Esthetician salary
BLS occupation: Skincare Specialists · Personal care and service · data for May 2025
Median salary $45,330 a year, US
Median hourly pay $21.79 an hour
Middle half earn $36,040–$59,700 25th to 75th percentile
Estheticians employed 72,890 +8.8% projected by 2035
How much does an esthetician make?
- The median esthetician salary in the US is $45,330 a year ($21.79 an hour): half of the 72,890 estheticians BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $51,850.
- The middle half earn between $36,040 and $59,700. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $29,580 and the top 10% more than $82,050.
- That is 11% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Washington pays estheticians the most (median $79,320), followed by the District of Columbia ($77,480) and Wyoming ($62,400). Idaho pays the least ($34,130).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Washington, where the median is worth $74,122 in typical US prices, then the District of Columbia and Wyoming.
- In 14 of the 218 metro areas with data, the median esthetician salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of estheticians to grow 8.8% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 14,200 openings a year. The typical entry education is a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award).
official From BLS's survey of employers: what estheticians are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Esthetician salary range
Half of estheticians earn between $36,040 and $59,700 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $29,580
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $36,040
Median Yearly pay: $45,330
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $59,700
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $82,050
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $29,580 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $36,040 |
| Median | $45,330 |
| Top 25% earn over | $59,700 |
| Top 10% earn over | $82,050 |
Esthetician salary by state
Washington pays estheticians the most; Idaho the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($45,330), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Washington | $79,320 median |
| District of Columbia | $77,480 median |
| Wyoming | $62,400 median |
| Montana | $58,500 median |
| Nebraska | $58,420 median |
| North Dakota | $58,160 median |
| Maine | $55,850 median |
| Colorado | $54,500 median |
| Oregon | $52,110 median |
| Delaware | $50,820 median |
| Arizona | $50,470 median |
| Texas | $49,250 median |
| Georgia | $48,660 median |
| Massachusetts | $47,310 median |
| New Mexico | $47,230 median |
| New Hampshire | $46,890 median |
| Maryland | $46,590 median |
| Wisconsin | $46,220 median |
| New Jersey | $45,870 median |
| Kansas | $45,760 median |
| Utah | $45,490 median |
| Illinois | $45,330 median |
| Michigan | $45,240 median |
| Missouri | $45,200 median |
| Indiana | $44,450 median |
| Minnesota | $44,430 median |
| Florida | $43,880 median |
| Rhode Island | $43,880 median |
| Connecticut | $43,680 median |
| Pennsylvania | $43,620 median |
| New York | $42,910 median |
| Alaska | $41,240 median |
| Mississippi | $41,160 median |
| South Carolina | $39,670 median |
| Virginia | $39,350 median |
| Alabama | $39,260 median |
| Ohio | $39,150 median |
| North Carolina | $39,120 median |
| California | $38,770 median |
| Nevada | $38,660 median |
| Kentucky | $38,580 median |
| South Dakota | $38,230 median |
| West Virginia | $38,030 median |
| Oklahoma | $37,340 median |
| Iowa | $37,080 median |
| Louisiana | $36,890 median |
| Tennessee | $36,590 median |
| Arkansas | $36,520 median |
| Idaho | $34,130 median |
Where esthetician pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Estheticians' pay goes furthest in Washington once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Washington | $74,122 |
| District of Columbia | $70,500 |
| Wyoming | $67,320 |
| North Dakota | $65,378 |
| Nebraska | $64,837 |
| Montana | $61,810 |
| Maine | $57,548 |
| Colorado | $52,886 |
| New Mexico | $51,219 |
| Delaware | $50,918 |
Esthetician pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $79,320 | $38.13 | $48,620 | $119,040 | 2,200 | $74,122 |
| District of Columbia | $77,480 | $37.25 | $57,660 | $120,730 | 200 | $70,500 |
| Wyoming | $62,400 | $30.00 | $39,490 | $81,790 | 100 | $67,320 |
| Montana | $58,500 | $28.13 | $35,130 | $96,780 | 280 | $61,810 |
| Nebraska | $58,420 | $28.09 | $44,300 | $122,250 | 550 | $64,837 |
| North Dakota | $58,160 | $27.96 | $35,710 | $89,270 | 190 | $65,378 |
| Maine | $55,850 | $26.85 | $34,520 | $100,190 | 260 | $57,548 |
| Colorado | $54,500 | $26.20 | $31,940 | $99,720 | 1,510 | $52,886 |
| Oregon | $52,110 | $25.05 | $35,900 | $105,660 | 1,070 | $50,416 |
| Delaware | $50,820 | $24.43 | $31,200 | $96,650 | 130 | $50,918 |
| Arizona | $50,470 | $24.26 | $38,650 | $103,950 | 1,710 | $50,131 |
| Texas | $49,250 | $23.68 | $27,390 | $84,180 | 6,160 | $50,743 |
| Georgia | $48,660 | $23.39 | $32,670 | $68,630 | 2,230 | $50,533 |
| Massachusetts | $47,310 | $22.75 | $36,610 | $60,320 | 1,360 | $44,735 |
| New Mexico | $47,230 | $22.71 | $30,010 | $90,770 | 370 | $51,219 |
| New Hampshire | $46,890 | $22.54 | $27,560 | $83,200 | 430 | $45,015 |
| Maryland | $46,590 | $22.40 | $35,580 | $79,940 | 1,130 | $44,389 |
| Wisconsin | $46,220 | $22.22 | $22,830 | $65,590 | 1,190 | $49,121 |
| New Jersey | $45,870 | $22.05 | $35,180 | $80,980 | 2,660 | $42,158 |
| Kansas | $45,760 | $22.00 | $28,880 | $65,180 | 420 | $50,806 |
| Utah | $45,490 | $21.87 | $26,810 | $62,990 | 1,160 | $46,013 |
| Illinois | $45,330 | $21.79 | $31,200 | $63,920 | 2,960 | $45,349 |
| Michigan | $45,240 | $21.75 | $28,810 | $77,940 | 1,510 | $47,019 |
| Missouri | $45,200 | $21.73 | $29,790 | $81,710 | 1,390 | $49,770 |
| Indiana | $44,450 | $21.37 | $24,440 | $66,670 | 1,120 | $47,627 |
| Minnesota | $44,430 | $21.36 | $23,990 | $79,520 | 920 | $45,051 |
| Florida | $43,880 | $21.10 | $27,860 | $83,990 | 5,270 | $42,431 |
| Rhode Island | $43,880 | $21.10 | $33,710 | $62,400 | 120 | $42,902 |
| Connecticut | $43,680 | $21.00 | $34,010 | $87,240 | 660 | $42,158 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,620 | $20.97 | $22,870 | $69,820 | 2,560 | $44,705 |
| New York | $42,910 | $20.63 | $33,510 | $77,550 | 3,510 | $39,761 |
| Alaska | $41,240 | $19.83 | $33,600 | $47,980 | 120 | $40,290 |
| Mississippi | $41,160 | $19.79 | $20,960 | $140,920 | 320 | $47,336 |
| South Carolina | $39,670 | $19.07 | $22,530 | $80,430 | 1,210 | $42,315 |
| Virginia | $39,350 | $18.92 | $31,530 | $67,520 | 1,970 | $38,920 |
| Alabama | $39,260 | $18.88 | $26,540 | $73,180 | 590 | $44,200 |
| Ohio | $39,150 | $18.82 | $28,350 | $74,030 | 1,700 | $42,199 |
| North Carolina | $39,120 | $18.81 | $25,570 | $96,660 | 2,680 | $41,473 |
| California | $38,770 | $18.64 | $34,650 | $77,160 | 11,360 | $35,016 |
| Nevada | $38,660 | $18.59 | $28,070 | $73,110 | 1,540 | $38,668 |
| Kentucky | $38,580 | $18.55 | $26,340 | $81,610 | 830 | $42,791 |
| South Dakota | $38,230 | $18.38 | $24,450 | $52,350 | 150 | $43,156 |
| West Virginia | $38,030 | $18.28 | $25,650 | $60,550 | 80 | $42,493 |
| Oklahoma | $37,340 | $17.95 | $22,140 | $77,020 | 680 | $42,508 |
| Iowa | $37,080 | $17.83 | $22,830 | $191,910 | 710 | $42,251 |
| Louisiana | $36,890 | $17.74 | $20,340 | $64,650 | 600 | $41,822 |
| Tennessee | $36,590 | $17.59 | $22,200 | $77,830 | 1,710 | $39,828 |
| Arkansas | $36,520 | $17.56 | $23,580 | $57,770 | 340 | $42,007 |
| Idaho | $34,130 | $16.41 | $21,630 | $55,560 | 720 | $35,740 |
BLS does not publish pay for estheticians in 2 states (too few workers to estimate reliably). After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Esthetician salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes esthetician pay: 221 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Spokane, WA $91,000
- Olympia, WA $81,490
- Seattle, WA $80,510
- Kennewick, WA $76,520
- Bremerton, WA $75,970
- Bellingham, WA $64,830
- Portland, ME $64,370
- Naples, FL $63,630
- Lincoln, NE $61,560
- Waco, TX $60,460
Where the pay goes furthest
- Spokane, WA $90,686
- Olympia, WA $78,605
- Kennewick, WA $76,460
- Seattle, WA $72,445
- Bremerton, WA $71,937
- Lincoln, NE $67,219
- Waco, TX $65,327
- Bismarck, ND $64,291
- Omaha, NE $63,572
- Rochester, MN $63,223
All 221 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spokane, WA | $91,000 | 160 | $90,686 | 20% |
| Olympia, WA | $81,490 | 90 | $78,605 | 30% |
| Seattle, WA | $80,510 | 1,330 | $72,445 | 34% |
| Kennewick, WA | $76,520 | 80 | $76,460 | 27% |
| Bremerton, WA | $75,970 | 40 | $71,937 | 32% |
| Bellingham, WA | $64,830 | 80 | $62,738 | 36% |
| Portland, ME | $64,370 | 140 | $63,196 | 43% |
| Naples, FL | $63,630 | 200 | $61,657 | 49% |
| Lincoln, NE | $61,560 | 120 | $67,219 | 25% |
| Waco, TX | $60,460 | 30 | $65,327 | 28% |
| Baltimore, MD | $58,930 | 630 | $56,399 | 39% |
| Bozeman, MT | $58,750 | 80 | $57,311 | 45% |
| Bismarck, ND | $58,520 | 40 | $64,291 | 27% |
| Omaha, NE | $58,430 | 390 | $63,572 | 29% |
| Portland, OR | $57,930 | 800 | $54,951 | 37% |
| Rockford, IL | $57,720 | 40 | $62,634 | 27% |
| Rochester, MN | $57,420 | 40 | $63,223 | 33% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $55,970 | 150 | $55,346 | 42% |
| Billings, MT | $55,730 | 50 | $59,588 | 30% |
| Austin, TX | $54,850 | 740 | $55,932 | 35% |
| Denver, CO | $54,500 | 880 | $51,521 | 42% |
| Boulder, CO | $54,440 | 90 | $51,748 | 48% |
| San Antonio, TX | $54,400 | 640 | $57,435 | 31% |
| Dallas, TX | $54,290 | 1,620 | $52,663 | 37% |
| Missoula, MT | $53,320 | 70 | $55,285 | 37% |
| Fargo, ND | $52,950 | 90 | $58,269 | 25% |
| Bend, OR | $52,730 | 80 | $50,894 | 50% |
| San Francisco, CA | $52,350 | 1,920 | $45,280 | 79% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $51,810 | 40 | $55,752 | 30% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $51,540 | 70 | $47,102 | 53% |
| Atlanta, GA | $51,320 | 1,720 | $51,290 | 43% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $51,180 | 1,340 | $49,537 | 40% |
| Tucson, AZ | $51,030 | 200 | $52,665 | 35% |
| McAllen, TX | $50,980 | 120 | $59,352 | 26% |
| Salinas, CA | $50,640 | 90 | $46,441 | 66% |
| Medford, OR | $50,490 | 70 | $49,777 | 44% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $49,700 | 660 | $49,958 | 41% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $49,490 | 160 | $54,354 | 36% |
| Champaign, IL | $49,440 | 40 | $53,331 | 34% |
| Salem, OR | $49,340 | 90 | $47,603 | 40% |
| Allentown, PA | $49,040 | 170 | $49,056 | 45% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $48,880 | 50 | $51,196 | 42% |
| Lancaster, PA | $48,810 | 100 | $49,676 | 39% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $48,530 | 470 | $50,713 | 38% |
| Appleton, WI | $48,270 | 70 | $52,230 | 30% |
| Houston, TX | $48,250 | 1,660 | $48,921 | 41% |
| Saginaw, MI | $48,180 | 30 | $53,009 | 26% |
| Barnstable, MA | $48,140 | 60 | $48,947 | 64% |
| Lansing, MI | $48,040 | 60 | $50,573 | 33% |
| Athens, GA | $48,000 | 70 | $51,423 | 44% |
| New Haven, CT | $47,960 | 100 | $45,869 | 51% |
| Kenosha, WI | $47,930 | 40 | $47,400 | – |
| Ogden, UT | $47,820 | 200 | $47,654 | 41% |
| Gainesville, GA | $47,810 | 30 | $49,408 | 43% |
| Green Bay, WI | $47,740 | 90 | $51,286 | 28% |
| Augusta, GA | $47,730 | 100 | $51,935 | 37% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $47,730 | 590 | $47,319 | 41% |
| Topeka, KS | $47,580 | 30 | $53,569 | 32% |
| Boston, MA | $47,480 | 1,180 | $43,855 | 75% |
| Savannah, GA | $47,420 | 60 | $49,808 | 45% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $47,230 | 30 | $52,354 | 37% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $47,150 | 70 | $48,104 | 50% |
| Lafayette, IN | $47,140 | 30 | $50,455 | 37% |
| Detroit, MI | $47,000 | 790 | $46,860 | 39% |
| Duluth, MN | $46,940 | 40 | $52,879 | 34% |
| Kansas City, MO | $46,920 | 490 | $50,701 | 39% |
| Springfield, MA | $46,920 | 50 | $48,844 | 50% |
| York, PA | $46,920 | – | $48,875 | 35% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $46,890 | 40 | $47,475 | 50% |
| Washington, DC | $46,620 | 1,300 | $42,816 | 62% |
| New York, NY | $46,490 | 4,600 | $41,301 | 92% |
| Eugene, OR | $46,460 | 90 | $45,743 | 46% |
| Trenton, NJ | $46,430 | 90 | $44,999 | 65% |
| Worcester, MA | $46,270 | 120 | $45,131 | 55% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $46,190 | 60 | $46,040 | 55% |
| La Crosse, WI | $46,140 | 50 | $50,278 | 35% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $46,090 | 70 | $45,688 | 50% |
| Iowa City, IA | $46,010 | 40 | $50,279 | 46% |
| Ocala, FL | $45,940 | 50 | $48,239 | 42% |
| North Port, FL | $45,810 | 270 | $44,729 | 55% |
| The Villages, FL | $45,800 | 30 | $53,615 | 45% |
| St. Louis, MO | $45,590 | 620 | $47,945 | 38% |
| Chicago, IL | $45,330 | 2,720 | $43,757 | 57% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $45,200 | 60 | $41,622 | 74% |
| Columbia, MO | $45,000 | 60 | $50,314 | 39% |
| Visalia, CA | $44,910 | 50 | $44,989 | 46% |
| Providence, RI | $44,900 | 190 | $44,118 | 58% |
| Hickory, NC | $44,730 | 40 | $50,550 | 43% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $44,680 | 300 | $46,763 | 43% |
| Springfield, MO | $44,620 | 120 | $50,370 | 34% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $44,560 | 160 | $45,170 | 40% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $44,270 | 360 | $45,669 | 42% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $44,260 | 200 | $43,244 | 50% |
| Riverside, CA | $44,230 | 1,000 | $41,553 | 69% |
| Miami, FL | $44,220 | – | $38,737 | 72% |
| Crestview, FL | $44,110 | 110 | $45,460 | 54% |
| Hartford, CT | $44,100 | 190 | $42,921 | 54% |
| Tampa, FL | $43,920 | 730 | $43,533 | 54% |
| Jackson, MS | $43,880 | 180 | $49,277 | 40% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $43,880 | 150 | $43,878 | 52% |
| Wichita, KS | $43,880 | 130 | $49,333 | 33% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $43,810 | 100 | $49,245 | 34% |
| El Paso, TX | $43,690 | 140 | $48,592 | 42% |
| St. George, UT | $43,620 | 60 | $44,821 | 51% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $43,570 | 540 | $45,685 | 42% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $43,570 | 1,460 | $42,485 | 52% |
| Racine, WI | $43,550 | 30 | $45,383 | 40% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $43,530 | – | $43,431 | 64% |
| Evansville, IN | $43,490 | 50 | $47,516 | 30% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $43,480 | 30 | $43,253 | 51% |
| San Jose, CA | $43,420 | 500 | $39,322 | 105% |
| Syracuse, NY | $43,250 | 40 | $45,173 | 45% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $43,230 | 250 | $40,453 | 80% |
| Raleigh, NC | $42,950 | 790 | $43,756 | 47% |
| Durham, NC | $42,870 | 150 | $43,937 | 46% |
| Pensacola, FL | $42,870 | 120 | $43,872 | 49% |
| Scranton, PA | $42,650 | 60 | $45,588 | 38% |
| Deltona, FL | $42,620 | 110 | $42,892 | 50% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $42,620 | – | $45,019 | 41% |
| Akron, OH | $42,480 | 120 | $45,496 | 37% |
| Dayton, OH | $42,400 | 100 | $45,742 | 37% |
| Huntsville, AL | $42,390 | 100 | $45,545 | 39% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $41,960 | – | $38,930 | 76% |
| Gainesville, FL | $41,930 | 110 | $43,346 | 47% |
| Erie, PA | $41,600 | 40 | $45,739 | 32% |
| Killeen, TX | $41,440 | 60 | $45,473 | 38% |
| Charleston, SC | $41,300 | 270 | $40,906 | 59% |
| Anchorage, AK | $41,240 | 90 | $39,120 | 55% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $41,220 | 330 | $45,593 | 40% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $41,070 | 230 | $42,985 | 44% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $40,780 | 60 | $41,131 | 60% |
| Orlando, FL | $40,690 | 780 | $40,121 | 57% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $40,390 | 80 | $43,584 | 42% |
| Fresno, CA | $40,360 | 220 | $39,507 | 61% |
| Sebastian, FL | $40,210 | 60 | $40,902 | 64% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $39,970 | 40 | $45,564 | 50% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $39,940 | 60 | $43,145 | 38% |
| New Orleans, LA | $39,830 | 110 | $43,014 | 48% |
| Asheville, NC | $39,420 | 100 | $40,847 | 52% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $39,390 | 90 | $39,845 | 62% |
| Provo, UT | $39,270 | 200 | $39,977 | 54% |
| Birmingham, AL | $39,260 | 190 | $42,840 | 43% |
| Greenville, SC | $39,260 | 250 | $42,097 | 48% |
| Waterloo, IA | $39,170 | 30 | $44,994 | 31% |
| Columbus, OH | $39,150 | 340 | $41,008 | 47% |
| Charlotte, NC | $39,120 | 770 | $40,186 | 53% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $39,120 | 90 | $35,597 | 106% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $39,090 | 40 | $43,347 | 37% |
| Napa, CA | $39,020 | 90 | $34,668 | 89% |
| Vallejo, CA | $39,000 | 50 | $35,952 | 76% |
| Toledo, OH | $38,890 | 110 | $42,524 | 39% |
| Slidell, LA | $38,760 | 70 | $41,801 | – |
| Louisville, KY | $38,750 | 330 | $41,634 | 41% |
| Des Moines, IA | $38,730 | 300 | $42,235 | 40% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $38,700 | 1,300 | $38,617 | 54% |
| Lexington, KY | $38,580 | 180 | $41,533 | 50% |
| Rapid City, SD | $38,580 | 30 | $43,271 | 45% |
| Gulfport, MS | $38,480 | 60 | $42,753 | 44% |
| Lakeland, FL | $38,460 | 60 | $39,592 | 57% |
| Albany, NY | $38,370 | 150 | $38,537 | 53% |
| Cleveland, OH | $38,370 | 340 | $40,853 | 45% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $38,360 | 120 | $42,256 | 43% |
| Wilmington, NC | $38,320 | 120 | $39,742 | 55% |
| Sacramento, CA | $38,180 | 550 | $35,793 | 71% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $38,150 | 150 | $41,448 | 48% |
| Greensboro, NC | $38,110 | 120 | $41,038 | 44% |
| Nashville, TN | $38,110 | 760 | $39,559 | 57% |
| Columbia, SC | $37,870 | 140 | $40,433 | 49% |
| Reading, PA | $37,870 | 60 | $39,017 | 49% |
| Madison, WI | $37,720 | 190 | $38,772 | 57% |
| Panama City, FL | $37,690 | – | $38,737 | 55% |
| San Diego, CA | $37,640 | 1,130 | $33,641 | 95% |
| Shreveport, LA | $37,640 | 50 | $44,405 | 41% |
| South Bend, IN | $37,590 | 50 | $40,481 | 40% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $37,560 | 4,500 | $33,073 | 94% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $37,430 | 80 | $34,403 | 105% |
| Tulsa, OK | $37,340 | 190 | $41,854 | 44% |
| Roanoke, VA | $37,240 | 30 | $39,779 | 45% |
| Modesto, CA | $37,200 | 90 | $35,732 | 67% |
| Davenport, IA | $37,080 | 80 | $41,626 | 32% |
| Memphis, TN | $37,010 | 180 | $40,150 | 45% |
| Waterbury, CT | $36,930 | 50 | $37,012 | – |
| Pinehurst, NC | $36,920 | 60 | $41,795 | 60% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $36,820 | 40 | $39,099 | 53% |
| Canton, OH | $36,700 | 50 | $41,049 | 37% |
| Oxnard, CA | $36,680 | 190 | $33,184 | 97% |
| Little Rock, AR | $36,650 | 130 | $41,012 | 40% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $36,610 | 730 | $34,926 | 57% |
| Norwich, CT | $36,600 | 40 | $36,438 | 69% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $36,590 | 160 | $40,005 | 49% |
| Manchester, NH | $36,450 | 120 | $34,498 | 71% |
| Stockton, CA | $36,420 | 90 | $34,656 | 80% |
| Clarksville, TN | $36,300 | 70 | $39,913 | 44% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $36,250 | 30 | $42,206 | 36% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $36,160 | 80 | $38,615 | 57% |
| Reno, NV | $36,060 | 200 | $35,698 | 69% |
| Redding, CA | $35,910 | 40 | $35,666 | 55% |
| Kingsport, TN | $35,530 | 40 | $41,100 | 45% |
| Youngstown, OH | $35,530 | 50 | $40,655 | 35% |
| Richmond, VA | $35,370 | 330 | $36,144 | 58% |
| Montgomery, AL | $35,130 | 50 | $39,172 | 47% |
| Chico, CA | $35,090 | 40 | $34,675 | 53% |
| Rochester, NY | $34,960 | 160 | $36,028 | 53% |
| Buffalo, NY | $34,770 | 300 | $36,278 | 50% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $34,700 | 140 | $35,303 | 63% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $34,480 | 90 | $37,744 | 55% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $34,260 | 40 | $39,095 | 43% |
| Boise, ID | $34,200 | 320 | $34,759 | 68% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $34,190 | 530 | $34,909 | 66% |
| Johnson City, TN | $33,660 | 40 | $38,281 | 53% |
| Knoxville, TN | $32,910 | 240 | $35,552 | 63% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $32,810 | 50 | $34,752 | 52% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $32,240 | 50 | $35,002 | 58% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $31,580 | 90 | $34,845 | 48% |
| Jackson, TN | $31,410 | 30 | $36,727 | 53% |
| Mobile, AL | $31,070 | 40 | $35,268 | 49% |
| Huntington, WV | $30,930 | 40 | $34,980 | 42% |
| Janesville, WI | $30,040 | 30 | $32,059 | 52% |
| Lafayette, LA | $29,680 | 70 | $34,033 | 56% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $29,470 | 90 | $32,040 | 59% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $28,090 | 40 | $32,719 | 58% |
What the median esthetician salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $45,330 |
| Month | $3,778 |
| Every two weeks | $1,743 |
| Week | $872 |
| Hour | $21.79 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming an esthetician: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +8.8% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 14,200 |
| Self-employed | 29.2% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Hairstylist | $35,790 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Childcare worker | $34,980 | High school diploma |
| Personal trainer | $47,160 | High school diploma |
| Nail tech | $35,760 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Embalmer | $58,780 | Associate's degree |
| Funeral director | $55,010 | Associate's degree |
Questions about esthetician pay
How much does an esthetician make an hour?
The median is $21.79 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $14.22 and the top 10% over $39.45.
How much does an esthetician make a month?
About $3,778 a month before taxes at the median salary of $45,330, or $1,743 every two weeks.
What state pays estheticians the most?
Washington, with a median of $79,320. The District of Columbia ($77,480), Wyoming ($62,400), Montana ($58,500) and Nebraska ($58,420) follow.
Where do estheticians make the most after cost of living?
Washington: its median of $79,320 is worth $74,122 at typical US prices. The District of Columbia, Wyoming and North Dakota come next.
How much do entry-level estheticians make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of estheticians earn under $29,580 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $36,040, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become an esthetician?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award). Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 39-5094 (Skincare Specialists). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.