After earning an esthetician license, some beauty professionals decide they want to expand their portfolio of service offerings. Dual licensing has become a popular option in the beauty treatment arena for several important reasons. Whether you’re looking to earn a higher salary, be seen as more competitive to prospective employers, or simply enjoy some variety in your day, seeking a second license can help accomplish all these goals and more. Meeting the educational requirements for many of these additional beauty service careers can take even less time than when pursuing to become an esthetician, making it easier for you to keep working alongside.
Dual-licensed estheticians enjoy several benefits from being versatile practitioners of beauty treatments. They include:
More hirable
Estheticians who also work as cosmetologists, massage therapists, hair stylists, or other beauty professionals appeal to salon and spa owners because they can fill multiple roles. If you want to work for an established brand rather than in a freelance capacity, this can be advantageous.
Higher wages
Diversifying your services can lead to higher wages as you can see clients for multiple treatments rather than only as an esthetician. Becoming a one-stop shop for clients builds both allegiance and higher paychecks.
Expanded clientele
Some individuals may never visit an esthetician in their lives, but perhaps they visit a nail technician or massage therapist monthly. By expanding your offerings, you’re more likely to reach a wider clientele.
Year-round work
If you find that esthetician work slows during certain times of the year, consider pursuing a license in a year-round discipline that helps ensure a full working calendar no matter which month.
Job variety
If you’re the type of person who thrives on days that don’t look identical to each other, dual licensing can help add variety and break your days up.
Esthetician + Massage Therapist
Estheticians who also practice as licensed massage therapists are often in high demand at spas and other full-service salons. Several educational options exist, including certificate programs lasting approximately a year and associate degrees requiring approximately two years. For instance, Paul Mitchell: The School’s esthetician students in Normal, IL must complete 750 hours of training. Both options prepare graduates to sit for the licensing examination, though some locales may require an additional state-level exam.
It’s a great time to consider adding this certification, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for massage therapists will grow by an astounding 22% between 2018 and 2028. The American Massage Therapy Association notes that because 45 states set individual licensing rules, individuals hoping to practice in more than one location typically need to meet an additional set of requirements.
Esthetician + Cosmetologist
Cosmetology often acts as an overarching term to cover a variety of beauty services, including barbering, hair design, hair braiding, esthetics, nail tech, makeup, permanent makeup, and electrology. Licensed estheticians typically already possess some of these skills, so they may decide to pursue an abbreviated course of study.
Roles for cosmetologists are projected to grow by 8% between 2018 and 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, creating an estimated 57,800 new roles. According to Evergreen Beauty College, every state sets specific mandates around cosmetologists’ licensure, so individuals should contact the state's Board of Cosmetology in their new place of residence to learn about any additional requirements.
Esthetician + Nail Technician
Combining your esthetician work with nail technician training can help you stake claim to a new corner of the beauty industry without spending too much time in school. Most nail tech programs usually take between three and nine months, depending on state requirements and enrollment status.
Roles for manicurists and pedicurists are projected to grow by 10% according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, leading to the creation of nearly 16,000 new jobs between 2018 and 2028. States set specific certification and licensure requirements, according to the National Association of Complementary and Alternative Medicines. Because of this, nail technicians looking to work in multiple states must meet requirements in each.
Esthetician + Barber
Adding a barber license to an existing esthetician license is a great idea if you like working with hair. Individual states set licensure requirements, but most expect students to complete an educational program lasting an average of one to two years to complete. While barbering estheticians is not a pairing you may first think of, some barbershops now offer extended treatments and services to keep clientele from visiting more full-service salons.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that roles for barbers will grow by 7% between 2018 and 2028, creating just over 88,000 jobs, making it a great option if you want to ensure job stability over the next few years. The American Barber Association notes that each state sets specific barber license requirements around initial and transfer licenses. Because of this, you’ll need to check with your state’s licensing board to learn about specifics.
Esthetician + Makeup Artist
While makeup artistry skills are taught as part of cosmetology programs, some estheticians may want to focus solely on this topic rather than obtaining a comprehensive degree. Adding makeup skills to your resume allows you to reach more clients, especially those seeking looks for special events, such as weddings or galas. Because only two states (Nevada and Louisiana) currently require makeup artists to hold a license, educational programs can vary significantly across the country. Most programs typically take between three and nine months to complete.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not offer job growth statistics specific to makeup artists but projects roles for cosmetologists grow by 8% between 2018 and 2028 (the agency groups hairdressers and hairstylists with cosmetologists).