An esthetician training program teaches you hair, skin, and beauty services, preparing you for the state licensing exams required to practice. DegreeFlex can match you with accredited esthetician and cosmetology school options that fit your schedule.
An esthetician training program focuses specifically on skincare, facials, and body treatments, while a broader cosmetology school covers hair, skin, and nail services together. A state approved esthetician training program is required in every state, since licensure depends on graduating from an approved program before sitting for a licensing exam.
An esthetician training program prepares graduates for roles the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies as skincare specialists. This occupation earned a median annual wage of $41,560 as of 2024, with about 97,400 people employed nationwide. Employment is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 14,500 openings projected each year. Graduates of a broader cosmetology school program, classified by the BLS as barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists, earned a median annual wage of $35,420, with about 651,200 people employed and 5% projected growth over the same period.
A few of the accredited schools you could be matched with.
Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.
Don’t just go back to school — come back and move forward with Purdue Global, Purdue’s online university for working adults.
For decades, CU Online has helped students build rewarding careers. With personalized support from day one to graduation, you’ll stay on track to reach your goals.
Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.
Kaplan has offered specialized, flexible degree programs to students around the globe. Our mission is to empower a diverse student body for academic, personal, and professional success.
Don’t just go back to school — come back and move forward with Purdue Global, Purdue’s online university for working adults.
For decades, CU Online has helped students build rewarding careers. With personalized support from day one to graduation, you’ll stay on track to reach your goals.
Requires passing a state licensing exam to practice
Standing for long periods is common throughout the workday
Standing for long periods is common throughout the workday
Building a steady client base can take time when starting out
Students specifically interested in facials and skincare treatments
Students who want the broadest range of services and career flexibility
A specialized path working alongside dermatologists or in clinical settings
Program length varies by state, but many esthetician training programs can be completed in a few months to under a year, followed by a state licensing exam.
Every state requires graduating from a state approved esthetician training program before you can sit for the licensing exam, so confirming a program’s approval status is an essential first step.
It depends on your goals. Cosmetology school covers hair, skin, and nail services broadly, while an esthetician program focuses specifically on skincare and facial treatments.
Cost varies by state and program, and typically includes both program tuition and a separate state licensing exam fee. DegreeFlex can help you compare accredited program costs.
A medical esthetician training program builds on standard esthetics training with additional coursework focused on working alongside dermatologists or in clinical and medical spa settings.
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