If you’re an esthetician or thinking about becoming one, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Can I actually make good money doing this?” The answer is yes! There’s solid earning potential, especially if you know where to work and how to grow your skillset.

Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for a while, this guide has the numbers and strategies to help you understand what to expect and how to boost your income.

Let’s dive in and break it all down!

How Much Do Estheticians Really Make in 2025? (National Averages Explained)

Let’s get right to the numbers:

• Average annual salary: $45,000
• Typical hourly pay: $21–$23
• Top 25% earn: $58,730+ (including tips, commissions, and high-end spa work)

These figures come from ZipRecruiter’s 2025 data and give you a real sense of what’s possible as an esthetician.

But numbers only tell part of the story. Real estheticians across the country back up these stats. For example, one Reddit user (@Amdv121998) shared:

“I make probably about 45k a year right now outside of philly. We just had our first year open anniversary and I typically only work like 15ish or less hours a week depending on the week right now + any virtual clients I take on.”

Of course, where you live and your level of experience can make a big difference. For example, ZipRecruiter notes that some areas, such as Washington and New York, pay estheticians significantly more. Washington tops the charts at $77,480 per year!

Esthetician Salaries by US States: Where Can You Earn the Most?

Esthetician salaries can look very different depending on where you live. The cost of living, demand for services, and the local economy all play a role.

Certain states offer much higher earnings for estheticians, mostly due to the high number of high-end spas, upscale salons, and large metropolitan areas.

According to ZipRecruiter, the estimated average salaries of American states are as follows.

As you can see, states like Washington, New York, and California consistently report the highest salaries for estheticians due to the demand for top-tier beauty services in these locations.

Estheticians in areas like Florida and Texas earn slightly lower salaries but can still earn a competitive wage depending on their experience and work setting.

If you're wondering what factors contribute to these differences in pay, the next section is just about that. And, right after that, we are going to share ways to improve your earnings as well.

What Impacts Your Pay as an Esthetician? Key Factors to Know

While an esthetician's salary can vary from state to state, several key factors influence how much an esthetician earns. These factors go beyond just geographical location and include things like experience, type of employment, and the services provided. Some things are in your control and others aren’t, so it helps to focus on the areas where you can have the most impact.

Let’s look at two real-life examples from Texas to show how experience and job role can affect your income:

• A new esthetician with just 1 year of experience reported earning $36,000 per year. Their work focused on hands-on services like facials, diamond glow treatments, and chemical peels.
• On the other hand, @whiskeyandsunshine has been in the industry since 2008. Now working as a program manager, they earn $90,000 plus bonuses. Their role includes managing a team of trainers and developing training programs and protocols for a franchise system; a big step up from direct client work.

As you can see, the income difference ($54k+) reflects the substantial value of whiskeyandsunshine's 12+ years of additional experience, leadership responsibilities, and shift from direct service to managing business operations across multiple locations.

Let’s break down what really drives your earning power:

1. Experience Level

Experience is one of the biggest influencers on an esthetician's salary. New estheticians typically start with lower pay, but as they gain more experience, their income tends to increase. Here are some estimates based on available salaries on Indeed and Glassdoor (we skimmed through some job posts to estimate average salaries as per experience requirements),

• Entry-level (0-2 years): $31,290 to $40,000 annually.
• Intermediate (3-5 years): $40,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on location and skill development.
• Expert (5+ years): $50,000 to $60,000 or more, with the potential for higher earnings if the esthetician specializes or owns a business.

2. Location and Market Demand

As discussed earlier, location plays a huge role in salary levels. Areas with higher living costs, such as California or New York, tend to offer higher salaries to estheticians.

However, it's not just about where you are; it’s also about market demand. High-end spas, medical spas, and upscale salons in major cities often offer more lucrative pay compared to smaller, less competitive markets. Here are some salary figures based on location:

• Washington: $55,557 annually
• California: $55,557 annually
• New York: $53,280 annually
• Florida: $33,907 annually

High-demand markets like Los Angeles (in California) and Miami (in Florida) may see $60,000+ per year, especially for estheticians who work in luxury or high-end settings.

3. Work Setting

Estheticians work in a variety of settings, and the setting you work in can have a substantial impact on your earnings. Some examples:

• Salons and Spas: Estheticians in these settings can earn a median annual salary of $40,300.
• Medical Spas and Dermatologist Offices: These estheticians typically earn more due to the advanced treatments they provide. The salary can range from $43,000 to $ 60,000 or more, depending on specialization and demand.
• Independent Contractors (Booth Rental): Freelancers or booth renters have the potential to earn more, typically $45,000 to $70,000+, as they can set their own prices and work schedules.

Here are some examples from forum discussions for your reference:

• Reddit user @Working-Brilliant-14 earns “before taxes and write-offs: $250k+”.
• User @salty-wench reported “45k annually, 15.50 per hour plus 10% commission and tips”. Operating out of Southern California. Currently an employee.

4. Specializations and Certifications

If you want to truly stand out and earn more, specializing is the way to go. Advanced certifications let you offer services that not every esthetician can, so you’re able to charge higher prices and attract clients looking for that extra expertise.

Take medical estheticians, for example. If you’re trained in Botox or laser treatments, you could see your annual income climb to anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000 (sometimes even higher in busy cities).

If brows or skincare are your passion, focusing on microblading or advanced skin treatments can seriously boost your earning power. Many estheticians in these specialties earn between $55,000 to $80,000 a year, especially if they build a loyal following.

Other specialties, like laser hair removal, also come with premium price tags. Clients are happy to pay more for results from someone they trust who’s put in the extra training.

Bottom line: The more you learn, the more you can earn. Investing in new skills keeps your work interesting and your income growing.

5. Employment Type

How you choose to work as an esthetician can shape both your paycheck and your daily routine. Here’s what you need to know:

Freelance or Booth Renters: If you decide to rent a booth or go out on your own, you get to set your own prices and take full control of your schedule. Many freelancers with a solid client base earn between $45,000 and $70,000 per year, sometimes even more. The benefits are flexibility and independence. The tradeoff is that you’re responsible for your own expenses, like supplies and rent. This path works well for people who are self-motivated, enjoy building relationships, and are comfortable running a business.

Salon or Spa Employees: If you work for a salon or spa, you’ll have a steady paycheck and a set schedule. The typical pay range is $30,000 to $50,000 a year, and there may be bonuses or commissions on top. You won’t have to deal with overhead costs, but you might have less say in pricing or which products you use.

Key Takeaways:

• Factors like experience, specialization, work setting, and location all play a part in how much you’ll make as an esthetician.
• Focus on growing your skills, seeking specialized certifications, and exploring higher-paying settings if you want to maximize your earning potential.

Now, as we promised, here are some ways estheticians can increase their income:

How to Make More Money as an Esthetician in 2025

The beauty and skincare industry is booming, which means estheticians have more ways than ever to boost their pay in 2025.

There’s more to earning than just your base salary. By learning new skills or focusing on popular treatments, you can really grow your income.

Here are four proven ways to take your esthetician income to the next level:

1. Take On Additional Certifications

Learning new skills and certificates can open up new avenues. For example, if you do a certification in Botox or dermal fillers, you can offer these services at higher prices. Some estheticians charge $250 or more for each advanced treatment. With these skills, it’s common to earn $50,000 to $70,000 a year, especially if you work in a busy area.

2. Sell Retail Products

You’re probably already talking to clients about skincare products. Why not sell the ones you trust? Retailing skincare products can significantly boost an esthetician's earnings. By selling high-quality skincare products or even creating a private-label brand, estheticians can earn additional income.

If you sell $1,000 in products each month and make a 25% commission, you’ll earn an extra $3,000 a year. Many estheticians create a shelf of their top picks in the studio or run quick sales on social media to encourage clients to buy.

This revenue can easily complement your service fees and diversify your income streams.

3. Rent Space or Become an Independent Contractor

If you want more control, consider renting a booth or becoming an independent contractor instead of working for a salon. This gives you full control over your schedule and service pricing.

Many independent estheticians can earn anywhere from $45,000 to over $ 70,000 annually, depending on their client base and business model. For example, a booth rental allows you to retain all the income from your services, unlike traditional employment, where a portion is paid to the employer.

4. Build a Strong Online Presence

In 2025, social media can help you reach more people. Using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allows estheticians to attract new clients, particularly younger demographics seeking beauty services.

Try posting before-and-after images, skincare tips, and client testimonials to build trust and awareness. Estheticians who leverage social media can see a 20-30% increase in client bookings, expanding their reach and ultimately increasing income.

Some estheticians run “skin transformation” challenges on Instagram and notice a steady increase in bookings. Others post quick how-to videos on TikTok, which helps bring in younger clients.

Grow Your Esthetics Business Effortlessly with Zoca AI

Running your own esthetics business can feel overwhelming at times. Between managing appointments, keeping up with marketing, and making sure new clients can find you online, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. That’s where Zoca AI comes in.

Zoca AI is designed to make your work life easier. This platform helps you handle bookings, manage your schedule, and keep your business organized, all in one place. You won’t have to juggle different apps or worry about missing out on local clients. Zoca AI also takes care of your marketing and helps you show up in local searches, so more people can discover your services.

If you’re ready to spend less time on paperwork and more time with your clients, give Zoca AI a try. It’s a simple way to take some stress off your plate and help your esthetics business grow.

Curious how Zoca AI can help you? Book a free demo today!

FAQs

1. What is the national average salary for estheticians in 2025?

The national average esthetician salary in 2025 is approximately $45,000 annually, or about $21-$23 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter data.

2. Which states offer the highest pay for estheticians?

Washington ($55,557), New York ($53,280), and California ($49,400) consistently offer the highest esthetician salaries, largely due to the high demand for premium beauty services.

3. How much experience do I need to earn more than $50,000 as an esthetician?

Generally, you'll need 5+ years of experience to earn $50,000+ annually, though this can vary based on location, specialization, and whether you're an employee or independent contractor.

4. Do medical estheticians earn more than those working in traditional spas?

Yes, medical estheticians typically earn between $ 50,000 and $70,000 annually, which is higher than the median of $40,300 for traditional spa estheticians, due to their specialized training.