Aesthetician Career Info

Duties and Responsibilities of an Aesthetician

Aestheticians work in places like beauty salons, spas and department stores. Medical aestheticians work for healthcare providers, such as dermatologists and plastic surgeons. The specific job duties of aestheticians vary, depending on where they work. Aestheticians who work in beauty salons may do facials and waxing. Medical aestheticians who work in dermatologists' offices may perform procedures, such as exfoliation and chemical peels. This is a field that open to both men and women. These job postings from Monster.com show some typical job duties:

• 'Will provide preventative care of the skin and administer treatments to keep skin healthy and attractive. Will perform facials, microderm, peels, hair removal and laser vein treatments.'-Company Confidential
• 'Perform skincare services for patients under physician's supervision. Consult with patient with regarding skin care and products and services available. Also, serve as liaison during pre- and post-op phases of patient treatment to help in communication and in the patient's understanding of outcomes.' -Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Job Requirements

Aestheticians must complete a training program in skincare at a school that is regulated by the state's board of cosmetology. All states require that aestheticians be licensed. Licensing requirements for aestheticians differ by state. Medical aestheticians often take college-level science courses and have experience working in a medical setting. The following postings from CareerBuilder.com show some real life job requirements:

• 'Must have excellent interpersonal skills. Must have knowledge and experience with skin care, microdermabrasion, facials, light chemical peels and basic services such as waxing.' - Beachwood Plastic Surgery
• 'Graduate of appropriate medical/vocational or aesthetician program; currently CPR certified; licensed according to state requirements. Advanced chemical peel, microderm and retail experience.'-Leavitt Management Group

Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.com, in May 2006, the median hourly wage for skin care workers, which include aestheticians, was $12.58, and the median annual salary was $26,170. Medical aestheticians often earn higher salaries. Job opportunities should grow about 14% between 2006 and 2016, which is faster-than-average. Growth is due to aging baby boomers who are looking to hold back the ravages of time. Unfortunately, there will always be a need for medical aestheticians to help burn and cancer patients. Advancement usually comes as aestheticians gain experience and develop a clientele. Some aestheticians advance by becoming sales managers or examiners for state licensing boards.