wanting to become an aesthetician

Hello, I recently went to an asthetician for the first time and fell in love with what she does for a living. I would love to do that too but I'm wondering how much do aestheticians make for a living. obviously mine didn't want to say how much she makes but said the medical area was the most lucrative. I'm currently making 45,000 a year in my full time stressful job and I'm wondering if I would be making more than that. Also, does anyone know of a good aesthetician school in the houston area? when I search I just get cosmetology (haircutting) schools. Thanks!!

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Permalink Reply by Audrey on August 6, 2011 at 8:56pm

The pay varies dramtically depending on several factors. You can be an employee of someone else and work on commision only or maybe a percentage and tips. You can own your own business and keep everthing you make, but you also have all the finacial responsibilities. You can work for a med spa or dermatologist. You can move into the bigger arena and even get big enough to rent out rooms or hire people to work for you.

As far as school go try looking here:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&biw=1345&bih=601&q=e...

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Permalink Reply by yuyu zaza on August 8, 2011 at 4:44pm

thanks for the info, the link really helped me :)

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Permalink Reply by Cat Tunick-Cabeche on August 7, 2011 at 12:48pm

When I first started in this business, I worked at a resort spa. There were 13 other estheticians all vying for appointments. Everyday there were different rules and regulations. I had a client come in and tell me she works in a very high stress job, not like me. YuYu, all jobs have stress. I Have been in the business for over 11 years. I used to work for someone, now I have my own business. I work with two wonderful massage therapists. Though I love what I do and can't imagine doing anything else, it can be very stressful at times. The phone rings and only massages are booking. Imagine, slow season not many appointments and worrying about rent. I live in Tampa where the recession has hit us hard. Facials are the first thing that goes when money is tight.

I am in my second year of having my own business, not making what I would like, but it is up from year one. In order to be successful, you have to love what you do and do it well and really care about your clients.I really believe that your income would surely go down from $45k at least in the beginning.

A cosmetology school should have a skin care course.

Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by yuyu zaza on August 8, 2011 at 4:45pm

thank you so much!

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Permalink Reply by M. Melissia McLouth on August 7, 2011 at 5:13pm

I graduated last August and I just got a job working at a salon. Thankfully, I have my husband's income because getting started is hard & not lucrative. Best bet is to keep your current job while attending school & after, so that while you are building your clientele you'll still have income. Houston, should have plenty of good schools, but make sure you do a tour & interview them. My school, was self taught b/c they don't have many aesthetician students to hire a full time teacher. Also, you will learn a lot of your skills by working on the floor in school, however most of your education will come after school working for someone in the biz and continuing to take courses. Depending on what you want to pursue, you can find courses offered by your local cosmetic supply source, the brand in which you use ex: satin smooth or med spa schools. This is very important b/c school will get you thru the test, the rest is up to you. Depending on where you are in Houston, you should be able to find a job in the suburbs like Clear Lake or Friendswood. Areas like that are booming & Houston wasn't hit too hard with the recession.