What Jobs Can a Licensed Esthetician Have?

Do you love skincare, wellness, and helping others feel confident in their own skin? If so, you’ve probably considered a career in esthetics. But what exactly can you do with an esthetician license? The answer: a lot more than you might think!

Before we dive into the career options, let’s quickly clarify what sets estheticians apart. Unlike cosmetologists (who cover hair, nails, and basic skincare), licensed estheticians are specialists in skin health, focusing on treatments like facials, waxing, microdermabrasion, and makeup application. Estheticians are the go-to professionals for anyone wanting glowing, youthful skin.

So, where can those specialized skills take you? Here’s a look at some of the most popular career paths for licensed estheticians.

High-End Spa Professional

If you dream of working in a serene, luxurious environment, becoming a high-end spa employee could be your perfect match. High-end spas offer premium skincare treatments, attracting clients who expect exceptional service and transformative results.

Possible roles in a high-end spa include:

• Facial Specialist: Customize facials to address each client’s unique skin concerns.
• Waxing Expert: Provide professional waxing services with precision and care.
• Microdermabrasion or Chemical Peel Technician: Perform advanced skin-resurfacing treatments.
• Aromatherapy Specialist: Use essential oils to enhance relaxation and healing.
• Massage Therapist (with additional licensing): Combine skincare knowledge with massage techniques for total rejuvenation.

High-end spas also offer opportunities for advancement. As you build experience and a loyal clientele, you could progress into management, train new estheticians, or develop specialized treatment programs.

Why it can be rewarding:
You’ll work in a calming, upscale setting, provide transformative treatments, and help clients feel pampered and confident.

Medical Esthetician in a Dermatology or Plastic Surgery Office

Do you have a passion for skincare science and want to work in a clinical environment? Medical estheticians bridge the gap between beauty and healthcare, assisting dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and medical spas.

Please Note: In Illinois, there is no recognized medical esthetician license, and estheticians are not permitted to perform medical procedures with their esthetics license or receive official medical esthetics training. Any advanced treatments mentioned below would only be performed by licensed medical professionals or under their supervision, where allowed by law.

Responsibilities of a medical esthetician may include:

• Pre- and post-operative skincare treatments to aid healing.
• Performing advanced procedures like microneedling or laser treatments (with appropriate training and under physician supervision).
• Educating patients on at-home skincare routines.
• Assisting with cosmetic treatments, such as injectables or skin tightening devices.

Where you might work:

• Dermatology offices
• Plastic surgery centers
• Medical spas (med spas)

Why it can be rewarding:
You’ll help clients recover from procedures, manage skin conditions, and achieve long-term improvements in their skin’s health while collaborating with experienced medical professionals—though always within the scope of your license and under appropriate supervision.

Freelance Makeup Artist

Do you want a career that lets you express your creativity and set your own schedule? As a freelance makeup artist, you can work with a diverse range of clients and projects, including:

• Weddings and bridal parties
• Photoshoots for magazines, fashion brands, or influencers
• Film, television, and theater productions
• Special events like proms, galas, or corporate functions

Freelance makeup artists often have the flexibility to choose their hours, rates, and locations—whether that’s working out of a studio, traveling to clients, or collaborating on location with photographers and stylists.

Skills to thrive as a freelance artist:

• Mastery of color theory and face shapes
• Networking and marketing yourself
• Professionalism and punctuality
• Knowledge of skincare to prep clients’ skin before makeup

Why it can be rewarding:
No two days are the same! You can express your artistry, meet interesting people, and even travel the world if you build a strong reputation.

Spa or Salon Owner

Ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship? Owning your own spa or skincare salon can be the ultimate way to combine your esthetic expertise with business acumen. As a spa owner, you’ll have the freedom to:

• Curate services you’re passionate about
• Design a unique client experience
• Build and lead a team of talented estheticians and staff
• Make strategic decisions to grow your business
• Stay on top of industry trends and introduce innovative treatments

Key traits for success as a spa owner:

• Leadership and communication skills
• Business and marketing knowledge
• Financial management
• Commitment to continuing education

Why it can be rewarding:
You can shape your own vision, build your brand, and create a legacy in the beauty industry.

Beauty Product Sales and Education

Do you love sharing your favorite skincare products with others? Licensed estheticians are highly valued in beauty sales and education roles, thanks to their expert knowledge of skin and product ingredients.

Career options in product sales and education include:

• Beauty Brand Representative: Work for skincare or cosmetic companies, demonstrating products to estheticians, salon owners, or retail stores.
• Sales Consultant: Travel to salons, spas, and beauty schools to sell professional-grade skincare lines.
• Product Educator or Trainer: Teach other beauty professionals how to use and sell new products effectively.

Why it can be rewarding:
If you’re outgoing and passionate about skincare, you can help professionals and consumers discover products that truly work, while often earning commission and bonuses.

Esthetics Instructor

Once you’ve gained experience in the field, you might feel called to give back by teaching the next generation of estheticians. As an esthetics instructor, you’ll train students in:

• Skincare theory
• Practical techniques
• Sanitation and safety
• Professionalism and client communication

You’ll also help students build confidence, develop their own style, and prepare for their state licensing exams.

Important: Becoming an esthetics instructor requires additional licensing beyond your esthetics license. You’ll need to complete a state-approved instructor training program and meet other requirements set by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Learn more about our Esthetics Instructor Program here.

Where you might teach:

• Beauty schools (like Hair Professionals Career College!)
• Advanced esthetics workshops
• Continuing education seminars

Why it can be rewarding:
Inspiring future estheticians can be one of the most fulfilling ways to leave your mark on the industry.

Eyelash and Brow Specialist

Brows and lashes are booming in the beauty world, and many estheticians choose to specialize in services like:

• Eyelash extensions
• Lash lifts and tints
• Brow shaping and lamination
• Brow tinting and microblading (with additional training)

As a lash and brow specialist, you can work in salons, spas, or even start your own studio focused exclusively on eye-enhancing services.

Why it can be rewarding:
You’ll help clients instantly transform their appearance and boost their confidence—plus, it’s a service area with high demand and great earning potential.

Resort or Cruise Ship Esthetician

Craving adventure? Resorts and cruise ships offer estheticians opportunities to work in beautiful, often exotic locations while providing luxurious treatments to travelers.

What you might do as a resort or cruise ship esthetician:

• Offer facials, body treatments, and waxing services
• Recommend skincare routines to international clientele
• Experience new cultures and destinations during your downtime

Why it can be rewarding:
You’ll see the world, meet clients from all walks of life, and gain unique professional and personal experiences.

Beauty Blogger, Influencer, or Content Creator

With today’s digital landscape, estheticians who love writing, video, or social media can build a thriving personal brand online by:

• Reviewing skincare products
• Sharing tutorials and skincare tips
• Educating audiences about skin health
• Collaborating with brands on sponsored content

While it can take time to build a following, successful beauty influencers can earn income through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or launching their own product lines.

Why it can be rewarding:
You can combine your skincare knowledge with your passion for content creation, and potentially reach thousands or even millions of people.

Why Choose Hair Professionals Career College?

At Hair Professionals Career College, we believe esthetics is more than just a job—it’s a calling. Our esthetics program can equip students with the hands-on skills, theoretical knowledge, and business training they need to succeed. We offer:

• Small class sizes for personalized attention
• Experienced instructors who are passionate about your success
• Modern facilities with industry-standard equipment
• Job placement assistance to help launch your career
• A supportive, encouraging community

Start Your Esthetics Journey!

If these career options sound exciting to you, the first step is the right education. At Hair Professionals Career College, our esthetics program can prepare you for licensure and set you on the path to a career in skincare. Whether your dream is to own a spa, travel the world as a freelance artist, or make a difference in medical esthetics, we’re here to help you achieve it.

Ready to start? Contact us today to learn more about our esthetics program, request a tour, or schedule a meeting with an admissions representative. Your future in skincare begins now!