Esthetician salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 4 to 6 months to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$38,770/ yr
$3,231 / mo · $18.64 / hr
Pay by experience
Entry
$34,653
Median
$38,770
Experienced
$77,168
Demand
Moderate
Program length
4 to 6 months
Job demand & outlook
Steady demand across the United States
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost—
- Time to complete4 to 6 months
- Credential earned—
What you get back
- Starting salary$34,653
- Median salary$38,770
- Experienced salary$77,168
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become an Esthetician in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find an Esthetician program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most Esthetician tracks complete in 4 to 6 months.
Earn your certification
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a certification in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly thousands of Esthetician openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for an Esthetician in California is $38,770 per year, which is $18.64 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $34,653 while experienced Estheticians can earn up to $77,168 annually.
Next step
Find Esthetician Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Esthetician classes in your area.