When you think of a career in esthetics, you might immediately think of giving facials at a spa. That is one option, but it is far from the only one.
In New Jersey, licensed skin care specialists can take their training into a variety of work settings, from day spas and resorts to beauty brands, retail environments, and spa management. Some build careers around a specific service, while others use their skin care knowledge in education, hospitality, and more!
If you are researching types of esthetician jobs before deciding whether this career is right for you, here are 10 paths to consider.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Esthetics License?
1. Spa Esthetician
A spa esthetician sees several guests in a day for facials, skin analysis, hair removal, brow services, and product recommendations. Repeat appointments are a big part of the job, so estheticians often get to know their guests’ skin over time and suggest services or home-care products based on changing needs.
For students who see themselves working directly with guests every day, this is one of the most traditional esthetician job titles.
2. Medical or Clinical Aesthetician
Estheticians interested in medical aesthetics can work in places like medical spas or plastic surgery practices alongside licensed medical professionals. Rather than focusing primarily on relaxation, the work may involve cosmetic skin care services, detailed consultations, and product instruction. For students interested in this area, advanced training after licensure can be a way to build on their skin care education and develop more skills.
3. Waxing Specialist
Waxing specialists move through a full schedule of appointments for facial waxing and hair removal on areas like the arms, legs, and abdomen, often seeing returning guests every few weeks. Technique, speed, sanitation, skin sensitivity, and aftercare all play a major role, making this one of the more focused esthetician specialties.
4. Brow and Lash Specialist
For someone drawn to detail-oriented beauty services, brows and lashes offer a more precision-focused direction. The work may include brow shaping, brow waxing or tweezing, eyelash extensions, and consultations with guests about the look they want. Rather than spending an hour on a facial, a brow or lash specialist may work through a higher volume of shorter appointments throughout the day.
5. Resort or Hotel Spa Esthetician
Resort and hotel spa estheticians work in hospitality-driven environments, often serving travelers, wedding guests, and people booking treatments as part of a getaway. Their day may include facials, skin consultations, product guidance, and coordinating with a larger spa team.
Because many guests visit only once, resort estheticians often need to quickly understand what someone wants and deliver a polished, high-touch experience in a single appointment.
6. Makeup Artist
A makeup artist’s work can change from day to day. One appointment might be for a wedding, another for a photo shoot, a special event, a retail counter, or a salon client. Esthetics training can be useful because makeup starts with skin condition and preparation. Understanding skin type, texture, sanitation, and product compatibility helps artists make better choices before applying the first product.
7. Skin Care Product Educator or Brand Representative
Not all skin care career options center on providing treatments. Brand educators and representatives instead spend their time visiting spas, training beauty professionals, conducting product demos, introducing new launches, attending industry events, or working with salon and spa partners. This type of career can be a strong fit for someone who enjoys skin care science but also likes teaching, pitching, sales, or relationship building.
8. Beauty Consultant or Retail Skin Care Specialist
Esthetics training can also translate to a customer-facing role in skin care retail. Beauty consultants help guests choose products based on their skin type, concerns, routine, and goals while explaining ingredients and how products should be used.
Unlike a brand representative who may train professionals or work with businesses that carry the brand, this work is typically more focused on one-on-one product guidance and customer service.
9. Cruise Ship Esthetician
Cruise ship estheticians provide skin care services while living and working aboard a ship. Their days include giving facials, consultations, product recommendations, spa promotions, and the upkeep of treatment spaces. It is one of the more unique skin care career options, combining esthetics and hospitality with travel and a constantly changing guest list.
10. Spa Manager
Some estheticians eventually move from the treatment room into spa management. Instead of spending the day seeing guests, a spa manager oversees staff schedules, inventory, retail, guest experience, service standards, and the business’s overall flow.
Having experience as an esthetician can be helpful because managers understand the services their team provides and what goes into keeping a spa running smoothly. These roles typically require industry and leadership experience rather than being available right after graduation.
Start Your Esthetics Career at Rizzieri School for Beauty and Wellness
No matter which of these types of esthetician jobs interests you most, they all start with learning the fundamentals and getting comfortable working with guests.
At Rizzieri School in Voorhees Township, New Jersey, our 600-hour Skin Care Program gives students hands-on training in skin analysis, facials, exfoliation, hair removal, brow services, makeup, product knowledge, sanitation, and guest care. Students also gain supervised experience working with guests in the Student Spa as they prepare for New Jersey licensure.
And your education does not have to stop there. After becoming licensed, you can continue building your skills through advanced education, including specialized training offered through Rizzieri Advanced Academy.
If you’ve been searching for an esthetician school near me and want to get a feel for the program in person, schedule a tour of Rizzieri School for Beauty and Wellness today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Esthetician Careers
How long does it take to become an esthetician in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires 600 hours of approved training for Skin Care Specialist licensure. At Rizzieri School, full-time students can typically complete the Skin Care Program in about six months.
Can estheticians work in medical spas?
Yes. Estheticians can work in medical spa settings, but they must stay within the scope of their Skin Care Specialist license. Procedures that require a medical license must be performed by the appropriately licensed medical professional.
What are some popular esthetician specialties?
Common esthetician specialties and esthetician job titles involve facials, skin analysis, waxing, brow services, makeup, medical or clinical aesthetics, and skin care product education. Some estheticians offer a mix of services, while others focus heavily on one area.
Do you need to choose a specialty before esthetics school?
No. Esthetics school gives you the chance to learn different skills and see what you enjoy most. Hands-on practice with facials, hair removal, brows, makeup, and guest services can help you figure out which skin care career options you may want to explore after graduation.