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Esthetician State Board Exam & License Requirements
Whether you know that becoming an esthetician is the plan, or you’re currently training to earn your esthetician certification, you’ve likely been thinking about the state board exam, all of the requirements to get your licensing, and where you’ll work.
The medical aesthetics path offers a lot of career choices, and that abundance means esthetician is a very popular option. To get there, you’ll need to meet the training requirements of the state that you reside in, or will reside in when you are an esthetician.
Every state has its own standards of education and licensing requirements.
Esthetician State Board: Exam Prep
Most states require estheticians to be 16-18 years old, with some states mandating either a GED or high school diploma. This does vary by state, as Connecticut, Illinois, and Oregon require the completion of eighth grade to move forward with becoming an esthetician, while Arizona’s prerequisite is a minimum of 23 years old.
Preparation for the exam does not demand a college education. However, some aspiring estheticians do attend college as the state board may lift some of the stricter requirements for those with college degrees.
Regardless of education level or age, if you’re qualified to become an esthetician, you have many options for practice tests. Free resources are available to quiz yourself, brush up on flashcards, and watch videos to get comfortable for the written portion of the exam (there is usually also a practical portion to becoming an esthetician).
There are also paid apps and practice quizzes that many people swear by Some state board websites include study guides and quizzes, so be sure to check yours.
What Can Estheticians Do in Each State?
One of the exciting things about becoming an esthetician is the amount of options available for a specialization. While beauty is the overall industry, you can choose whether you want to provide skincare, skin treatments, hair care/hair removal, makeup applications, and more.
The Best States for Estheticians
You might already be in a prime location for your career. Or, there may be opportunities for you to consider, especially if you would like to move at some point. It might be easiest to stay where you are in the short term to build experience, but for your future finances and career, relocating may eventually be best.
The best states for estheticians are based on cost of living and disposable income plus salary, which include the following in 2023:
How much salary you earn and the state you earn it in will impact your management of the cost of living in your area. Knowing a state’s average salary, how much it costs to live somewhere, and having an idea of your disposable income will help you choose the best spot to grow your career.
How Do I Get My Esthetician License by State?
Since every state is different, you’ll focus your research on the location you’ll be working from. The minimum age, education, training hours, theory exams, practical exams, and CEUs all vary from state to state.
Look through the state board websites linked below for each respective state to determine the steps you need to take.
Do Estheticians Have to Renew Their Licenses?
Yes, it’s most common for estheticians to renew their licenses on an annual basis. There is usually an application fee involved, but a test to renew is only necessary in individual circumstances. As long as estheticians do not have complaints on their record and their continuing education is up to date, it should be a streamlined process.
Esthetician Salary by State
Naturally, earning potential is a very important aspect of choosing your career path. Remember that cost of living is a big factor you should consider. The average salary might not vary too significantly from one state to another, but the cost to live does. For example, Massachusetts and Oregon are among the most expensive places to live, while Indiana
The average esthetician salaries in the top-earning states are:
- New York – $53,898
- Pennsylvania – $49,353
- New Hampshire – $48,260
- New Jersey – $47,529
- Wyoming – 47,016
- Washington – $46,952
- Wisconsin – $46,615
- Massachusetts – $46,614
- Alaska – $46,492
- Oregon – $46,115
- Indiana – $46,042
- North Dakota – $46,031
- Hawaii – $45,136
- Arizona – $45,090
- New Mexico – $44,809
With cost of living, housing availability, and consumer demand all factoring into your decision, this list does not indicate the best states to become an esthetician, but rather a starting point for you to use to your advantage.
What You Can Do with an Esthetician License
Getting your esthetician license shows employers that you have the skills and experience to perform essential skin care services. Estheticians are beauty and skincare experts who help clients look and feel their best.
Become an Esthetician in Your State with DCCM™ Academy
Increase your confidence and invest in your potential with courses at DCCM Academy. Master Injector, National Allergan Trainer, and Published Author Tara Delle Chiaie is here to help you enhance your aesthetic skillset with world-class training.
These courses provide you with the resources to flourish in your career and increase your earning potential. Build your expertise by reaching out online or calling (603) 691-2942 for more information!
Call 603-691-2942 to get more information about enrolling in DCCM Academy today!
Tara Delle Chiaie
My name is Tara and I am the owner of Delle Chiaie Cosmetic Medicine. I have been in medicine since 2002 as a Registered Nurse. In 2011 I graduated from the accelerated program at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). My goal is to continually fine-tune the art of bringing one’s inner beauty to the surface.
Whether you know that becoming an esthetician is the plan, or you’re currently training to earn your esthetician certification, you’ve likely been thinking about the state board exam, all of the requirements to get your licensing, and where you’ll work.
The medical aesthetics path offers a lot of career choices, and that abundance means esthetician is a very popular option. To get there, you’ll need to meet the training requirements of the state that you reside in, or will reside in when you are an esthetician.
Every state has its own standards of education and licensing requirements.
Esthetician State Board: Exam Prep
Most states require estheticians to be 16-18 years old, with some states mandating either a GED or high school diploma. This does vary by state, as Connecticut, Illinois, and Oregon require the completion of eighth grade to move forward with becoming an esthetician, while Arizona’s prerequisite is a minimum of 23 years old. Preparation for the exam does not demand a college education. However, some aspiring estheticians do attend college as the state board may lift some of the stricter requirements for those with college degrees. Regardless of education level or age, if you’re qualified to become an esthetician, you have many options for practice tests. Free resources are available to quiz yourself, brush up on flashcards, and watch videos to get comfortable for the written portion of the exam (there is usually also a practical portion to becoming an esthetician). There are also paid apps and practice quizzes that many people swear by Some state board websites include study guides and quizzes, so be sure to check yours.What Can Estheticians Do in Each State?
One of the exciting things about becoming an esthetician is the amount of options available for a specialization. While beauty is the overall industry, you can choose whether you want to provide skincare, skin treatments, hair care/hair removal, makeup applications, and more.The Best States for Estheticians
You might already be in a prime location for your career. Or, there may be opportunities for you to consider, especially if you would like to move at some point. It might be easiest to stay where you are in the short term to build experience, but for your future finances and career, relocating may eventually be best. The best states for estheticians are based on cost of living and disposable income plus salary, which include the following in 2023:- New Mexico
- Indiana
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Arizona
- Wyoming
- Wisconsin
How Do I Get My Esthetician License by State?
Since every state is different, you’ll focus your research on the location you’ll be working from. The minimum age, education, training hours, theory exams, practical exams, and CEUs all vary from state to state. Look through the state board websites linked below for each respective state to determine the steps you need to take.Do Estheticians Have to Renew Their Licenses?
Yes, it’s most common for estheticians to renew their licenses on an annual basis. There is usually an application fee involved, but a test to renew is only necessary in individual circumstances. As long as estheticians do not have complaints on their record and their continuing education is up to date, it should be a streamlined process.Esthetician Salary by State
Naturally, earning potential is a very important aspect of choosing your career path. Remember that cost of living is a big factor you should consider. The average salary might not vary too significantly from one state to another, but the cost to live does. For example, Massachusetts and Oregon are among the most expensive places to live, while Indiana The average esthetician salaries in the top-earning states are:- New York – $53,898
- Pennsylvania – $49,353
- New Hampshire – $48,260
- New Jersey – $47,529
- Wyoming – 47,016
- Washington – $46,952
- Wisconsin – $46,615
- Massachusetts – $46,614
- Alaska – $46,492
- Oregon – $46,115
- Indiana – $46,042
- North Dakota – $46,031
- Hawaii – $45,136
- Arizona – $45,090
- New Mexico – $44,809
