In many states, it takes about 600 hours to become an esthetician. That amounts to six months for full-time study or a year at a part-time pace.
The actual time needed to become an esthetician largely depends on where you live, as each state has specific training hour requirements.
Learn what influences the timeline and what to expect before you can legally start enhancing clients’ complexions. Hello, glowy future!
Becoming an esthetician isn’t just about training hours — you also need to plan for licensing, job hunting, and protecting your new career with esthetician insurance. Not sure about this career path? Learn what an esthetician does for work.
The Average Timeline of Becoming an Esthetician
Becoming an esthetician means getting an esthetician license from your state — this is your legal “pass” to work on clients’ skin. So, how long does it take to get an esthetician license? Well, it depends on your state!
On average, states require 600 training hours before you can apply for a license, but some require fewer or more. Here are a few examples by state to give you a better idea.
| State | Training Hours Required |
|---|---|
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220 hours
|
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300 hours
|
|
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450 hours
|
|
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600 hours
|
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600 hours
|
|
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600 hours
|
|
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600 hours
|
|
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750–800 hours
|
|
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750 hours
|
|
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1,000 hours
|
Translation: If you pursue an esthetician license in California, it could take you six months to qualify for a license if you enroll full-time at an accredited esthetics program.
Compared to the average timelines of other beauty careers, esthetics falls somewhere in the middle.
- Nail technician training: 250-600 hours
- Esthetician training: 600-1,000 hours
- Cosmetologist training: 1,200-2,100 hours
Esthetics is a more specialized focus on skincare, brows, lashes, and hair removal. On the other hand, the cosmetology license is broader, covering hair, nails, and skin, which is why it can take longer to earn.
Pro Tip: Check your state’s specific requirements for an esthetician license. These are often set in place by the state board of cosmetology, so be sure to go to their official website for the most accurate info.
Factors That Influence How Long It Takes to Become an Esthetician
State Requirements
State-specific education requirements vary wildly — the minimum number of hours needed will be the most significant variable to plan your timeline around. The difference between 220 and 1,000 hours can amount to a full year (or more!) of schooling.
Program Type
Your enrollment as a full-time or part-time student affects how quickly you can get through the required education hours. Your school may follow a schedule like:
- Full-time program: 30-40 hours per week (like a full-time job)
- Part-time program: 15-20 hours per week (evenings and weekends)
Many esthetics schools offer hybrid curricula, allowing you to complete theory studies online and hands-on training in person. A program like this is more flexible if you plan on working and studying at the same time.
Another factor to consider is how comprehensive the coursework is. Each certification will cover skincare basics, but you may want to delve deeper into advanced techniques like chemical peels, microneedling, or LED light therapy.
Longer, more expensive esthetics programs can have a higher payoff — more in-demand services, more future bookings.
There are different avenues for your esthetician training, including:
- Cosmetology schools
- Community colleges
- Technical colleges
- Branded schools, like Aveda Institute or Paul Mitchell Schools
Regardless of how and where you earn your education, be sure to first check that your school is on your state’s list of approved esthetician schools.
Advice From an Industry Pro
“Esthetics school is essentially prep for the state board. Find a school that has many clinic hours to prepare you to get comfortable touching people and truly getting a feel for things. Ask if you’re able to meet the instructors or current students before you commit to your school. I was fortunate to have teachers who were passionate, but I’ve heard from other estheticians that school was a bust.
It’s not a “get rich quick” industry by any means, and there is a lot of job competition with recent graduates. Check out job postings in your area before you decide to get your education.” – Nichelle Temple, Founder of Inderma Studio
Apprenticeship
Another route to qualifying for an esthetician license is an apprenticeship, which is hands-on training at a slower pace. Essentially, this lets you learn on the job, working under a licensed esthetician.
This process does take longer — for example, in Washington state, you must complete 2,000 on-the-job training (OJT) and 144 related supplemental instruction (RSI) hours versus 750 hours of straightforward training hours at a school.
On the plus side, you get paid for apprenticeship training, whereas as an esthetician student, you’re the one paying for your tuition. If you have more time to become an esthetician, this could be a great option, especially if you already have a rapport with an established industry professional.
Personal Life
The final important factor that impacts your esthetician career timeline is life. Your family, work, and financial obligations determine how much you can commit to studying, so it’s crucial to be realistic about your goals.
Can you afford an accelerated program? Are you able to commit eight hours a day to studying esthetics? Do you need to work through school or have family members who rely on you?
All these personal circumstances can speed up your career or necessitate a more manageable timeline — it all depends on what’s best for you!
Pro Tip: The r/Esthetics community on Reddit gives you an unfiltered peek at what’s on the minds of your future peers: real-life licensed estheticians.
After Esthetician School: What Happens Next
Exam and License Application Processing
After you graduate from your esthetics program, you need to apply for a license with your state board and pass a state-determined exam. Most states use the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) exam.
Here are general guidelines of how long each step takes:
- Application submission: 1-2 weeks
- Scheduling the exam: 2-8 weeks
- Exam results and license processing: 1-4 weeks
Advice From an Industry Pro
“You’ll leave school with a license, not mastery. Real growth happens in the treatment room, post-grad. The industry is shifting toward results-driven and holistic aesthetics; being open-minded keeps you relevant.
Focus on client care: Your technique matters, but how you make someone feel will set you apart.” – Nikki Bruce, Medical Esthetician at Seaside Skin Care
Job Hunting
Depending on your area’s market, job hunting can take a few weeks or months. If you go the self-employed route, you can start seeing clients as soon as you’re licensed, but setting up your space or finding a booth to rent can also add time.
Building a Client Base
Building a regular client base takes the most time of these post-school steps. If you are hired at a spa, you might start with walk-ins and overflow appointments. However, it may take 3-6 months to turn these clients into regulars.
Keep in mind, if you’re starting an independent practice, it may take a solid year of marketing, referrals, and local promotions to feel “steady.”
Did You Know? 70% of BBI estheticians surveyed say getting clients is their biggest challenge. Check out more 2025 beauty insights or start getting inspo for building clientele through your esthetician Instagram account.
Choose Your Esthetics Adventure: 3 Sample Timelines
Path Type: Fast Track
Persona Example: Maria in California: attends a private beauty academy offering accelerated schedules
Training Hours: 600 hours
Study Format: Full-time, 30–35 hrs/week → 5–6 months
Licensing Exam: Application + testing schedueld within one month
First Job: Hired at a chain spa within one month
Total Time Estimate: 7-8 months
Path Type: Balanced
Persona Example: Jordan in Texas: working part-time while attending school three nights/week and weekends
Training Hours: 750 hours
Study Format: Part-time, 20hrs/week→ ~9-10 months
Licensing Exam: Application + testing takes two months
First Job: Looking for a suite rental for 2-3 moths at a spa suite
Total Time Estimate: 14-15months
Path Type: Extended
Persona Example: Tasha in Georgia: single parent, evening-only schedule with occasional breaks
Training Hours: 1,000 hours
Study Format: Evening/Weekend, 12-15 hrs/week→ 16-18 months
Licensing Exam: Application + testing takes two months
First Job: Job hunting 3+ moths (aiming for medical spa)
Total Time Estimate: 20-23 months
Tips for Becoming an Esthetician Faster
Can’t wait to start beautifying skin? Try these tips for becoming an esthetician faster.
- Consider choosing a state with lower hour requirements: If you’re flexible about location, moving to a state with a 300-hour minimum, for example, can cut months off your timeline
- Pick a full-time program: Go for a 30-40-hour schedule if you’re able — it can decrease your overall education timeline in half!
- Stay organized with licensing paperwork: Delays often happen because of missing transcripts, so gather all your documents early and submit your application the same week you graduate
- Prep for exams during school: Use practice exams and review guides while you’re still learning so that you can test as soon as possible
- Network while at school: Start building relationships with spas or salons while you’re training to increase your chances of getting hired faster
Keep Your New Career Glowy With Insurance
Looking for a long-lasting career? Protect all the time and hard work you invested into becoming an esthetician with liability insurance. It’s the smartest way to safeguard your esthetics practice against client claims of accidental injury, property damage, or unmet expectations.
Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI) offers top-rated esthetician insurance from $9.99/month, giving you peace of mind to focus on what matters: bringing out the beauty in each client’s skin. You can even get covered now as a student to set up your esthetics journey for success!
Read more: How to Become an Esthetician
