Aesthetician: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Specialized training in aesthetic skincare and advanced dermatological treatments prepares professionals to deliver high-level cosmetic and medical-grade skin care services. This program equips individuals with the clinical expertise and technical proficiency needed to excel in both medical and wellness environments, including dermatology clinics, plastic surgery centers, and luxury spas.
- Advanced Anatomy and Physiology: In-depth study of the human body’s structural and functional systems, with a focus on the integumentary system and its interactions with other physiological processes.
- Skin Properties and Disorders: Comprehensive understanding of skin types, conditions, and pathologies, enabling accurate assessment and targeted treatment planning.
- Sanitation and Infection Control: Rigorous protocols for maintaining sterile environments and preventing cross-contamination in clinical and salon settings.
- Advanced Facial Treatments: Mastery of customized facial regimens using professional-grade products and technologies to improve skin health and appearance.
- Spa Body Treatments: Techniques for body exfoliation, hydration, and contouring, including wraps, scrubs, and specialized massage therapies.
- Advanced Extractions: Precision methods for safely removing comedones and impurities while minimizing trauma and scarring.
- Corrective Makeup: Application techniques to camouflage skin imperfections and enhance natural features, particularly useful in pre- and post-procedural care.
- Chemical Peels: Safe and effective use of acid-based solutions to resurface skin, reduce fine lines, and treat hyperpigmentation.
- Microdermabrasion: Non-invasive exfoliation using fine crystals or diamond tips to stimulate cell turnover and improve skin texture.
- Lymphatic Drainage and Advanced Massage Techniques: Therapeutic massage methods to reduce swelling, enhance circulation, and support recovery from cosmetic procedures.
- Pre- and Post-Operative Esthetic Skin Care: Specialized protocols to prepare patients for surgery and support healing afterward, often in collaboration with medical professionals.
- Client/Patient Evaluation and Care: Systematic approaches to assessing skin health, identifying concerns, and developing personalized treatment plans.
- Applicable Laws and Regulations: Knowledge of state and federal guidelines governing skincare practice, licensure, and patient safety.
- Business Practices: Core principles of client management, marketing, financial operations, and ethical conduct in aesthetic service environments.
Aesthetician Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Aesthetician Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Aesthetician degrees, including Skincare Specialists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 70,240 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skincare Specialists 39-5094 | $41,560 | $27,160 - $77,330 | 70,240 | $19.98 |
Salary Comparison
Aesthetician Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $26,360 in Kentucky to $73,500 in Maine—a 179% difference. The highest-paying states include Maine, Washington, and Vermont. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 70,240 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Aesthetician by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 52 institutions offering Aesthetician programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Aesthetician is found at Cortiva Institute (188 graduates), Bellus Academy, Poway (114 graduates), Acaydia School of Aesthetics (96 graduates), Boca Beauty Academy (94 graduates), and Cortiva Institute (85 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,882 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Aesthetician programs
How much can I earn with a Aesthetician degree?
Salaries for Aesthetician graduates vary by role and location. Skincare Specialists earn a median of $41,560 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Maine average $73,500 compared to $26,360 in Kentucky. Approximately 70,240 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Aesthetician programs?
Currently 53 accredited institutions offer Aesthetician degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Cortiva Institute (188 graduates), Bellus Academy, Poway (114 graduates), and Acaydia School of Aesthetics (96 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Aesthetician growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 169 in 2010 to 1,882 in 2023-24. This represents a 1,014% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Aesthetician degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Skincare Specialists. Related occupations employ approximately 70,240 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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