How to Start Your Career as an Esthetician

A career change can be an exciting, but nerve-wracking time. You can be 100% sure that you want to work in a particular field, but identifying what it is we’d like to do in that field can be another thing entirely! The beauty industry alone holds a massive list of avenues to venture down. But with some specialities merging under a few umbrella terms, it can sometimes be a little confusing. 

An Esthetician is a skincare specialist and is often referred to as a beauty therapist or aesthetician. Estheticians aim to improve the skin’s health and wellbeing through beautifying treatments. Although a medical qualification is not required, they hold a vast knowledge of the dermatological systems and specialised skincare or cosmetic procedures.

Imagine going to work every day, and being the expert that loyal, loving clients turn to, entrusting you with the health and beauty of their skin. The fulfilment you can achieve in this role is endless, especially if you love to build relationships with people and make them feel taken care of, pampered, and most importantly, beautiful!

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered about your skin type? Maybe you have thought about optimising your skincare regime? Or perhaps you’ve considered treating yourself to some non-invasive skin-beautifying treatments? Your first port of call for all of the above would be an Esthetician. 

With a more advanced understanding of the skin than a beautician (internationally known as a cosmetologist), an Esthetician won’t diagnose or treat any medical skin conditions but will often refer a client to a Dermatologist or other appropriate healthcare professionals. Estheticians and Dermatologists will sometimes work together in a workplace dedicated to our skin’s overall health and wellbeing.

Depending on your workplace setting, as an Esthetician, you will perform services like: 

As in any salon, day spa or clinic environment, you may be required to assist in the business’s administration side — taking phone calls, making appointments, and using your knowledge to recommend specific treatments to clients coming in for the first time. 

With the ability to develop and tailor your specialised areas of expertise, this role can fit in with your passions and interests, making for an enjoyable workday — every day!

The average salary for an in-salon esthetician is between $32,000-$50,000 in NZ, plus tips and overtime pay.

Of course, if you own your own business or branch out in new avenues, there is no ceiling to your earning potential. 

The industry outlook for the beauty industry here in New Zealand is looking to improve over the next few years. With the unforeseen impact that COVID-19 has had the past year, creating a revenue decline, we should see a bounce back to its former economic glory very soon!

The sky is the limit with a career in Esthetics. You could be satisfied going into the salon day-to-day, seeing your loyal customer base and making them feel amazing. But, there is also an incredible opportunity for career development in many directions!

Here are some:

Like any career, there are required personality traits and some that will simply help you thrive in particular environments. Here we look at some must-haves.

Although there is no specific qualification required to work as an Esthetician here in New Zealand, beauty school is still a good idea. A diploma or certificate in Beauty Therapy is advised as a great starting point. A formal training program will give you the building blocks for your career as an Esthetician and can open you to work opportunities in the future.

Studying online can be a great option if you wish to retain employment as you learn, and with the opportunity to pay for courses as you go, getting started can be as easy as ever!

The HITO in New Zealand has an excellent apprenticeship programme which means you will earn as you learn.