Esthetician Schools in New York State
If you hope to become an esthetician, New York may be the perfect place to get your start. Not only is it the most beauty-obsessed state in the country, but it's also the worst state for dry skin and oily skin—meaning the residents could use your help for more than just a relaxing day out.
Browse our directory of esthetician schools in New York, or skip ahead to learn about the state's esthetician licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Esthetician Schools in New York
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233 Spring Street
New York, NY 10013
239 Central Avenue 3rd Floor
White Plains, NY 10606
Christine Valmy International School for Esthetics, Skin Care and Makeup – Accredited
New York, NY 10016
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Esthetician Schools Near Me
Check out the Esthetics/Skin Care schools these cities in New York have to offer.
How to Become a Esthetician in New York
- 600 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 4 years.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for estheticians in New York is $41,660 ($20.03/hour). This is higher than the national average of $34,090 ($16.39/hour).
- There is a predicted 9% job increase between 2018–2028 for estheticians. This is lower than the expected national growth of 11%.
If you're considering becoming an esthetician in the state of New York, there are several requirements you must meet to get licensed. These include:
Esthetician Salary in New York and Projected Job Growth
Average yearly salary for esthetics in New York
Note: The federal government collected salary data before the state of New York, as well as individual cities therein, raised their minimum wages. We use the most recent data available when writing these pieces.
On average, New York State estheticians earn $41,660 annually or $20.03 per hour. Typical pay for estheticians throughout the state ranges between $25,070 and $63,170. New York estheticians' number of jobs is expected to increase by 9% between 2018 and 2028.
Salary rates are impacted by skill, experience, and where you work – and that includes both location and the type of facility. For example, an esthetician at a high-end spa in New York City can expect to earn a higher salary than someone living in a rural area. If you work as a medical esthetician, you may earn a higher salary than an esthetician in a standard spa or salon.
According to O*Net (2021), the highest-paying metro areas for estheticians in New York are:
What to Expect From an Esthetician Program in New York
Required to earn a esthetics license
To earn your esthetician's license, you'll need to complete a total of 600 hours of training at a state-approved beauty school. During this time, you'll take a range of classes covering topics such as chemistry, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and job skills.
Though the hours and types of classes you take may vary slightly by school, you can expect to take the courses over the following types of compounds or services for clients' face, arms, legs, necks, and shoulders:
Though you can perform these treatments using manual, mechanical, chemical, or electrical means, you won't be allowed to practice electrology.
Can I Apprentice as an Esthetician in New York?
Currently, the state of New York doesn't offer an apprenticeship path to esthetician licensure.
New York Esthetician Licensing Requirements
After completing the required 600 hours of training, you'll sign up to take the written and practical exams via the My.NY.org online services page. Each test can be retaken as many times as needed, and the cost is $15 per exam per attempt.
The written test is a 2.5-hour, multiple-choice test scored as either pass or fail. Sign up for the test at one of the written exam sites, and remember to bring proof of identification and two number two pencils. Currently, the test cannot be taken online.
The two-hour-long practical exam requires you to demonstrate your ability to prepare a model, remove superfluous hair, perform a facial, and apply makeup. To pass, you must score at least 70%. Log in to your NYS License Center account to check for scores after taking the exam.
After passing the written and practical exam, you'll receive your license in the mail.
New York Esthetician Licensure Reciprocity
The state of New York has endorsement agreements with other states and transfers school credits in certain situations.
If you worked as an esthetician for five years outside of New York State, you may apply for licensure. You must submit an original certification, a copy of tax returns indicating your position as an esthetician, and two statements from previous employers, co-workers, or clients verifying at least five years of experience.
If you completed your education but didn't practice for five years outside of New York, you may be able to waive the schooling requirement. You must provide:
Note this only waves the 600-hour schooling requirement. You'll still need to complete the written and practical exam.
Esthetician Specialties in New York
While earning an esthetician license doesn't allow you to practice electrology (also called electrolysis) in New York, you may earn a certification. The state board doesn't regulate this, but the New York Electrolysis Association provides resources for those interested in earning an electrolysis certification.
Likewise, there is no license for medical estheticians. However, if you want to become a medical esthetician—which allows you to perform more in-depth treatments than standard estheticians—you should pursue continuing education in relevant subjects. Some schools in New York offer advanced esthetics programs with a focus on this field.
If becoming a nurse esthetician is your goal, you need to earn a nursing degree. Nurse estheticians can perform all treatments estheticians can and then some, including Botox.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Your New York esthetician license is valid for four years. A few months before it expires, you'll receive a renewal notice in the mail with directions on applying for renewal. You can also log in to your MyNY.gov account and complete the process there.
There are currently no continuing education requirements for New York estheticians.
The cost of license renewal is currently $40. A $10 late fee may be charged if you fail to renew your license before it expires.
Contact the New York State Board of Esthetics
- 99 Washington Avenue 6th Floor, Albany, NY 12231
- Website: New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services
- Call: 518-474-4429
- Fax: 518-473-6648
Resources for Estheticians in New York
New York State Beauty School Association
The NYSBSA monitors regulations that may impact member schools. It also offers a list of state-approved beauty schools.