Esthetician Job Description: Duties, Skills & Template

With an estimated 82,000 estheticians in the United States (and that’s expected to grow by 9% by 2032!), your spa has a hefty hiring pool to work with. If you want to bring on the best of the best, it starts with drafting an effective esthetician job description.

Your dream hire should have the technical skills, professionalism, and warm personality to help your clients feel comfortable. In this post, we’ll review the details to include in a licensed esthetician job description, complete with examples and templates.

TL;DR: Licensed esthetician job descriptions

Writing a job description helps you focus on what you really need from an esthetician in your business. Plus, it gives you a great jumping- off point for writing a job posting that attracts the right fit.

What to include in an esthetician job description:

• Core esthetician responsibilities and duties: Treatments and consultations, product knowledge and sales, sanitation and safety procedures, and admin duties.
• Esthetician job requirements and qualifications: Licensing and certificates, previous spa or med spa experience, and special treatment certifications.
• Physical and scheduling requirements: Standing and lifting ability, minimum availability.
• Required skillsets: Technical, soft, and professional skills.

What this guide has to offer:

• A detailed look at the skills, responsibilities, and qualifications of a licensed esthetician.
• Example job descriptions for medical, spa, and lead estheticians.
• 5 esthetician job description templates.

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Esthetician job description template

Here’s a boilerplate esthetician job description template that you can modify to suit the needs of your spa:

Job Summary
We’re looking for a licensed esthetician who’s eager to put their training into practice with a growing team. You’ll shape a warm and comfortable client experience from consultation to treatment to checkout. This role is a great fit for a “people person” who puts client care first and takes pride in delivering consistently impressive results.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough skin consultations
• Provide professional skincare services tailored to client needs
• Recommend appropriate products and treatment plans
• Follow all sanitation and safety protocols

Required Qualifications

• Strong foundational knowledge of skincare
• Confidence working independently with clients
• 1+ years experience working in spa settings
• [Experience with specific services you offer]

Licensing Requirements

• Active state esthetician license
• Certificate from an accredited esthetics program
• [Other specialized certifications for your spa]

Schedule Expectations

• Reliable weekly availability for [Required hours]
• Willingness to work peak hours
• Flexibility during busy seasons

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to stand for long periods
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to manage distractions and rapid task switching

Compensation: [Details of hourly pay, commission, tipping, and benefits.]

Esthetician job duties and responsibilities

While services can vary depending on the type of spa you’re running, there are a few core esthetician job duties and responsibilities that exist across the board:

Client care and treatments

Becoming an esthetician is all about client care. This includes delivering high-quality services that meet clients’ unique needs, but also building a space where they can feel comfortable and confident.

Estheticians work with clients by offering: 

• Services like facials, skin analysis, and hair removal: Every treatment should be customized based on the client’s skin type, concerns, and goals—consultations are non-negotiable.
• Treatment plans: Creating clear treatment plans sets long-term expectations and encourages consistent business. That means regular income and better results for customers.
• Client education: Clients should feel confident caring for their skin when they leave the treatment room. Dedicating time to education builds trust, and trust creates loyalty.

Product knowledge and sales

Estheticians should be experts on the ingredients, formulations, and benefits of the products they use and recommend. That doesn’t just keep skin glowing—it also protects people from allergic reactions.

The sales component of esthetician job duties includes a combination of thoughtful retail sales recommendations and upselling add-on services. To prevent upselling from feeling salesy, add-ons should be personalized and complement booked treatments.

Sanitation and safety

Cleanliness and compliance are non-negotiable esthetician responsibilities. They keep staff and clients safe from sickness, and your business safe from getting shut down.

These duties include:

• Infection control: Following strict hygiene protocols for handwashing and tool handling to prevent cross-contamination.
• Equipment cleaning: Treatment tools and rooms must be cleaned and sanitized between every client.
• Compliance with state regulations: Estheticians work within their scope of practice and stay up to date on state requirements, so they don’t lose their licenses.

Administrative and team duties

These are the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the day running smoothly:

• Documentation of treatments, products used, and client progress for better continuity of care.
• Scheduling support for rebooking or adjusting appointment times. Better availability means better client retention.
• Team collaboration with the desk staff and other providers for a seamless client experience and overall employee happiness.

Esthetician job requirements and qualifications

Before thinking about interviews, there are some core esthetician job requirements and qualifications that 100% need to be on the resume:

Required qualifications

In the United States, esthetician licenses vary on a state level, so be sure to find out what your state requires. And when it comes to certifications, well-known programs like the Aveda Institutes or Paul Mitchell Schools produce licensed estheticians with solid training behind them.

Certain states have additional regulations for specific treatments. For example, estheticians are not legally allowed to perform Bbotox injections in the state of New York. Be sure you know your state med spa laws before you start offering more advanced services.

Preferred experience

Depending on the needs of your spa, determine how many years of practice you’d like your esthetician to have behind them, plus their experience with:

• Basic vs. advanced treatments
• Regular or med spas
• Admin tasks
• Team management (useful if you’re writing a lead esthetician job description!)

If there are specific skills you’d like to add to your spa, or services that are always booked to capacity, make those priority #1. This’ll help your regulars get consistent treatment and leave you room to bring in new customers.

Physical and scheduling requirements

Being an esthetician is a physical job, and your job description shouldn’t sugarcoat it, especially if you’re hiring someone fresh out of school. Make it clear that they’ll be spending much of the day on their feet, and need to be able to keep their hands steady while doing multiple treatments in a row.

When it comes to scheduling, evenings and weekends will likely be a priority time. If someone can’t work with that, they’re probably not going to be a good fit for your team.

What skills do estheticians need?

Esthetician skills aren’t limited to treatments. A great esthetician should also have the people skills and professionalism to build relationships and represent your spa in a way you’re proud of.

Technical skills

For estheticians, a solid foundation of hands-on techniques and tools includes:

• Skin analysis: Being able to assess different skin types and conditions ensures treatments are safe, effective, and tailored to a client’s goals.
• Treatment execution: From facials to hair removal, estheticians must deliver services accurately and consistently. Client confidence is top priority.
• Equipment use: Comfort and skill with specialized tools like microdermabrasion devices or LED machines is essential for both safety and efficiency.

Soft skills

Esthetic services require trust between providers and clients. Technical skills bring clients into your spa, but interpersonal skills keep them coming back.

In your esthetician job description, highlight the need for:

• Communication skills: Estheticians need to discuss treatment plans, answer questions, and set realistic expectations. Clear, friendly explanations make clients feel informed and cared for.
• Attention to detail: When it comes to esthetics services, precision matters every step of the way. From room setup to the treatments themselves, small details make a big difference.
• Customer service: End of day, estheticians are performing a service role, and customer care is foundational to building a positive reputation for your spa.

Sales and Professionalism

A successful esthetician also knows how to manage their time and business interactions thoughtfully:

• Relationship building: Add-ons are only as good as the trust that comes with them. Clients are more likely to buy retail items or upsell services when they trust the intentions of their esthetician.
• Time management: Efficiently managing appointments and treatment flow keeps the day running smoothly. No one likes to be kept waiting.
• Confidentiality: Clients rely on estheticians to respect privacy, especially when it comes to something as personal as their bodies, and HIPAA compliance comes with the job.

Spa esthetician vs medical esthetician job description

The type of spa you run determines the skills and qualifications that your esthetician team will need. These are some key differences to include in your medical versus spa esthetician job description.

Spa esthetician role

A spa esthetician focuses on creating a relaxing, results-driven experience for clients. This role blends cosmetic treatments with personalized customer care, and often includes a retail sales component.

Responsibilities include:

• Facials and skin treatments
• Hair removal services, including waxing or brow shaping
• Massage or body treatments
• Product recommendations and retail guidance
• Maintaining a welcoming, tranquil environment for clients

Medical esthetician role

Medical estheticians work under the supervision of licensed medical professionals, providing clinical treatments in a more regulated environment. The types of procedures medical estheticians can perform depends on state regulations, but the job always includes detailed skin analyses and thorough patient documentation.

Some of the procedures you could add to a medical esthetician job description include:

• Botox and dermal fillers
• Chemical peels
• Microdermabrasion
• LED light therapy
• Microneedling
• Dermaplaning
• Advanced hair removal techniques
• Hydrodermabrasion or advanced facial devices

Lead esthetician job description

Lead estheticians take on a higher level of responsibility, bridging hands-on treatment with team leadership. They support operations and assist colleagues in maintaining consistent, top-tier service quality.

On top of the basics, lead esthetician responsibilities include:

• Mentorship and training: Guide new estheticians and provide coaching on techniques and client care.
• Quality control: Ensure treatments meet standards and client expectations, and help make it right if a customer isn’t satisfied.
• Scheduling or supervisory responsibilities: Assist with making schedules to handle staff coverage and appointment flow.
• Elevated experience expectations: Often manage complex treatments or client concerns with confidence.

What is an esthetician’s primary focus?

At its core, an esthetician’s role is about more than just treatments—it’s about helping clients feel cared for and confident in their own skin when they walk out the door.

No matter what techniques they use, an esthetician’s primary focus points include:

• Skin health and client outcomes: Personalized treatment plans and regularly monitoring progress ensures lasting, visible results.
• Safe, effective treatments: Whether you’re doing a body scrub or an advanced medical procedure, following proper sanitation and product guidelines keeps clients and staff members safe.
• Building long-term client relationships: Every appointment is an opportunity to build loyalty. That means consistent work, referrals, and long- term career growth.

How to describe an esthetician on a resume

When you’re hiring, having an esthetician job description for resume screening on hand can help you quickly identify a good match.

When you’re reviewing resumes, look for how candidates have described:

• Treatment expertise: Experience with basic and advanced services, and how many years of experience they have.
• Client retention: Mentions of client growth and positive reviews with the numbers to back them up.
• Product sales: Retail knowledge and specific product familiarity.
• Certifications: Licenses, advanced training, specialty certifications, and continuing education.

Esthetician job description templates by role

Need an esthetician job description template to get you started? Here are three templates for licensed spa, lead, and medical esthetician job descriptions:

Spa esthetician

Job Summary

Our spa is seeking a calm, client-centered esthetician to join our service team. This spa role is ideal for someone who understands the balance between day-of relaxation and long-term results. You’ll help create an environment where clients can unwind and leave glowing.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver specialized facials and body treatments
• Create a welcoming, relaxing experience for each guest
• Educate clients on treatments and enhancements
• Prepare treatment rooms before and after services
• Follow all sanitation and safety protocols

Required Qualifications

• Experience in a spa or hospitality setting
• Strong attention to detail and presentation
• Ability to manage time during back-to-back appointments
• Retail experience preferred

Licensing Requirements

• Active state esthetician license
• Certificate from an accredited esthetics program
• Knowledge of spa sanitation standards

Schedule Expectations

• Weekend and evening availability
• Availability to work peak hours

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform back-to-back services throughout the day
• Comfortable standing, bending, and reaching during treatments
• Ability to safety lift up to 50 pounds

Compensation

• $[insert hourly rate]/hr plus tips
• Retail commission opportunities
• Discounts on services and products

Medical esthetician

Job Summary
We’re hiring a detail-oriented professional to support our clinical skincare services as a medical esthetician. This role is for someone who enjoys advanced and specialized treatments, works well within protocols, and values collaboration with medical providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough skin consultations
• Perform medical-grade skincare treatments [note specifics]
• Support pre- and post-procedure patient care
• Maintain accurate client and treatment records
• Follow strict clinical safety guidelines

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years experience in a med spa or clinical environment
• Strong understanding of advanced skincare technology
• Clear, compassionate communication skills

Licensing Requirements

• Active state esthetician license
• Certificate from an accredited esthetics program
• Knowledge of spa sanitation standards
• Compliance with medical regulations
• [Additional licensing for specific services]

Schedule Expectations

• Structured weekday availability
• Flexibility for treatment schedules

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Comfortable performing detailed, precision-based services
• Able to lift and move up to 50 pounds equipment or supplies
• Steady hands and strong attention to treatment protocols

Compensation

• $[insert hourly rate]/hr based on experience and certifications
• Performance incentives tied to service quality or retention
• Training and continuing education support

Lead esthetician

Job Summary

We’re seeking a confident lead esthetician who can elevate both service quality and team performance at our spa. This role is perfect for an experienced professional ready to mentor others and support business growth while still working hands-on with clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Consistently deliver advanced skincare services
• Support training and onboarding of new estheticians
• Maintain service quality and treatment protocols
• Act as a resource for team questions and guidance
• Manage administrative tasks like scheduling

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years experience as a practicing esthetician
• Natural leadership and coaching ability
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Understanding of business performance goals and metrics

Licensing Requirements

• Active esthetician license
• Certificate from an accredited esthetics program
• Commitment to continuing education
• [Specialized treatment licenses]

Schedule Expectations

• Full-time availability
• Willingness to adjust schedule for team needs
• Presence during peak business hours

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for long periods
• Ability to perform services while supporting team oversight
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds

Compensation

• Salary reflecting leadership duties
• Performance bonuses tied to team or revenue goals
• Competitive benefits package

FAQs about esthetician roles

What is the highest paid esthetician job?

The highest paid esthetician job is typically a medical esthetician. In the United States, the average salary for a medical esthetician is $59,876 per year, or about $29 per hour.

Lead medical estheticians often make more due to the additional management responsibilities they take on. By getting additional certifications for more advanced procedures, estheticians can also increase their earnings.

How much do estheticians make in KS?

Estheticians in Kansas make an average of $41,771 per year, or about $24 per hour. Their actual pay depends on their experience, location, and the type of spa they are working for. Medical estheticians or those working in upscale spas will typically earn higher salaries than those in entry-level beauty spa positions.

Finding the right esthetician for the job

Hiring a new esthetician for your spa goes beyond checking off a few boxes. A solid esthetician job description will guide you towards someone with the skills, talents, and qualifications to elevate your team and grow your clientele.

Looking to upgrade your admin systems as your beauty and wellness team grows? Our all-in-one app automates and streamlines schedules, timeclocks, and payroll—and comes with hiring and onboarding tools so everything can flow from day one! 

Reach out today to learn how Homebase can give your scheduling a makeover. 

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