Professional body waxing technicians assist clients desiring to rid themselves of unwanted body hair. Wax specialists discuss waxing options with clients and then remove the superfluous hair in line with the client's preferences and specifications. State laws vary on the credentials required to work as a body waxing technician.
Minimally, a certificate in body waxing is needed, according to Beauty School Programs. Some waxing technicians hold an esthetician or cosmetology license, which allows them to offer many other services besides waxing, which can boost their earnings. Body wax technicians average about $17.36 per hour, but experienced workers in upscale waxing salons can earn much more.
Body Waxing Technician Job Description
Body waxing techniciansbody waxing technicians
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Body Waxing Technician Education Requirements
A high school diploma or GED is generally required to get into a waxing training program and land a job. Laws pertaining to body waxing education requirements and licensing vary from one state to the next. For example, the New York Division of Licensing Services requires the completion of a 75-hour approved waxing training program or five years of legal waxing work outside the state of New York. Virginia requires 115 hours of waxing training or experience and passing scores on a state waxing licensing exam.
Specialized waxing schools are located around the country. The Esthetic Institute, for example, offers a 115-hour accredited training program that focuses on skin care theory and hands-on waxing skills. Program participants are taught how to remove unwanted hair from the face and body without unduly irritating the skin. Other topics studied include body waxing laws and regulations, professionalism and retail selling. Some waxing businesses also train new hires on their proprietary techniques and exclusive cream waxes.
Body Waxing Technician Salary
In 2021, the average hourly wage for waxing technicians was $17.36, or $31,145 per year, according to the job website Indeed. For purposes of comparison, SimplyHired reports that body waxing technicians annually earned $37,906 per year as of 2021. Most technicians earned somewhere between $16,189 at the 10th percentile to $88,758 at the 90th percentile, SimplyHired further noted.
Body Waxing Technician Industry
Wax technicians may find jobs in waxing salons, beauty shops, hotels, hospitals and spas. Hours are often long and irregular, with evening and weekend work required. The job can be hectic when clients are scheduled nonstop and management expects services to be completed to the client's satisfaction within a tight timeframe. Waxing technicians may also feel pressured to upsell products or services at a franchise.
Years of Experience
Like many jobs, waxer salary increases with experience. Loyal employees who stick with the same waxing establishment may be given perks as they gain seniority, such as more flexibility and better hours. Highly skilled body wax specialists who follow the latest trends can compete for jobs at high-end salons. For example, wax specialist salary at upscale waxing establishments such as The Pretty Kitty averages $52,362, as reported by Indeed in 2021.
Body Waxing Technician Growth Trend
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) foresees a bright future for skin specialists such as body waxing technicians. The BLS projects a 17 percent growth rate through 2029, much faster than the expected 4 percent growth of all occupations. The change is attributed to the increasing popularity of spas and salons.
References
- Beauty School Programs: How Much Does a Waxing License Cost?
- Esthetic Institute: Wax Technician
- Indeed: Waxing Specialist Salary in the U.S.
- SimplyHired: Waxing Specialist Salaries
- Indeed: Pretty Kitty Waxing Specialist Salaries
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Skincare Specialists Job Outlook
Contributor
Mary Dowd holds a doctorate in educational leadership and a master's degree in counseling and student personnel from Minnesota State University, Mankato. In her 20 years of higher education experience, she has taught classes, served as interim dean of students, and worked in many areas of student affairs, including student discipline, career advising, orientation and violence prevention.
