Aesthetician
Medical Aesthetician Jobs at Medical Spas
Medical aestheticians are the backbone of medspa treatment delivery. Licensed aestheticians at medical spas perform advanced skin treatments beyond what traditional day spas offer — including chemical peels, laser treatments, microneedling, and medical-grade facials — under physician supervision.
Daily work includes performing skin consultations, recommending treatment plans, executing procedures, managing client skincare journeys, and educating clients on home care protocols. Aestheticians also drive retail revenue through product recommendations.
$52K
Average Annual Salary
High
Market Demand
$18–$28/hr
Typical Base Hourly Rate
+ Retail
Commission on Retail & Services
Aesthetician Salary Benchmarks
Market median: $65,000/yr
Estimated — not survey data
Entry-Level / New Grad
$36K–$45K
Base $18–$22/hr. Recently licensed aestheticians or those new to the medical spa environment. Building treatment menu proficiency and client retention skills. Retail commission of 10–12% may apply from day one.
Experienced Med Spa Aesthetician
$45K–$58K
Base $22–$28/hr plus retail commission and service tip income. Aestheticians with 2–5 years of medical spa experience, proficient in chemical peels, microneedling, and basic laser/light treatments. Retail commission adds $5K–$12K annually in active practices.
Lead Aesthetician / Laser Specialist
$58K–$75K
Base $28–$36/hr plus retail commission, laser premium pay, and performance bonuses. Senior aestheticians with laser safety certification (LSO), specialty treatment credentials, or training/lead responsibilities. High-revenue retail producers and specialists earn at the top of this band.
Retail commission (typically 10–15% of retail sales) is a meaningful income component for medical aestheticians — high performers in product-forward practices add $8K–$15K annually. Laser safety certification and specialty treatment credentials (e.g., Hydrafacial, BBL, Morpheus8) command a $2–$6/hr premium at most practices.
Who Thrives in This Role
You're a strong candidate if you have...
- •Active state esthetician or cosmetology license
- •Experience with chemical peels, advanced facials, or laser (preferred)
- •Strong skincare product knowledge (medical-grade brands preferred)
- •Comfort working in a clinical, team-based environment
- •Interest in growing into laser and device-based treatments
You'll need to develop...
- •Medical-grade product knowledge (day spa product lines differ significantly)
- •Familiarity with laser safety protocols and IPL/BBL devices
- •Experience pre/post-treating injectable patients
- •EMR and HIPAA-compliant documentation habits
State Licensing Note
Aesthetician licensing is state-specific and highly variable. Some states (e.g., Oregon) have expanded scope allowing licensed aestheticians to perform microneedling; others restrict this to medical providers. Laser operation authority also varies. Our listings specify treatment modalities required so you can accurately assess fit before applying.
For Candidates
What Med Spa Owners Want From Their Aesthetician
Active State Esthetician License
A valid, current license is the baseline. Multi-state licensing is a plus for practices with multiple locations.
Medical-Grade Product Knowledge
Familiarity with ZO Skin Health, SkinMedica, Alastin, or similar lines signals that the candidate is already operating at a medical spa standard.
Retail Sales Track Record
Aestheticians who can educate patients on home-care regimens and recommend products drive meaningfully higher revenue per patient. Ask for retail conversion numbers in interviews.
Device Certifications
Training on laser platforms (Cutera, Sciton, Lumenis), IPL, microneedling, or RF devices makes a candidate immediately productive and reduces training ramp time.
Team Player in a Clinical Environment
Med spa aestheticians work closely with clinical staff. Comfort with clinical protocols, HIPAA compliance, and a team-oriented work style is essential.
Are you a med spa looking to hire a Aesthetician?
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Aesthetician Jobs by Location
Salaries and opportunities vary significantly by market. Browse Aesthetician positions in top cities and states across the country.
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Common Questions About Aesthetician Jobs at Medical Spas
What's the difference between a medical spa aesthetician and a day spa aesthetician?
Medical spa aestheticians use higher-percentage chemical peels, work with prescription-strength skincare, and often operate laser and energy devices that require medical oversight or specific certification. They typically earn more than day spa counterparts and work in a more clinical, structured environment.
Do I need laser certification to work at a medical spa?
It depends on the practice and the state. Many med spas require or strongly prefer laser safety certification for aestheticians who will operate IPL, laser, or other energy devices. Some states require a licensed provider (RN or above) to operate certain devices. Pursuing a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) certification is a strong career investment.
How does retail commission work for aestheticians?
Most medical spas pay aestheticians a commission on retail product sales — typically 10–15% of the retail price. In high-performing practices with strong retail programs, this can add $8,000–$15,000+ to annual income.
Can aestheticians advance into injector roles?
Not directly — injection authority requires a nursing or medical license (RN, NP, PA). However, aestheticians who want to advance clinically often pursue an RN or NP degree while working in aesthetics. Others advance into lead aesthetician, training coordinator, or practice management roles.