The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Becoming a Licensed Esthetician in Washington State


If you have questions about esthetics licensing in Washington, this is where you’ll find your answers. In addition to helping you find the top esthetician schools in Washington near you, we’ve provided step-by-step instructions for how to become an esthetician in Washington, info about becoming a Paramedical Esthetician, licensing costs and fees, and more!

Top Esthetician Schools in Washington State

Top Esthetician Schools in WA: Table of Contents

Esthetician Career & Salary Info

In this section, we’ll look at how much estheticians make in the United States. Then, we’ll compare that to the average earnings of estheticians in Washington. You’ll also find a list of popular industries worth your consideration.

How Much Do Estheticians Make On Average in the United States?

  • On average, Skin Care Specialists in the United States make $16.89 per hour. In other words, the average salary for estheticians is $35,130.
  • In order to earn more, considering being a Paramedical Esthetician. Because this specialty makes an average hourly wage of $18.14.

How Much Do Estheticians Make in Washington State?

In comparison, estheticians in Washington earn an average of $21.46 per hour. (Or $44,630 per year.)

Top Esthetician Schools in Washington State

But let’s look at even more promising statistics:

  • First, estheticians in Washington making in the top 75% earn an average salary of $56,780.
  • Also, those in the top 90th percentile make an average of $69,240 per year.

In Which States do Estheticians Make the Most Money?

Altogether, there are 5 top-performing states in terms of average esthetician salary. First, check out how much estheticians make in Oregon, Wyoming, and Colorado. You’ll also be impressed with Minnesota and Hawaii’s numbers!

What are popular industries for estheticians in Washington State?

Even though it’s just one esthetician license, there are multiple places to use it. For example, the most common industries for skin care estheticians are:

  • Skin Care Product & Health Stores
  • Personal Care Services
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Medical Offices

(Source: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics for Skincare Specialists, as of May 2017)

Esthetician License Requirements by State:
Washington’s Profile


In order to become a licensed esthetician in Washington, you need to earn 750 hours at an accredited esthetician school. Alternatively, you can substitute 800 hours as an apprentice for this school. Just make sure it’s under a licensed esthetician instructor and also in a licensed salon.

Washington State Board of Cosmetology License Requirements

In order to have a point of reference, let’s look at similar careers and their requirements in Washington State:

Cosmetologist Esthetician License Requirement: 1,600 hours or 2,000 hours as an apprentice
Barber License: 1,000 hours or 1,200 hours as an apprentice
Nail Technician License: 600 hours or 800 hours apprenticeship

Esthetician License Cost in Washington State

First, you’ll pay a registration $180. This covers both the practical and written exams. Additionally, the licensing fee itself is $25.

Esthetician License Renewal in Washington

After getting your esthetician license, you’ll need to renew it every two years. The due date is the date on which you first received your license. (And the cost is $55)

At this time, Washington doesn’t have any continuing ed requirements for estheticians during the renewal periods.

Cosmetology Esthetician Transferal to Washington (Reciprocity)

In order to transfer your esthetician license to Washington, you must:

  • Have proof of passing your home state’s esthetician state board exam
  • Maintain a license in good standing

If you meet that criteria, you may send your proof of certification along with your reciprocity application to the Washington state board. (Another important note is that the reciprocity application costs $50,)

In order to contact the Washington Board of Cosmetology, use the contact info below.

State of Washington Dept. of Licensing, Cosmetology Licensing Program
Seattle, WA 98124
405 Black Lake Blvd SW
Olympia, WA 98502
PO Box 3856
Email:  [email protected]
Fax: 360-664-2550
Phone: 360-664-6626

Washington Esthetician State Board Exam Questions
& Practice Guides


Best Esthetician Schools in Virginia

CHECK PRICE

Above all, we recommend the Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals. It’s available as an eTextbook, as a Hardcover, as a Spiral Bound, and also used. And there’s no wonder this is so popular for Esthetician state board exam questions practice! This 11th edition of the trusted Milady brand is up-to-date on all core esthetician concepts, and it’s a great review for anyone about to take an Esthetician State Board Exam.

See 68+ Verified Owner Reviews>>

In order to find a list of links to Esthetician State Board Exam questions and practice tests, see our list of Esthetician State Board Exam and Practice Guides.


How to Find the Best Esthetician Schools in Washington State

Now is the time to say goodbye to endless Google searches resulting in confusing results. In other words, this search bar eliminates the need to put “esthetician classes near me” into your search engine only to come up with disorganized results.

Instead, enter your info into the safe search system below. Simply enter your preferences, and a list of the best esthetician schools near you will be available!

The 3 Top Esthetician Schools in Washington State

As you look for the best esthetician school in Washington, we encourage you to check out these profiles of our 3 favorite esthetics schools in Washington State. Because everyone benefits from some inspiration here and there!

The National Institute of Medical Esthetics in Tri Cities, WA

Now, this is the type of esthetician school that seems to have it all. In addition to their standard Esthetics Program, they offer an array of advanced esthetician certifications. And so, if you want to become a medical esthetician or get your Master Esthetician Certification, this is the school for you.

How much is medical esthetician school?

Learn about all of your financing options at NIMA’s Financing page.

Locations & Contact Info

Salt Lake City, Utah
Las Vegas, Nevada
St. George, Utah
Tri Cities, Washington
Phone (for all schools): 844.899.6462

Online Esthetician School
Can I get an esthetician license online in Washington State?


While many states don’t allow you to get your license online, some do allow you to take a certain percentage of your coursework online. Furthermore, some place no restrictions! In order to learn more, see The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Aesthetics License Online.

Washington is one of those few states that allows you to attend portions of esthetician school online! However, online esthetician classes are allowed only up to a quarter percentage of the theory curriculum. As you can see, most of your schooling still needs to be done in a physical classroom/salon.

Top Esthetician Schools in Washington State

Esthetician Training Near Me: 
What will I learn in Esthetician School?


Even though there are lots of top esthetician schools in the US, they cover a wide variety of topics. Even so, all acreddited esthetician schools cover the same core topics:

  • Esthetician State Board Exam Questions & Prep
  • Hair Removal
  • Facials
  • How to Be a Makeup Artist
  • Body Treatments
  • Skin Analysis
  • Human Anatomy
  • Business Skills & Ethics

For more details, read the short class descriptions below.

Esthetician State Board Exam Questions & Prep

First, the top esthetician schools in Washington really want to prepare you to pass the state board exam. After all, that’s the key that allows you to finally get your esthetician license. (After your minimum hours have been met, of course.)

Hair Removal

Another broad topic you’ll cover is hair removal. Whether it’s waxing, threading, or tweezing, you’ll cover all the latest and most common hair removal methods.

Facials

Esthetician School Oregon

Another crucial aspect of your esthetician training will be learning to give facials. In addition to learning how to give an incredibly relaxing facial massage, you’ll master the various types of facial techniques.

How to Be a Make Up Artist

In Makeup Artistry classes, you’ll learn how to know when to use what products. Furthermore, you’ll learn the correct makeup techniques used to achieve different looks. You may also learn how to apply permanent makeup.

Body Treatments

Aromatherapy, wraps, and body masks, oh my! At the top esthetician schools in Washington, the courses you take will teach you how to perform all the different types of body wraps. You’ll also learn the safety and theory behind them.

Skin Analysis

In one word, skin analysis is about safety. And that’s why every treatment you do will begin with understanding your client’s skin type and choosing the correct products to use. You’ll also learn how to catch potentially serious skin problems during skin analysis.

Human Anatomy

Because you’ll be working with the body, it’s important that the top esthetician schools in Washington educate you on the anatomy of the nails, hair, and skin.

Business Skills & Ethics

Last but not least is business ethics and skills. These classes will prepare you to become a spa manager (if that’s a dream of yours), and they’ll also prepare you for day-to-day life as a professional esthetician.

FAQs for Esthetician Schools in Washington


Below are three of the most frequently asked questions about top beauty schools in Washington.

What’s the difference between a cosmetologist and an esthetician? Can you be an esthetician with a cosmetology license?

A cosmetologist works with hair, skin, and nails. Comparatively, an esthetician only works with skin care. Therefore, a licensed cosmetologist can do a lot more than an esthetician.

Comparatively, estheticians don’t usually work as cosmetologists. This makes sense because they just haven’t studied hair and nails.

How do I become a medical esthetician?

Wondering how to become a medical esthetician in Washington? Well, the reality is that there is no such thing as a Medical (Paramedical) Esthetician License. Instead, this term usually refers to a Master Esthetician License.

Top Esthetician Schools in Washington:
Your Turn!

After reading about the Top Esthetician Schools in Washington, how are you feeling? If your heart’s telling you that esthetician school is the right place for you, don’t be afraid to take that next step! Start searching for an esthetician college near you today.

And if you haven’t quite made up your mind? No problem. Check out some of the related articles below, because they’ll help bring you closer to the perfect career for you!

Readers who liked The Top Esthetician Schools in Washington State also loved:
List of Trade Schools in Washington State
How to Become a Makeup Artist in Washington
Best Cosmetology Schools in Washington
Top Beauty Schools in Washington

Sources:

Esthetics Licensing in Washington State
Washington Board of Cosmetology
Back to Overview