If you’re passionate about the beauty industry, you may have considered becoming an esthetician or cosmetologist – but which to pick? Each of these careers requires specialized schooling and training, and both are a rewarding way to help others look and feel their best. When it comes to choosing between esthetics and cosmetology, we can help you break down what to expect on your respective journey to giving clients a gorgeous glow!

Esthetician vs. Cosmetologist: The Right One For You

There are several career paths available to those looking to make their mark in the beauty industry. While there is some overlap between the work of an esthetician and that of a cosmetologist, there are some key differences between the two professions as well. It’s important to pay close attention to what each role entails, as that can greatly impact the training you’ll need, as well as the services you can provide for your future business.

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What Is An Esthetician?

An esthetician is a licensed professional trained to provide skincare services such as  facials, acne treatments, hair removal, face massages, body wraps, or other types of advanced skin therapies. As an esthetician, your focus is mainly on skin health, and you may find yourself working in places like salons, spas, or even clinical settings like medical offices. 

What Is A Cosmetologist?

A cosmetologist is a licensed professional who provides various beauty services such as makeup application, hairstyling, and manicures/pedicures. As a cosmetologist, you can work in places like spas, salons, resorts, and hotels as a nail technician, hair stylist, or makeup artist. While esthetics programs usually take less time to complete than cosmetology programs, cosmetology doesn’t require as much in-depth scientific knowledge and leaves room for more creative flair. 

Esthetician vs. Cosmetologist: Key Differences

Before deciding between becoming an esthetician vs. cosmetologist, it’s worth it to thoroughly go over the responsibilities of each role. Like a cosmetologist, an esthetician can perform beautification services such as waxing or make-overs, but learning the differences between the professions can help you better decide which path is ultimately the best one for you and your business. 

Training Requirements

Cosmetology and esthetician schools have different thresholds for completion. In general, cosmetology programs are longer than esthetician programs. In the United States, those pursuing an esthetician license need at least 600 hours (six months to a year of training), whereas those after a cosmetology license need at least 1,200 hours (anywhere from nine months to two years). However, cosmetology and esthetics program lengths can vary by school, and the training requirements themselves can vary by state.

• For example, New York requires 600 training hours for estheticians, and 1,000 hours for cosmetologists. In Illinois, estheticians must accumulate at least 750 hours of training, while cosmetologists need at least 1,500 hours. 
• Some states may also allow you to complete apprenticeships, where you can receive (paid) on-the-job training from a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist. However, every state will still require passing either the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) exams, or a state/practical exam. 

Scope of Practice

The services you’ll want to provide to your clientele should be the main factor in determining whether you should get your cosmetology license or esthetician license. When comparing the scope of practice of an esthetician vs. cosmetologist, there are some key points (and restrictions) to remember. 

• What services can a licensed esthetician perform? Licensed estheticians can perform electrolysis for permanent hair removal, exfoliating facials (microdermabrasion or chemical peels), facial massages, light therapy, and skin analysis for continued care. With additional certifications, esthetician services can also include working in medical offices alongside dermatologists and physicians, as well as performing certain types of laser treatments under supervision. However, you should note that permitted services will also vary by state. For instance, a new law passed in California in 2022 finally granted permission for estheticians to perform non-permanent brow tinting and lash lifting services. Be sure to review your state laws to see which exact services you’re legally allowed to provide as an esthetics professional. 

• What services can a licensed cosmetologist perform? A licensed cosmetologist provides mainly cosmetic services to a customer’s hair, nails, or skin. Haircuts, coloring, chemical relaxing, makeup application, manicures and pedicures, waxing, and facials, all fall under the cosmetologist’s purview. 

Career Opportunities In The Beauty Industry

Once you’ve put in the necessary training time and passed the exams required by your state, it’s time to choose your career path. 

Esthetician careers include, but are not limited to: 

• Laser hair removal specialist
• Skincare consultant
• Medical esthetician 
• Spa owner
• Cosmetics buyer

Cosmetology careers include, but are not limited to: 

• Hairdresser (cutting, coloring, and styling)
• Nail tech
• Salon manager
• Personal stylist
• Makeup artist for television and film sets
• Professional beauty advisor or consultant

Esthetician vs. Cosmetologist Salaries

The amount of money you can make as an esthetician vs. cosmetologist will fluctuate depending on your expertise, experience, marketing efforts, and location. However, on average, an esthetician can expect to make between $40,000 and $60,000 annually. The average salary for cosmetologists can fall between $25,000 and $40,000 annually.

Keep in mind, these salary numbers do not state how many hours worked or account for tips received, which can be a big part of your income in the beauty business. 

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4 Tips For Choosing Between Esthetician and Cosmetology School

Don’t let money be the only deciding factor on what you choose to learn. Whether you want to attend beauty school to become a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician, the choice truly boils down to what you can see yourself doing in the long-term. 

Define Your Interests

Before you start applying to schools, figure out what it is you want out of your career. Do you want to work in-depth with skincare and treatment processes? Or would you rather tap into your creative side and help transform your clients through makeup application and styling hair? Additionally, many estheticians work in calmer, quieter environments than cosmetologists, who often work in loud, active, and more social environments. Knowing in advance which more appeals to your professional sensibilities can help you decide which beauty school is better suited for you.

Set Your Career Goals

If you want to be working in less than a year, studying as an esthetician can get you out of beauty school and into the job scene faster. Or, if your dream is to work with skin lasers, pursuing a path as an esthetician would also be the right move. However, if time is not a factor and you just want to get into the beautification business of hair and nails, cosmetology school is a better fit. Establishing your finish line can help you better visualize the marathon ahead!

Know Your Educational Preferences 

If you have a mind for science and like to study anatomy, physiology, bacteriology, or just really want to get into the nitty-gritty behind skincare treatments, esthetician school may be right for you. If you love experimenting with hair and makeup, want to learn the ins and outs of nail art, or just prefer a broader education on beauty, you might want to apply to cosmetology school. Knowing how you like to learn, as well as what you like to learn, is a great way to figure out which school will better suit your needs. 

Analyze Market Demand

If your city is absolutely saturated with cosmetologists, it’ll be much harder to establish a booming beauty business that stands out from the crowd (and relocation isn’t always an option for everyone). Rather than exhaust yourself swimming upstream, consider a career in esthetics instead so that you can diversify the beauty services available in your region. If no one but you can provide laser hair removal, you’re already setting yourself up for an advantage. You can use the Bureau of Labor Statistics to check up on any changing information about your future marketplace.

Becoming a licensed esthetician or cosmetologist can be a rewarding career, but it takes time, patience, and the right education. Honestly assessing yourself and your talents, as well as where you can see yourself working long-term, can help you determine which path you’ll thrive in. Whether you choose to attend beauty school for esthetics or cosmetology, always keep yourself up-to-date on the latest skincare and/or beauty trends to make yourself an invaluable asset in the industry – whenever you’re ready to enter it. 

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Unlock Your Potential in the Beauty Industry With GlossGenius

• The best way to ensure success in your potential esthetics or cosmetology career is to be honest with yourself about what you want. Take time to reflect on what you can see yourself doing, as well as what you think your talents are best suited for. (For example, if you’re an introvert who can’t stand constant chatter or social atmospheres, pursuing a cosmetology license might not be a great choice for you!)
• GlossGenius can be a valuable resource for beauty school graduates and professionals, with multiple tools available to help support and streamline their new businesses. From informative articles and workshops to booking and client management systems, GlossGenius is here for you and your business 
• Check out GlossGenius’ archive of articles, or start your free trial of our software to start getting to know your clients and building better business relationships today.

FAQS

See below for some frequently asked questions regarding estheticians and cosmetologists.

Can I Study Both Cosmetology And Esthetics?

Yes. With the appropriate coursework, estheticians can further their education and earn their cosmetology license (or vice versa). Expanding your knowledge in multiple areas can not only help grow your skill set, but may also help increase your employment options once you finish your cosmetology or esthetics program. 

What Can Estheticians Do That Cosmetologists Cannot?

Unlike cosmetologists, estheticians can perform more advanced skincare services like microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and under a physician’s supervision, laser treatments. 

Which Of The Two Professions Makes The Most Money? 

The median salary of cosmetologists and estheticians can depend on location, expertise, tips, marketing, and quality of service, so there is no concrete way to determine which of the professions earns more on average. 

What Is The Average Age Of Estheticians And Cosmetologists?

There isn’t an age limit for beauty professionals (rather, there shouldn’t be), but according to some data, the average age of most estheticians is about mid-30s, whereas the median age for cosmetologists is around 40.