How Long Does It Take to Become an Esthetician? - International Barber and Beauty Institute

The truth is, there isn’t a single answer to this question. Your timeline will depend on factors like where you live, the program you choose, whether you study full-time or part-time, and if you decide to specialize. Let’s walk through what you need to know—without the overwhelming jargon.

How Long Does It Actually Take

If you’re sprinting through full-time classes, you could wrap it up in 600 hours. That’s less than the time it takes to survive a winter or binge-watch all 20 seasons of a reality show.

If you’re part-time—say evenings, weekends, or whenever your schedule allows—expect the course to last a few months.

And if you want to specialize, add a few more weeks or months for additional certification courses.

So, the short version? You could be out there working on real clients in under a year, depending on your path.

How much can you earn as an esthetician?

Let’s be real. Passion is impressive, but we all need to pay rent (and buy those overpriced serums). So, what do estheticians actually earn?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay in 2024 was around $41,560—roughly $20 an hour.

That’s the baseline. But the real money? Specialties!

Salary.com estimates the average esthetician’s pay in 2025 to be around $57,500, with a range of $35k–$71k. Your income depends on your zip code, your skill set, and whether you’re hustling on your own or clocking in at a clinic.

Why Estheticians Are in Such High Demand

So why does it feel like estheticians are everywhere right now? Because demand is booming.

Skincare = Self-Care.
It’s not just about vanity anymore. People are treating facials like therapy. Stressful week? Book a peel. Breakup? Try dermaplaning. Social media has only amplified this—everyone wants to show off their glow-up.
The Aging Factor.
Let’s be blunt: the population is getting older, and nobody’s thrilled about wrinkles. Anti-aging facials, light therapy, and chemical peels? Hot-ticket items.
Clinics & Med Spas Are Everywhere.
Dermatology offices and med spas keep adding non-invasive procedures. That means more jobs for trained estheticians who know their stuff.
Job Growth Outpaces Other Fields.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 10% job growth rate from 2023 to 2033. That’s faster than many career opportunities out there.
Turnover = Fresh Openings.
Beauty is a fast-moving industry. Some pros branch out into freelancing, others shift careers, leaving gaps for newcomers. Each year, an average of about 12,800 job openings for skincare specialists are expected. A large portion of these opportunities will come from replacing professionals who move into other careers or retire from the workforce.

What This Means for You

If you’re still on the fence about becoming an esthetician, here’s the simple version:

You can start fast if you’re full-time.
Your income will depend on your skills, specialty, and hustle.
Demand is sky-high, especially for advanced roles.
The more you specialize, the more you’ll earn.
Pick a program that gives you both hands-on experience and business training. Trust me, knowing how to do a killer facial is one thing—knowing how to get clients back in your chair is another.

Turning Passion Into Paychecks

We’ve met so many students who enrolled in our estheticians program just because they loved skincare. Maybe they were the friend who always gave product recommendations. Maybe they worked at any retail store and fell in love with the science of skin. Whatever the story, one thing is the same: they found a way to turn passion into a paycheck.

If you’re in the U.S, for instance, a 600-hour esthetics program can set you up with hands-on training, state licensure, and certifications. Some schools even launch new classes every couple of months, meaning you don’t have to wait forever to jump in.

And the best part? You’ll be entering a career that’s flexible, creative, and deeply rewarding. Imagine waking up knowing your job is literally helping people feel more confident in their own skin. That’s a powerful thought!

Final Thought

Becoming an esthetician isn’t just about facials and extractions. It’s about building a career in a field that’s only getting bigger. Whether you’re looking for stability, flexibility, or the chance to eventually run your own spa, the opportunities are wide open.

So, how long does it take? A few months to a year.
How much can you earn? Enough to live comfortably—and more if you specialize.
Is it worth it? If you’re passionate about skincare, absolutely.

Your journey starts with one decision: signing up for that first class. The rest? That’s where the glow-up really begins.

Ready to join the training program?

At IBBI, our 600-hour Esthetics Program in New York gives you more than just training—it gives you confidence, real-world skills, and the credentials to shine in the beauty industry.

With new batches starting on the first Monday of every two months, there’s never been a better time to begin. Whether your dream is working in a spa, a medical clinic, or starting your own business, we’ll help you make it happen.

Call us today at (631) 273-5755!