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The differences between cosmetologists and licensed estheticians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a licensed esthetician has an average salary of $40,911, which is higher than the $37,122 average annual salary of a cosmetologist.
The top three skills for a cosmetologist include TIP, customer service and retail sales. The most important skills for a licensed esthetician are customer service, product knowledge, and spa services.
| Cosmetologist | Licensed Esthetician | |
| Yearly salary | $37,122 | $40,911 |
| Hourly rate | $17.85 | $19.67 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 17% |
| Number of jobs | 45,889 | 13,427 |
| Job satisfaction | 2 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | Bachelor's Degree, 37% |
| Average age | 40 | 35 |
| Years of experience | 2 | - |
A cosmetologist specializes in offering various services ranging from haircuts, makeup, skin and hair treatments, manicures, pedicures, and even shaving beards. They must have extensive knowledge and experience on the subject, plus keep up with current trends. Although most clients relay their preferred styling, a cosmetologist may also provide options and suggestions according to a client's hair condition or facial structure. Furthermore, a cosmetologist must have a strong client base, which is why one must build rapport and prioritize customer satisfaction.
Licensed Estheticians are responsible for cleaning and maintaining a client's skin. They normally provide services such as facials, pore cleansing, exfoliating, chemical peels, waxing, aromatherapy, and body wraps at a salon or spa. They are also trained to identify skin problems and can advise on a proper skin cleansing regimen. Estheticians can use their license to teach clients how to make up, such as learning proper shading to create the best skin tones and accentuating bone structure. Specialized services include eyebrow tinting and sculpting. A medical esthetician works in dermatology or plastic surgery, assisting with procedures and helping with its recovery process.
Cosmetologists and licensed estheticians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Cosmetologist | Licensed Esthetician | |
| Average salary | $37,122 | $40,911 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $53,000 | Between $27,000 And $61,000 |
| Highest paying City | Duluth, MN | Puyallup, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | Anthony | Equinox |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a cosmetologist and a licensed esthetician in terms of educational background:
| Cosmetologist | Licensed Esthetician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 28% | Bachelor's Degree, 37% |
| Most common major | Cosmetology | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between cosmetologists' and licensed estheticians' demographics:
| Cosmetologist | Licensed Esthetician | |
| Average age | 40 | 35 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 7.4% Female, 92.6% | Male, 4.5% Female, 95.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 7.5% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 8.7% White, 63.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 9% |