10 Careers You Can Have as an Esthetician

Choosing a career in esthetics opens up a world of opportunities. At Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture, we know many students enroll because they’re passionate about skincare, beauty, and helping people feel confident. But once you start your training, you’ll quickly discover that becoming an esthetician can lead to many different career paths. Whether you dream of working in a luxury spa or owning your own business, the beauty industry has a place for you.

In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the wide range of careers you can pursue as an esthetician, what each path looks like, and how your education can prepare you for success.

What Is an Esthetician?

Before we jump into the career options, let’s start with the basics. An esthetician is a licensed skincare professional who focuses on the health and appearance of the skin. Estheticians provide services like facials, hair removal, makeup application, chemical peels, and other treatments that improve skin health and beauty.

Why Choose an Esthetics Career?

If you’re drawn to skincare and beauty, esthetics can offer:

• Flexibility: You can work in a spa, salon, clinic, resort, or even start your own business.
• Creativity: Every client’s skin is unique, which means every treatment is tailored.
• Rewarding Work: Helping clients feel confident in their own skin can be incredibly fulfilling.
• Growth Opportunities: The beauty industry continues to expand, with medical esthetics and wellness services becoming more popular than ever.

With that in mind, let’s explore the many different career opportunities available to estheticians.

Career Path #1: Spa Esthetician

One of the most common paths for estheticians is working in a spa. As a spa esthetician, your days may include:

• Performing facials and skin treatments
• Applying masks and exfoliants
• Offering relaxation techniques like facial massage
• Providing body treatments such as wraps or scrubs

Why this path is appealing:
Spa work often provides a peaceful, wellness-focused environment. You’ll help clients unwind, de-stress, and improve their skin’s appearance, making it an ideal choice if you enjoy a calming work setting.

Career Path #2: Salon Esthetician

Many salons also offer skincare services in addition to hair and nail treatments. Salon estheticians often provide:

• Waxing and hair removal services
• Makeup application (for weddings, proms, special events)
• Express facials and quick skin treatments

Why this path is appealing:
If you thrive in a fast-paced, social environment and love working with a variety of beauty professionals, salons offer great opportunities. You may also have chances to cross-promote services with hairstylists and nail technicians.

Career Path #3: Makeup Artist

Makeup artistry can be one of the most creative careers for estheticians. With your knowledge of skin health and color theory, you could work in:

• Fashion and editorial makeup
• Bridal and event makeup
• Film, theater, or television production
• Cosmetics retail and brand representation

Why this path is appealing:
Makeup artistry allows you to express your creativity while helping clients look and feel their best for special occasions. Your esthetics background gives you an edge in understanding skin preparation and product compatibility.

Career Path #4: Lash and Brow Specialist

The demand for lash extensions, lifts, and brow shaping has skyrocketed. Many estheticians specialize in this niche area, offering:

• Lash extensions and refills
• Brow lamination and tinting
• Precision waxing and shaping

Why this path is appealing:
It can be a high-demand, high-profit area of beauty services. If you enjoy detail-oriented work and instant transformation results, this specialty could be your calling.

Career Path #5: Waxing Specialist

Some estheticians choose to focus solely on hair removal. Waxing specialists may work in dedicated waxing studios or salons, offering:

• Full-body waxing
• Bikini and Brazilian waxing
• Eyebrow and facial waxing

Why this path is appealing:
Waxing specialists can build loyal client bases who return regularly. The repetition also allows you to refine your speed and technique, making your services highly sought-after.

Career Path #6: Resort or Cruise Ship Esthetician

Estheticians are in demand in luxury travel and hospitality. Resorts and cruise ships often employ skincare professionals to provide relaxing services to guests.

Why this path is appealing:
You’ll combine your love for beauty with travel opportunities. It’s a chance to meet new people from around the world while working in beautiful destinations.

Career Path #7: Brand Representative or Sales Consultant

Beauty and skincare brands often hire licensed estheticians to represent their products. This role may involve:

• Educating clients or salons about new products
• Demonstrating treatments at trade shows or events
• Training other professionals on product lines

Why this path is appealing:
You’ll blend skincare knowledge with business and sales. It’s perfect for estheticians who love networking, marketing, and promoting products they believe in.

Career Path #8: Entrepreneur and Spa Owner

Many estheticians dream of running their own business. Whether you open a spa, rent a booth in a salon, or create your own skincare line, entrepreneurship is a popular path.

Why this path is appealing:
You set your own schedule, choose your services, and build your brand. While it takes dedication and business knowledge, the rewards of being your own boss are limitless.

Career Path #9: Wellness and Holistic Esthetics

Some estheticians focus on holistic skincare and wellness, combining treatments with relaxation and overall health. This may include:

• Natural skincare products and treatment
• Aromatherapy
• Stress-relieving facials and massage techniques

Why this path is appealing:
If you’re passionate about natural beauty and whole-body wellness, this path allows you to integrate health and skincare in a meaningful way.

Career Path #10: Advanced Esthetics

With additional certifications and training, estheticians can expand their services into advanced esthetics, offering treatments like:

• Microneedling
• Radiofrequency skin tightening
• LED light therapy

Why this path is appealing:
Advanced esthetics blends cutting-edge technology with beauty, allowing you to offer results-driven treatments that clients love.

Skills That Can Make You a Successful Esthetician

No matter which path you choose, certain skills can help you succeed as an esthetician:

• Communication: Listening to clients’ needs and explaining treatments clearly.
• Customer Service: Making clients feel comfortable and valued.
• Attention to Detail: Precision matters in skincare and makeup application.
• Business Savvy: Especially important if you want to work independently or own a spa.
• Passion for Learning: The beauty industry is always evolving, so staying updated is key.

How Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture Can Prepare You

At Rudae’s, we’re passionate about helping students find their place in the beauty industry. Our esthetics program provides:

• Hands-on training in facials, waxing, makeup, and more
• Education on skin sciences, sanitation, and professional practices
• Real-world experience in our student salon and spa
• Guidance on building your career path after graduation

Whether you’re interested in working in a spa or even starting your own business, we can give you the foundation to succeed.

Your Future as an Esthetician

An esthetics license is more than just a certification—it’s a passport to a wide range of careers. From spa treatments to entrepreneurship, estheticians can enjoy some of the most versatile opportunities in the beauty industry.

At Rudae’s School of Beauty Culture, we’re here to help you explore your options, gain the skills you need, and take your first steps toward a career in skincare.

If you’re ready to start your journey, contact us today to learn more about our esthetics program and how we can help you shape your future in beauty.