Not all heroes wear capes. But some do hold lasers. 

Laser technicians are the ones behind popular – and life-changing – treatments like tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation. Technicians offer clients transformations while working with cutting-edge, in-demand technology. And the laser hair removal industry alone is valued at $1.13 billion and counting, which means if you want a job, there’s one out there for you.  

Read on to learn how to become a laser technician, including which steps you need to take and how much you could earn.

What’s a Laser Technician, and What Do They Do?

A laser technician is a certified professional who uses laser technology to perform cosmetic and medical procedures. They work in medical spas, dermatology clinics, and medical offices.

These technicians enhance clients' physical appearance and address skin concerns, usually for aesthetic purposes. For example, you could work at a dermatologist’s office performing laser treatments to reduce acne scars. Or you might use your talents to remove clients’ regrettable tattoos and usher them into new (and better) chapters of their lives.

Becoming a laser technician is an attractive career choice because it’s rewarding in so many ways. You get to help people feel better in their skin every day, and research shows that demand for non-invasive cosmetic services like laser treatments is rising. This boosted demand means a steady flow of clients – an essential element for landing a solid job and earning a killer salary.

This career also offers flexibility. Technicians can work in various settings, control their schedules based on appointment times, or even start their own practices. If you enjoy working with customers in a hands-on position and genuinely making a difference, this might be the job for you. 

Here are some common paths to specialize in: 

Tattoo Removal 

Tattoo removal uses laser technology to break down the ink particles in tattoos. When the ink is exposed to the laser's light energy, it disintegrates, allowing the body to eliminate it over time until the tattoo’s fully gone. It usually takes a few sessions, depending on the size of the tattoo. This can be a painful process, but it’s worth it for many clients who don’t like their body art anymore. 

According to Imarc Group, the global tattoo removal market reached $287.5 million in 2023. That means a large client base of people you can tangibly help every day. And you can charge around $200–$1,000 per session, depending on the equipment, the tattoo, and your experience. The number of sessions varies according to the size of the tattoo.

Hair Removal  

Laser hair removal uses sharp blasts of light to target, burn, and kill hair follicles, significantly reducing hair regrowth. This service is popular because it offers a more permanent alternative to shaving or waxing, and clients appreciate the convenience and lasting results. 

Specializing in hair removal can help you land a steady stream of clients. Hair removal services are widespread and expected to reach an estimated worth of $5 billion in 2024, making it the most popular service on this list. When it comes to setting prices, they vary depending on the size of the area – a smaller one like the upper lip might be $100, and a larger one like the legs might be $1,000.

Skin Resurfacing

Skin resurfacing and rejuvenation use lasers to remove the damaged outer layers of the skin, smoothing out its texture and appearance. This is helpful for clients with wrinkles, scarring, and age spots because it stimulates new skin growth. 

Laser skin resurfacing is also called a laser peel or laser vaporization. There are a few different types of skin resurfacing:

• CO2 laser resurfacing uses very short pulsed light energy or continuous light beams to remove thin layers of skin. 
• Erbium laser resurfacing eliminates surface-level and moderately deep signs of aging on the face, hands, neck, or chest.
• Neodymium YAG laser uses a laser with a longer wavelength that goes deeper into the skin.  

Skin resurfacing requires extra training, and offering this service can position you as a specialist in advanced skincare (and help you earn more money). Clients pay about $300 per session, but prices rise when you use more expensive or specialized equipment.

Photofacials 

Photofacials are a non-invasive treatment that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to reduce pigmentation – which includes freckles, age spots, and broken capillaries. It's a quick and virtually painless procedure, making it popular among clients who want to improve the look of their skin without opting for something more invasive. 

Offering photofacials attracts clients interested in simple, effective skincare treatments, making them a great addition to your service list. Plus, you can charge between $300 and $600 per session.

Sign up for a 14-day free trial with GlossGenius!    

Laser Technician School: 4 Steps To Become a Laser Technician

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Ready to start your career? Follow these four steps to become a laser technician:

1. Complete a Training Program 

Most esthetician programs don’t include laser technician training, so enroll in a specialized program to get the skills and knowledge you need to perform treatments safely and effectively. These programs teach you how to operate laser equipment, understand skin anatomy, and perform safety protocols. Many have a hands-on component so you can practice your new skills. 

In all states except Texas and Florida, these laser accreditation programs are required if you want to practice. You can find these courses around the world, but not all institutions offer them. If you’re not sure where to start, try one of the following organizations, which have programs in tons of different locations:

• National Association of Laser and Aesthetics (NALA) Institute: This is one of the top programs worldwide for cosmetic laser and medical aesthetics education. Contact NALA for course information and pricing.
• National Laser Institute: This institution offers comprehensive laser training, including various cosmetic laser services. Class prices start at $1,000.

In most cases, you need a high school diploma or GED to attend a training program.

2. Become a Certified Laser Technician

For some programs above, you automatically get a certification when you graduate, which means you’re ready to practice in most states. But in Texas and Florida, certification is also required. The National Council on Laser Certification (NCLC) offers a range of certification programs for laser technicians according to specialty, including: 

• Certified Aesthetic Laser Operator 
• Certified Laser Hair Removal Specialist
• Certified Laser Hair Removal Supervisor

To get certified, you have to pass an exam that tests your knowledge of laser physics, skin anatomy, and safety protocols. Certification validates your skills and knowledge and increases your employability, so it’s a good idea to get one no matter where you live. Keep in mind you have to renew it every three years and pay a fee of $95.

3. Gain Practical Experience 

The next step is to put your skills to work. Gain practical experience through internships or job shadowing at spas, dermatology clinics, or self-care businesses – wherever you see yourself thriving. Look online for job postings, or find a place you’d like to learn from and contact them about any openings.

Using your skills in a workplace environment lets you practice with clients and learn from seasoned professionals before landing a permanent job or going off on your own. It's also an excellent way to become more confident handling laser equipment and interacting with customers. Don't skip this step. It's a vital bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

4. Stay Updated With the Latest Advancements 

Laser technology constantly evolves, so stay up-to-date on new treatments and technological advancements. Keep up with these changes through workshops, webinars, and industry conferences from industry organizations like the Society for Clinical and Medical Hair Removal, Inc. (SCMHR).

Don’t underestimate the value of water cooler convos with your co-workers. The more you learn, the more current and effective treatments you offer, helping you attract a broader client base and give services you feel good about. 

Average Laser Technician Salaries

The average salary for a cosmetic laser technician is between $51,625 and $65,631 annually. While the median salary is $57,150, some experienced professionals earn even more. 

Location plays a vital role in how much you can earn. For example, a laser technician working in a busy metropolitan center like New York City, New York, earns $60,298 to $76,658 every year, while a technician working in Missouri City, Texas, earns $48,354 annually. That’s because areas with a higher cost of living pay more, and busy cities often have an increased demand for specialized skills – which means laser technicians can request higher salaries or set higher prices. 

For any job, income is also linked to experience. If you're new in the field, you'll likely start on the lower end of the salary scale. As you gain experience (and skills!) and build a reputation, you'll earn more. 

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Start Your Business With GlossGenius 

If you want to thrive in this industry and open your own practice, you need the right tools and support. That's where GlossGenius comes in. 

GlossGenius is an all-in-one software that empowers existing and aspiring laser technicians with features like Marketing, Inventory Management, Loans, and Payments. We make it easy to streamline your operations, whether that's scheduling appointments, managing clients, or advertising your business.   

Sign up for a 14-day free trial with GlossGenius! 

If you're ready to shoot for the stars, sign up for a free 14-day trial with GlossGenius.