Updated: June 29th, 2026
The job titles “esthetician” and “aesthetician” are often used interchangeably because they sound alike, and both work in the field of skincare. However, these two professions involve significantly different duties. Estheticians focus primarily on the cleaning of the skin and cosmetic procedures. Aestheticians, on the other hand, perform medical procedures on the skin. If you’re researching programs of study to become a skin care professional, it’s critical to understand the difference between the two. Here are more details to help you know which might be the best fit for you between esthetician vs. aesthetician.
Esthetician vs. Aesthetician: Quick Answer
An esthetician typically provides cosmetic skincare services such as facials, hair removal, skin analysis, and skincare treatments in salons, spas, and wellness environments. An aesthetician is commonly associated with medical or clinical skincare settings and may work alongside healthcare professionals to support patients before or after cosmetic procedures. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, this distinction is commonly used throughout the skincare industry.
What Does an Esthetician Do?
An esthetician is a licensed professional who focuses on skincare. You may find them called skincare specialists or facial specialists. Estheticians in New Jersey usually work in a salon, spa, or similar business focused on cosmetics and skin health. The primary goal is healthy skin, which may be achieved through procedures like peels and waxes. However, many estheticians also educate clients on the importance of diet, proper cleansing, and using the right makeup and other products.
Clients who see an esthetician seek help with skin issues, such as dryness or oiliness, signs of aging, or wrinkles. The professional advises clients on cleaning and maintaining the skin and may also give facials and facial massages. Estheticians must have a thorough understanding of different skin types to inform the individual clients correctly.
Esthetician training programs should include education on:
- The different industry tools and how to use them safely to help clients reach their skincare goals.
- How to manage the client relationship professionally.
- The interpersonal skills needed to place clients at ease, even in emotionally charged cases.
What Does an Aesthetician Do?
An aesthetician is commonly associated with medical or clinical skincare settings. Some professionals focus on supporting skincare treatments within medical aesthetics, while others work with a broader range of skincare concerns. Patients who visit an aesthetician may be seeking support related to skin health, cosmetic procedures, surgery recovery, burns, scarring, or other skin-related conditions.
Aestheticians may help support skincare treatment plans by educating patients on proper skincare routines, product usage, and post-treatment care. Training programs often include education in medical terminology, skincare science, treatment protocols, equipment safety, and professional communication. In New Jersey, medical aesthetics education may include laser physics and safety training to help professionals understand laser-based treatments and assist physicians with treatment preparation and setup. Aestheticians do not operate lasers in New Jersey.
Esthetician vs. Aesthetician: Key Differences
In every state in the United States, such as New Jersey, aestheticians and estheticians must hold a license to provide these skincare procedures. However, these careers are different in important ways, including where they work and are trained. Here are some of the critical differences.
Work Setting for Estheticians vs. Aestheticians
Aestheticians usually work in clinical settings such as hospitals, medical clinics, burn units, trauma centers, and rehabilitation facilities.
Estheticians often work in salons, beauty boutiques, spas, or other businesses focused on relaxation and self-care. You also find these professionals in resorts, on cruise ships, and in fitness centers.
Job Responsibilities for Estheticians vs. Aestheticians
Aestheticians may work in medical or clinical skincare environments and help support patient care before and after cosmetic procedures. Responsibilities may include:
- Performing advanced skincare treatments such as dermaplaning, microneedling, and medical-grade chemical peels, where permitted by state regulations and workplace requirements
- Conducting skin assessments and helping patients understand treatment options and skincare recommendations
- Assisting with pre-treatment preparation and post-treatment care for cosmetic procedures
- Educating patients on skincare routines, product usage, and treatment aftercare
- Supporting physicians and medical providers with treatment room preparation, equipment setup, and patient care protocols
- Maintaining treatment records and documentation in accordance with workplace procedures
- Monitoring sanitation, safety, and infection-control standards within the treatment environment
- Communicating with patients about treatment expectations, recovery guidelines, and ongoing skincare maintenance
- Assisting with consultations and answering questions about skincare treatments, risks, and expected outcomes
- Working alongside physicians and medical professionals in medical aesthetics, dermatology, plastic surgery, and other clinical skincare settings
Esthetician certification may involve learning how to do the following tasks:
- Analyzing skin conditions and performing services such as facials, HydraFacials, microdermabrasion, back facials, exfoliation treatments, and customized skincare services designed to support healthy skin and address individual concerns.
- Using masks and scrubs to minimize the look of pores, hydrate skin, even out the client’s complexion, and minimize the signs of aging.
- Massaging the face and performing facials to promote healthier skin
- Using essential oils for aromatherapy to help clients relax and feel healthier
- Removing unwanted hair using waxes, tweezers, threading, and eyebrow shaping techniques
- Applying makeup for special occasions
- Using various techniques and treatments to reduce acne, sun damage, signs of aging, and dry or oily skin
- Preparing clients for more complex procedures such as fillers or injections and caring for patients after such procedures
- Body sculpting to reduce cellulite
- Advising clients on which skincare products best suit their skin and how to use them
Training and Requirements for Esthetician vs. Aesthetician
Both aestheticians and estheticians need specialized training and a state-issued license to work legally. The professions share some common training elements. In New Jersey, medical aesthetics programs may also attract licensed healthcare professionals, including registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and physician assistants (PAs), who are seeking additional education in medical aesthetics.
- Both need a high school diploma or GED certificate.
- Both must also complete a state-approved educational program at a cosmetology school, vocational school, or community college. These programs usually take at least six months.
- Both must complete a written and practical exam process to earn a license granted by the state cosmetology board. Some states require a year of internship or apprenticeship before you can sit for the licensure exam.
- Both must meet the requirements to renew their licenses as established by state regulations. Some states offer a master aesthetician license for those who complete advanced training requirements.
Though the similarities are many, each of the two professions has its specific requirements.
Estheticians learn how to disinfect equipment and keep the work area sanitized correctly. They also learn how to manage the business aspects of a salon. Estheticians need specialized knowledge of various skin conditions, how to perform facials and massages, hair removal, and the application of makeup.
Aestheticians’ education is more clinical. Both estheticians and aestheticians study foundational topics such as anatomy, physiology, skin analysis, anti-aging therapies, and advanced skincare treatments. Additional education and training may vary based on career goals, workplace settings, and areas of specialization.Aestheticians may also provide care before and after surgeries, perform advanced hair removal procedures, and apply chemical exfoliants.
Career Path for Both Skincare Specialists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupation Outlook Handbook predicts a positive outlook for people who wish to work as skincare specialists. Job opportunities are projected to grow 17% by 2029, much faster than the average for other careers. Once a professional in either of these fields has a few years of experience, many career paths are available. For example, experienced aestheticians and estheticians may open their own salons or spa or become instructors or teachers. Because of their clinical background, professional aestheticians who pursue the master license may become inspectors who make sure that medical facilities follow state standards.
Where Can I Learn More?
Suppose you’re considering a career as an aesthetician or an esthetician. In that case, Rizzieri is an excellent place to start in New Jersey, New York, South Jersey, Central Jersey, and Philadelphia. For more than 100 years, Rizzieri has helped prepare beauty and wellness professionals for successful careers.
The Skin Care program combines hands-on training, real guest experience, and professional development designed to prepare students for more than licensure. Students develop technical expertise alongside communication, consultation, guest service, and business-building skills that support long-term growth in the beauty industry.
Scheduling a tour is a great way to explore the program, meet instructors, and experience the learning environment firsthand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Estheticians and Aestheticians
What is the difference between an esthetician and an aesthetician?
An esthetician typically focuses on cosmetic skincare services such as facials, hair removal, skin analysis, and guest care in beauty and wellness environments. An aesthetician is often associated with medical or clinical skincare settings, where treatments may support patients before or after cosmetic procedures or address more advanced skincare concerns.
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, many skincare professionals use aesthetician to describe those working within medical aesthetics, dermatology, plastic surgery, or other healthcare-related environments.
Are estheticians and aestheticians the same thing?
The terms are often used interchangeably, and their meaning can vary by state, employer, or workplace setting. However, a common distinction within the skincare industry is that estheticians focus on cosmetic skincare services, while aestheticians often work in medical or clinical skincare environments.
Both career paths require a strong understanding of skin health, professional skincare treatments, sanitation, and guest care.
Do you need to be an esthetician before pursuing medical aesthetics?
Many skincare professionals begin with esthetics training before pursuing opportunities in medical aesthetics. A strong foundation in skin analysis, facials, hair removal, sanitation, skincare science, and professional practices helps prepare students for advanced education and future specialization.
For many professionals, skincare education serves as the first step toward exploring advanced aesthetics and medical aesthetics career opportunities.
Can estheticians work in medical aesthetics?
Career opportunities vary based on state regulations, employer requirements, scope of practice laws, and additional training. Many professionals working in medical aesthetics begin with skincare education and continue developing their knowledge through advanced training and specialized education.
Medical aesthetics environments may include dermatology practices, plastic surgery offices, medical spas, cosmetic treatment centers, and advanced skincare facilities.
What should I study if I am interested in medical aesthetics?
Students interested in medical aesthetics often start with professional skincare education. Building a foundation in skin health, facial treatments, consultations, skincare science, sanitation, and guest care creates a strong starting point for future specialization.
The Skin Care program at Rizzieri helps students develop the core knowledge and hands-on experience needed to pursue a variety of skincare career paths.
What do you learn in medical aesthetics?
Medical aesthetics focuses on advanced skincare treatments, technologies, and procedures designed to improve the appearance and health of the skin. Depending on the program, students may study laser technologies, skin rejuvenation treatments, body contouring, skin tightening procedures, advanced skincare treatments, consultation techniques, and treatment planning.
Many professionals begin with foundational skincare education before pursuing advanced training. Through Rizzieri’s Medical Aesthetics programs, professionals can continue expanding their knowledge of advanced aesthetic technologies and treatment modalities used throughout the medical aesthetics industry.
How long is esthetician school?
Rizzieri’s Skin Care program includes 600 hours of education and hands-on training designed to prepare students for New Jersey licensure and a future in skincare. Throughout the program, students build technical knowledge, gain practical experience, and develop professional skills that support long-term career growth.
Prospective students can schedule a tour to learn more about program structure, scheduling options, admissions requirements, and career opportunities.
What do you learn in esthetician school?
Students in Rizzieri’s Skin Care program learn skin analysis, facials, hair removal, makeup application, sanitation and safety procedures, skincare treatments, and product knowledge. They also develop guest consultation skills, professional communication, service recommendations, and real-world experience working with guests.
The program is designed to help students prepare for licensure while building the confidence and professional skills needed for long-term success in the beauty industry.
How much does esthetician school cost?
The cost of esthetician school varies by program and institution. Students interested in Rizzieri’s Skin Care program can contact the admissions team for current tuition information, financial aid opportunities, scholarship availability, and payment options.
Scheduling a tour is a great way to learn more about the program and available resources.
How much does an esthetician make?
Esthetician earnings can vary based on experience, location, specialization, services offered, and the ability to build and retain a loyal clientele. Many of the highest-earning skincare professionals continue developing their skills, strengthen guest relationships, and build a strong professional reputation over time.
Career opportunities may include spas, wellness centers, luxury resorts, skincare clinics, beauty businesses, and medical aesthetics environments.
Is esthetics a good career?
For individuals who enjoy skincare, wellness, guest care, and helping others feel confident, esthetics can be a rewarding career path. The skincare industry offers opportunities for continued learning, professional growth, specialization, entrepreneurship, and business ownership.
As skincare services continue expanding across beauty, wellness, and medical aesthetics settings, trained skincare professionals remain an important part of the industry.
What opportunities are available after completing skincare training?
Graduates may pursue opportunities in spas, wellness centers, skincare clinics, resorts, beauty businesses, and other professional skincare environments. Some professionals continue their education and pursue advanced skincare, medical aesthetics, product education, management, sales, or entrepreneurship opportunities.
Skincare training can serve as the foundation for a wide range of career pathways within the beauty and wellness industries.
How do estheticians build successful careers?
Successful estheticians do more than develop technical skincare skills. Long-term success often comes from building strong guest relationships, creating memorable service experiences, maintaining professional communication, and continuing to grow through education and training.
Many skincare professionals also develop skills in guest retention, retail recommendations, scheduling, marketing, and business operations that support career growth over time.
Why choose Rizzieri for skin care education?
For more than 100 years, Rizzieri has helped prepare beauty and wellness professionals for successful careers. The Skin Care program combines hands-on training, real guest experience, and professional development designed to prepare students for more than licensure.
Students develop technical expertise alongside communication, consultation, guest service, and business-building skills that support long-term success in the beauty industry. Whether graduates pursue opportunities in skincare, wellness, advanced aesthetics, or entrepreneurship, the goal is to help them build a strong foundation for the future.