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It really depends on where you have chosen to work. As an esthetician you have many options. You may work for a dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon. You may want to work in a day spa or a medical spa. You can even work in retail. Whatever career path you chose the benifits and salary vary. If you work for a laser or cosmetic surgeon or even a dermatologist, you can expect aproximately $15- $25 an hour if you are just starting out. With experience you might make up to $45 an hour.

In a spa however your salary depends on alot of things. First the amount the spa charges for a service (facial or body treatment). Second the percentage the spa agrees to pay. For example most spas pay between 30% to 50% commission on services. If you make 50% and a one hour facial costs the client $100 you would make $50. Now it is customary for the client to tip about 15% in which case you would make an extra $15 in gratuity ( a total of $65) however you may make more or less in gratuity depending on the client. Alot of spas also offer commission on product sales. The most common commission offered for products sold is 10% (in my experience). So if you sell $50 in product to the client, you would make another $5 (based on a 10% commission). That would bring you to $70 for a one hour service. Unfortunately that does not mean you make $70 an hour. In most spas you have to build your own clientel unless you are fortunate enough to take over another esthetician's book when they leave the spa. If you only have 2 clients in a week you would only make $140 (which is based on the numbers above).

Now lets say you don't sell every client you see $50 in product and you see 20 clients in a week. If they all tip you 15% (which they won't, but the ones who tip more will make up for the ones who tip less) you will make much more. 20 clients x $50 commission x .15 gratuity = $1150 for a week. That looks like alot of money but I have not figured in tax.

Some spas tax your paycheck and some spas make it your responsibility. I would say taxes are about 25% of your total pay, provided you claim 0 on your tax form. So if you subtract 25% from $1150 you would have $862.50.

You may want to check out spas in your area to see what they charge for services. The cheaper the service the less you will make. The spa's location is very important to. A spa may have expensive services because they cater to a wealthier clientel.

There are alot of questions you may want to ask yourself. Is the spa well known in the area? What kind of community do they serve? What type of spa is it? (Some spas are more clinical, others are more relaxing) Does the spa get alot of business? Do they get new clients regularly or is most their business from return clients? Why do their clients return? All in all it is imperative you do your research.

I hope I have been helpful. If you have any other questions I would love offer some assistance. Good luck!

What Is An Esthetician Salary

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