Makeup application and lessons
• Body treatments
• LED light therapy
• Eyelash extensions
• Microblading
• Skin analysis and consultation

Advanced certifications can expand your service menu to include more specialized treatments, potentially increasing your earning potential and client base.

Salary Expectations for Estheticians

Esthetician salaries can vary widely depending on your location, specialization, and experience level. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for all skincare specialists, including estheticians, at $41,560 per year. While entry-level positions provide a solid foundation, advancing your career through specialization or entrepreneurship could increase your earning potential. 

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 January 6, 2026).

Many successful estheticians combine multiple revenue streams, such as service fees or tips, product sales, and specialized treatments, to maximize their earning potential.

*Earnings for estheticians vary widely based on location, experience, services offered, employment setting, client base, and market demand. Employment or earnings are not guaranteed.

Benefits of Working as an Esthetician

The satisfaction of helping others feel confident in their skin is a major benefit of becoming a licensed esthetician. In addition, this career offers numerous advantages that make it an appealing professional path. Here’s why so many people find fulfillment as a licensed esthetician. 

Flexibility

Whether you choose to work full-time in a spa or create your own schedule as a freelancer, you can build your esthetician career in a way that fits your lifestyle. Many enjoy working whenever they’re able, allowing more control over their income and a better work-life balance. 

Job Satisfaction

When clients achieve their desired look, it can positively impact the well-being of both the client and the esthetician. Your immediate positive impact on someone’s life can create a deeply rewarding professional experience. 

Growth Potential

As an esthetician, you can continuously learn new techniques, acquire advanced skills, and explore many different specializations. This growth potential ensures your career remains exciting and challenging in ways that feel personally rewarding. 

Opportunities for Entrepreneurship

Many people dream of owning their own business, and an esthetician license makes this possible. Whether opening a spa, starting a mobile service, or creating your own product line, entrepreneurial opportunities abound in the field of esthetics. 

Get Your Esthetician License

Knowing what you can do with an esthetician license is only the beginning—now it’s time to turn your passion for beauty and skincare into a career. 

At Paul Mitchell Schools, we offer the training, hands-on experience, and industry knowledge you need to prepare for your licensing exam and head toward a  career path as a licensed esthetician. From day one of your esthetician program, you’ll learn from experienced professionals.

Ready to join the next generation of estheticians? Take the first step and find a school near you!

*Completion of an esthetics program prepares graduates to apply for state licensure where required. Licensure requirements vary by state.