An esthetician can do laser hair removal, but they must be trained and licensed in order to do so.
Laser hair removal is a process by which the hair follicle is destroyed, causing the hair to fall out. Because the treatment requires precision, it is best left up to a professional who has been properly trained. In this post, we review the aspects of: can an esthetician do laser hair removal, laser hair removal esthetician salary, who can perform laser hair removal in california, and laser hair removal license requirements.
An esthetician can undergo training through the National Laser Institute or other reputable sources. They will learn how to use the equipment safely and effectively, as well as how to manage any side effects that might occur during or after treatment.
Once they have completed their training, they can apply for a medical license that will allow them to provide laser hair removal services under clinical supervision at a clinic or spa.
can an esthetician do laser hair removal
If you’re interested in beauty, healthcare and wellness, you may want to consider a career as a laser hair removal technician. This may be a good option for people who enjoy skin care and cosmetic-related tasks. Understanding specific details about the job of a laser hair removal technician can help you decide if this is the right career path for you. In this article, we describe what a laser hair removal technician is, how to become a laser hair removal technician and the typical job duties, education, skills and work environment of a laser hair removal technician.
What is a laser hair removal technician?
A laser hair removal technician is a beauty professional who specializes in laser hair removal techniques. Laser hair removal technicians are client-facing professionals who provide cosmetic and health-related services to enhance a person’s appearance. With this specialized skill set, laser hair removal technicians provide safe and professional hair removal services to clients in a variety of settings.
What does a laser hair removal technician do?
A laser hair removal technician uses a light beam treatment to damage a client’s hair follicles so that the hair does not continue to grow. This process includes pretreatment preparation, procedure execution and post-treatment client care. Specific responsibilities may vary between jobs but typically include:Upload your resume on IndeedLet employers find you when you create an Indeed Resume
- Conducting a pretreatment consultation to understand a client’s needs and objectives
- Providing pretreatment and post-treatment instructions to help clients prepare for a safe and successful procedure and recover as expected
- Cleaning, preparing and sanitizing equipment to ensure a sterile and safe experience
- Implementing one or more rounds of hair removal treatment by selecting the laser instrument, preparing the skin and applying the light to the follicles in accordance with industry regulations
- Maintaining awareness of health and safety protocols and evolving best practices in the field to ensure high-quality service delivery
- Consulting with estheticians or medical professionals to deepen knowledge and identify treatment solutions for unique client needs
How to become a laser hair removal technician
Becoming a laser hair removal technician requires a combination of education, certification, licensure and related work experience. There are no federal laws governing this industry, so the exact education and certification requirements vary by location. Regardless of the specific job you want, you can follow these five steps to become a laser hair removal technician:
1. Research the certification requirements
The first step to becoming a laser hair removal technician is to research the education, certification and licensure requirements in the state where you plan to work. You can find this information by contacting your state’s cosmetology or medical boards or by visiting websites of leading cosmetology organizations. You can also contact cosmetology schools or esthetician programs in your area to verify the requirements.
2. Pursue education
There are several education options for developing the skills necessary to be successful as a laser hair removal technician. The most comprehensive option is an esthetician or master cosmetologist program, as these programs include laser hair removal as one area of a broader curriculum. Another option is to complete a laser hair removal certification program that requires a set number of classroom hours and clinical practice requirements. In Arizona, for example, technicians must complete 40 classroom hours, 24 clinical practice hours in laser hair removal and 24 additional hours in alternative light-based treatments.
Regardless of the exact program, the most important requirement is that you have the necessary skills to perform hair removal procedures safely and professionally. As part of your coursework, you learn about hair removal techniques, safety protocols, machine and equipment maintenance and client assessment. Most programs include a combination of classwork and training at an accredited institution.
Related: Learn About Being a Cosmetologist
3. Obtain national certification
Even if it is not required in your state, earning a national certification can strengthen your skills, increase your preparedness and enhance your marketability with prospective employers. The most recognized industry certification is the Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE) designation from the American Electrology Association (AEA). You can earn this certification by passing the CPE exam, which is offered annually at the AEA convention.
Four additional certifications are available through the Society for Clinical and Medical Hair Removal, including:
- Certified Clinical Electrologist
- Certified Medical Electrologist
- Certified Laser Hair Removal Professional
- Certified Pulse Light Hair Removal Professional
4. Apply for a state license
In addition to education and certification, many states also require laser hair removal technicians to obtain a laser technician state license. You can earn this license by passing both the NIC National Electrology Theory and Practical Examinations from the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology. You can increase your chances of success on the exam by participating in preparation courses and completing practice exams.
5. Gain relevant experience
You can prepare to become a laser hair removal technician by working in an esthetician’s office or related cosmetology facility. Through this, you can develop your skills and create a client base. You can include this experience on your resume and list your employer as a professional reference.
Related: How To Build a Resume
Skills for a laser hair removal technician
Laser hair removal technicians require a combination of technical and interpersonal skills to be successful, also referred to as hard and soft skills. This includes skills obtained during education and certification programs and skills you refine as you gain work experience. The most important skills for a laser hair removal technician to have include:
Attention to detail
This skill involves the ability to understand and attend to information such as hair removal procedures, safety guidelines and client needs to ensure high-quality work. Laser hair removal technicians are attentive when identifying characteristics of a client’s skin, determining the most appropriate laser instrument, observing treatment efficacy throughout procedures, monitoring post-treatment progress and complying with industry regulations. Attention to detail is especially important during treatment to ensure the health and safety of clients.
Read more: Attention to Detail: Definition and Examples
Communication
This skill involves the ability to clearly and effectively convey information to other people. Using primarily verbal communication, laser hair removal technicians explain procedures, answer questions, provide recommendations and schedule appointments. An important component of this is being able to explain things to clients in easy-to-understand, nontechnical language.
laser hair removal esthetician salary
Average salary of a laser hair removal technician
Laser hair removal technicians can be full-time salaried employees or hourly wage employees, depending on their work environment. The average annual salary for a laser technician is $55,947 per year. They are considered skin care specialists, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment opportunities for this occupation to grow 17% by 2029, which is significantly faster than most occupations.
laser hair removal esthetician salary
How much does an Aesthetic Laser Technician make?
As of Feb 7, 2023, the average annual pay for an Aesthetic Laser Technician in the United States is $53,255 a year.
Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $25.60 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,024/week or $4,437/month.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $106,500 and as low as $24,000, the majority of Aesthetic Laser Technician salaries currently range between $35,000 (25th percentile) to $59,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $98,000 annually across the United States. The average pay range for an Aesthetic Laser Technician varies greatly (by as much as $24,500), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.
Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Aesthetic Laser Technician job market in both Lagos, NG and throughout the entire state of is not very active as few companies are currently hiring. An Aesthetic Laser Technician in your area makes on average $53,275 per year, or $20 (0%) more than the national average annual salary of $53,255. ranks number 1 out of 50 states nationwide for Aesthetic Laser Technician salaries.
To estimate the most accurate annual salary range for Aesthetic Laser Technician jobs, ZipRecruiter continuously scans its database of millions of active jobs published locally throughout America.
What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Aesthetic Laser Technician Jobs
We’ve identified 10 cities where the typical salary for an Aesthetic Laser Technician job is above the national average. Topping the list is New York City, NY, with San Mateo, CA and Green River, WY close behind in the second and third positions. Green River, WY beats the national average by $7,262 (13.6%), and New York City, NY furthers that trend with another $9,821 (18.4%) above the $53,255 average.
With these 10 cities having average salaries higher than the national average, the opportunities for economic advancement by changing locations as an Aesthetic Laser Technician appears to be exceedingly fruitful.
Finally, another factor to consider is the average salary for these top ten cities varies very little at 7% between New York City, NY and Juneau, AK, reinforcing the limited potential for much wage advancement. The possibility of a lower cost of living may be the best factor to use when considering location and salary for an Aesthetic Laser Technician role.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY | $63,076 | $5,256 | $1,213 | $30.33 |
| San Mateo, CA | $60,781 | $5,065 | $1,168 | $29.22 |
| Green River, WY | $60,517 | $5,043 | $1,163 | $29.09 |
| Great Neck Gardens, NY | $60,269 | $5,022 | $1,159 | $28.98 |
| Boston, MA | $59,797 | $4,983 | $1,149 | $28.75 |
| Daly City, CA | $59,726 | $4,977 | $1,148 | $28.71 |
| Berkeley, CA | $59,456 | $4,954 | $1,143 | $28.58 |
| Renton, WA | $59,116 | $4,926 | $1,136 | $28.42 |
| Santa Monica, CA | $58,895 | $4,907 | $1,132 | $28.32 |
| Juneau, AK | $58,688 | $4,890 | $1,128 | $28.22 |
What are Top 5 Best Paying Related Aesthetic Laser Technician Jobs in the U.S.
We found at least five jobs related to the Aesthetic Laser Technician job category that pay more per year than a typical Aesthetic Laser Technician salary. Top examples of these roles include: Aesthetic Physician, Laser Scientist, and Laser Systems Engineer.
Importantly, all of these jobs are paid between $52,495 (98.6%) and $75,943 (142.6%) more than the average Aesthetic Laser Technician salary of $53,255. If you’re qualified, getting hired for one of these related Aesthetic Laser Technician jobs may help you make more money than that of the average Aesthetic Laser Technician position.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic Physician | $129,198 | $10,766 | $2,484 | $62.11 |
| Laser Scientist | $127,043 | $10,586 | $2,443 | $61.08 |
| Laser Systems Engineer | $110,651 | $9,220 | $2,127 | $53.20 |
| Aesthetic Doctor | $110,081 | $9,173 | $2,116 | $52.92 |
| Aesthetic Nurse RN | $105,750 | $8,812 | $2,033 | $50.84 |
who can perform laser hair removal in california
You may have research the type of laser treatments you want to have, and are all set to book your first appointment. But do you know who will be holding that laser to your skin? Do you understand his or her training, education and qualifications? Many consumers take so much time focused on the type of laser that they neglect to focus on finding the right laser practitioner. Experience matters in laser dermatology.
So who can perform laser treatments? Each state has its own regulating body that dictates who may perform them. The explosive growth of the laser industry and demand for laser treatments has made it hard for regulatory agencies to keep up legislative guidelines as to who can provide laser treatments.
Some states have no regulation about who can operate a high-powered medical laser, while others are very restrictive allowing only licensed physicians to perform laser procedures. Here in California, there is a balanced approach: licensed physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants may all perform these treatments. However, a licensed physician must oversee a practice in which non-physician providers are operating lasers.
At Celibre Medical, we take this one step further. Our facility serves as a laser training site and provides continuing medical education credits for the California Board of Registered Nursing.
There has never been a more critical time in our industry for the medical community to be proactive in shaping, defining and abiding by the state regulations on laser medicine that are designed to protect you, the consumer. Celibre is proud to set a high standard for excellence in laser safety and patient-centered care.
If you’re looking for a laser practitioner in the Los Angeles or torrance area, we advise you to be vigilant and do your homework. Ensure that your laser practitioner is a licensed medical professional practicing within the legal bounds of their scope of practice. Make sure they have the proper training and experience with the laser, and ask questions about their background, education and track record with the device that you’re considering. Do several consultations to get a feel for the practice and practitioner that’s right for you.
laser hair removal license requirements
How to Get Certified for Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal has become hugely in demand over the last 20 years. Over 1 million laser hair removal treatments were performed in the United States last year. Because of the increasing popularity, more people are wondering how to get certified for laser hair removal in Arizona and Texas. It’s easier than you may think.
1. Meet Your State Requirements
Many states eligibility allows those who have earned a high school diploma or GED to enroll in a laser training school. However, there are a few states that only allow medical professionals to handle cosmetic lasers and equipment. You can learn about your specific state’s requirements by calling 800-982-6817 for more information.
2. Enroll in a Laser Training Course
There are many laser schools across the country. Narrowing them now can be difficult. Despite what you may have thought, location shouldn’t be top priority. You should take a school’s accreditation and reputation into account. It’s also wise to invest in a laser hair removal school that will provide hands-on training. Clinical training is important in order to have first hand experience with laser equipment and to practice techniques on real clientele.
3. Deposits and Financial Assistance
Many laser hair removal training schools will require you to put down a relatively small deposit in order to hold your seat. This is normal. However, cost of tuition may vary from school to school. There are laser schools like National Laser Institute that offer scholarships and finical assistance on a need-to-need basis. There are also military and military spouse grants for those eligible.
4. Attend
Laser hair removal school typically consists of 1 – 2 weeks of comprehensive training. That’s it! National Laser Institute’s laser hair removal training course teaches you important information such as the Fitzpatrick scale, laser safety training, skin and tissue interactions, pre and post care, the latest laser techniques, and more. Led by expert industry professionals, you will also learn within our medical spa environment. You will also experience hands-on training with a number of advanced laser hair removal equipment and teach a variety of different clients.
Once you complete your laser hair removal training in Arizona and Texas, you’ve earned your laser certification. For those seeking employment within this industry after training, National Laser Institute’s Graduate Services Department sends out between 200 – 500 job opportunities each month! Plus they offer graduates access to the largest online medical aesthetic library with thousands of pages of resources including clinical studies, videos, marketing information, and much more.
Get certified in laser hair removal with National Laser Institute in Arizona and Texas. As the first to pioneer the laser training curriculum, they are truly the leaders in this industry. They have been around for over a decade and have trained countless estheticians, career changers, cosmologists, and medical professionals.
Learn more about National Laser Institute’s upcoming laser hair removal courses by filling out the form on your right or call 800-982-6817.
