Best institutions to study Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist
A program that prepares individuals to cleanse, depilate, massage, and beautify the human body and to function as licensed estheticians and skin care specialists.
741 U.S. institutions graduated 38,219 Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 12.0409, a specialization of Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services (CIP 12.04), and leads most directly to the Skincare Specialists occupation (BLS SOC 39-5094).
About Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist programs
A program that prepares individuals to cleanse, depilate, massage, and beautify the human body and to function as licensed estheticians and skin care specialists. Includes instruction in skin anatomy, physiology, and health; principles of nutrition; decontamination and infection control; health and safety; facial and body massage; body wrapping and spa treatments; temporary hair removal including waxing and tweezing; color and skin analysis; client consultation and care; applicable laws and regulations; business practices; and sometimes related alternative healing regimens.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist program prepares individuals to cleanse, massage, and beautify the human body, equipping them to become licensed estheticians and skin care specialists. This program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in the personal grooming services field, particularly in skincare and beauty treatments.
Students will gain knowledge in skin anatomy, health principles, decontamination, infection control, and various skincare techniques. Coursework includes client consultation, product selection, and applicable laws and regulations, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their careers.
Credentials awarded
What Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year33,939 graduates / yr · 667 institutions89%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years3,907 graduates / yr · 79 institutions10%
- Award of less than 12 weeks262 graduates / yr · 14 institutions0.7%
- Associate's degree65 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.2%
- Post-master's certificate46 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 13,807 |
| 2013 | 14,339 |
| 2014 | 14,956 |
| 2015 | 16,431 |
| 2016 | 15,889 |
| 2017 | 17,884 |
| 2018 | 20,090 |
| 2019 | 23,696 |
| 2020 | 24,507 |
| 2021 | 31,570 |
| 2022 | 40,037 |
| 2023 | 42,997 |
| 2024 | 42,738 |
| 2025 | 38,219 |
Top 50 institutions for Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute - Covington Covington, LAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 893 | 80% | $24,644 | $18,605 |
| 2 | NUC University Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 622 | 54% | $9,377 | $10,216 |
| 3 | Evergreen Beauty and Barber College - Everett Everett, WAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 615 | 83% | $18,663 | $23,420 |
| 4 | Christine Valmy International School for Esthetics, Skin Care & Makeup New York, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 539 | 94% | $14,382 | $19,396 |
| 5 | Southeastern Esthetics Institute Elgin, SCPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 344 | 90% | $17,716 | $21,547 |
| 6 | Douglas J Aveda Institute East Lansing, MIPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 337 | 83% | $26,406 | $18,082 |
| 7 | Alturas Cosmetology of Arizona, LLC Chandler, AZPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 336 | 77% | $20,967 | $22,434 |
| 8 | Aveda Institute - South Florida Davie, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 317 | 73% | $27,329 | $17,806 |
| 9 | Elaine Sterling Institute Atlanta, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 311 | 67% | $24,973 | $15,263 |
| 10 | Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics New York, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 302 | 58% | $14,914 | $21,516 |
| 11 | Penrose Academy Scottsdale, AZPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 247 | 90% | $24,186 | $23,700 |
| 12 | Medspa Academies - National Institute of Modern Aesthetics Las Vegas, NVPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 230 | 93% | $23,523 | $25,502 |
| 13 | Brillare Beauty Institute Cleveland, TNPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 227 | 84% | $27,451 | $20,885 |
| 14 | Ogle School Hair Skin Nails - Stafford Stafford, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 227 | 81% | $22,650 | $18,916 |
| 15 | Central Oklahoma College Oklahoma City, OKPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 225 | 53% | — | $19,149 |
| 16 | Medspa Academies South Jordan, UTPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 215 | 92% | $17,302 | $25,502 |
| 17 | Collectiv Hair Dressing Academy - Collectiv Academy - Dallas Dallas, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 206 | — | $27,581 | — |
| 18 | Aveda Institute - Tampa Bay Clearwater, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 201 | 71% | $23,585 | $19,456 |
| 19 | G Skin & Beauty Institute Oakbrook, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 197 | 56% | $27,060 | $18,987 |
| 20 | Tricoci University of Beauty Culture - Bridgeview Bridgeview, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 195 | 67% | $19,003 | $17,943 |
| 21 | Ogle School Hair Skin Nails - San Antonio San Antonio, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 194 | 76% | $21,751 | $20,020 |
| 22 | Paul Mitchell the School - Sacramento Sacramento, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 193 | 79% | $20,104 | $15,322 |
| 23 | Long Island Nail Skin & Hair Institute Bethpage, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 193 | 88% | $14,591 | $15,644 |
| 24 | Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology Wayne, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 192 | 80% | $20,157 | $18,519 |
| 25 | Ogle School Hair Skin Nails - Willowbrook Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 192 | 70% | $22,580 | $18,916 |
| 26 | Georgia Career Institute Conyers, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 189 | 69% | $16,052 | $17,041 |
| 27 | The Chrysm Institute of Esthetics Virginia Beach, VAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 189 | 81% | $20,501 | $23,974 |
| 28 | G Skin & Beauty Institute Schaumburg, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 179 | 64% | $21,849 | $21,461 |
| 29 | Ogle School Hair Skin Nails - Ft Worth Fort Worth, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 177 | 82% | $20,903 | $20,106 |
| 30 | Centura College - Chesapeake Chesapeake, VAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 177 | 71% | $28,987 | — |
| 31 | Tricoci University of Beauty Culture - Highland Highland, INPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 167 | 75% | $20,114 | $16,118 |
| 32 | Hacienda La Puente Adult Education La Puente, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 167 | 77% | — | $9,467 |
| 33 | Capri Cosmetology Learning Centers Nanuet, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 166 | 89% | $18,257 | $17,982 |
| 34 | Davis Technical College Kaysville, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 166 | 57% | — | $18,745 |
| 35 | Aveda Fredric's Institute - Cincinnati West Chester, OHPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 163 | 80% | $19,837 | $22,160 |
| 36 | Avenue Five Institute Austin, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 163 | 77% | $28,462 | $23,144 |
| 37 | Rizzieri Aveda School for Beauty and Wellness Voorhees, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 159 | 94% | $17,785 | $16,954 |
| 38 | Milan Institute - Clovis Clovis, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 159 | 63% | $22,885 | $13,386 |
| 39 | Spa Tech Institute - Plymouth Plymouth, MAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 157 | 87% | $20,156 | $21,124 |
| 40 | Cortiva Institute Linthicum, MDPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 154 | 70% | $29,721 | $20,754 |
| 41 | Paul Mitchell the School - Costa Mesa Costa Mesa, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 151 | 82% | $12,448 | $16,464 |
| 42 | Continental School of Beauty Culture - Rochester Rochester, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 150 | 70% | $16,795 | $18,208 |
| 43 | Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Tempe, AZPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 149 | 67% | $58,427 | $26,795 |
| 44 | Paul Mitchell the School - Esani Roswell, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 146 | 77% | $19,963 | $17,667 |
| 45 | Ogle School Hair Skin Nails - Arlington Arlington, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 144 | 72% | $23,423 | $20,020 |
| 46 | Continental School of Beauty Culture - Mattydale Mattydale, NYPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 141 | 82% | $14,706 | $18,208 |
| 47 | Paul Mitchell the School - Charleston North Charleston, SCPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 141 | 75% | $14,149 | $19,583 |
| 48 | Innovate Salon Academy South Plainfield, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 136 | 94% | $38,617 | $16,420 |
| 49 | Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics Woburn, MAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 133 | 96% | $20,490 | $26,234 |
| 50 | Neo - Esthetique European Institute San Juan, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 132 | 70% | $7,426 | $9,265 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services field (CIP 12.04) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 51 states & territories
Where Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist graduates come from. Each state links to all Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 39-5094, Skincare Specialists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as skincare specialists, with a job outlook that is faster than average, featuring an annual growth rate of 6.7%. With approximately 14,500 annual openings and a median wage of $41,560, opportunities in this field are promising, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 12.0409
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Skincare Specialistsprimary SOC 39-5094 | $45,330 | +6.7% Faster than average | ~14,500 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Sterilize equipment and clean work areas.
- Cleanse clients' skin with water, creams, or lotions.
- Demonstrate how to clean and care for skin properly and recommend skin-care regimens.
- Determine which products or colors will improve clients' skin quality and appearance.
- Keep records of client needs and preferences and the services provided.
- Treat the facial skin to maintain and improve its appearance, using specialized techniques and products, such as peels and masks.
Tools and technology used
Other Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services specializations
The 12 other 6-digit CIP codes under Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services (CIP 12.04).
- Cosmetology/CIP 12.0401
Cosmetologist 56,828 graduates / yr1,353 institutions - Nail Technician/CIP 12.0410
Specialist and Manicurist 14,526 graduates / yr513 institutions - Barbering/CIP 12.0402
Barber 12,249 graduates / yr503 institutions - Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming ArtsCIP 12.04992,592 graduates / yr99 institutions
- Facial Treatment Specialist/CIP 12.0408
Facialist 2,499 graduates / yr75 institutions - Master Aesthetician/CIP 12.0414
Esthetician 2,242 graduates / yr53 institutions - Hair Styling/CIP 12.0407
Stylist and Hair Design 1,479 graduates / yr88 institutions - Cosmetology, Barber/CIP 12.0413
Styling, and Nail Instructor 1,259 graduates / yr319 institutions - Salon/CIP 12.0412
Beauty Salon Management/ Manager 546 graduates / yr17 institutions - Make-Up Artist/CIP 12.0406
Specialist 374 graduates / yr20 institutions - Electrolysis/CIP 12.0404
Electrology and Electrolysis Technician 314 graduates / yr13 institutions - Permanent Cosmetics/CIP 12.0411
Makeup and Tattooing limited data91 graduates / yr2 institutions
See all Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services programs →
Common questions
What is the duration of the Aesthetician program?+
The program typically awards certificates for at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in customer service, active listening, critical thinking, and various skincare techniques.
What types of jobs can I get after completing this program?+
You can work as a skincare specialist or esthetician in salons, spas, or wellness centers.
What is the job outlook for skincare specialists?+
The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 6.7% and approximately 14,500 annual job openings.
What is the CIP code for Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist?+
Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist is CIP 12.0409 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services (CIP 12.04). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to cleanse, depilate, massage, and beautify the human body and to function as licensed estheticians and skin care specialists. Includes instruction in skin anatomy, physiology, and health; principles of nutrition; decontamination and infection control; health and safety; facial and body massage; body wrapping and spa treatments; temporary hair removal including waxing and tweezing; color and skin analysis; client consultation and care; applicable laws and regulations; business practices; and sometimes related alternative healing regimens.
How many institutions offer Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist programs?+
741 U.S. institutions reported Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 51 states & territories, awarding 38,219 credentials in the year. That is 28.7% of all Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services graduates.
How much do Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Skincare Specialists occupation, which Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist most directly leads to, pays a median of $45,330 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services field report median earnings of $17,824 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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