Esthetician in Louisiana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Louisiana employs 600 estheticians, with a statewide median of $36,890 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Louisiana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in Louisiana (May 2025)
- Louisiana median pay
- $36,890 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $20,340
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $47,880
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $64,650
- Employed in Louisiana
- 600
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major Louisiana markets:
- New Orleans
- $39,830 (110 employed)
- Slidell
- $38,760 (70 employed)
- Baton Rouge
- $38,360 (120 employed)
- Shreveport
- $37,640 (50 employed)
- Lafayette
- $29,680 (70 employed)
- Lake Charles
- $28,090 (40 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Louisiana
Prices in Louisiana run about 12% below the national average (cost-of-living index 88.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $36,890 median stretches to roughly $41,825 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Louisiana (2024–2034)
Louisiana is projected to shrink estheticians employment -5.5%, slower than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 90 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Louisiana License and Certification Requirements
Esthetician license — regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC).
- Complete 750 hours at a licensed school.
- Pass the NIC written and practical exams (75% to pass).
- Apply to the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology.
Official requirements: Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC) →
Training in Louisiana
Medical-spa and dermatology-office roles tend to pay more than traditional spas.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Louisiana include:
- Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Baton Rouge — Certificate
- Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington — Certificate
- Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Lafayette — Certificate
- Baton Rouge Community College — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who enjoy beauty, wellness, and client relationships and want a licensed practice with a realistic path to self-employment.
Think twice if: Standing all day, irregular income as a booth renter, and licensing hours that vary wildly by state sound difficult.
Why it's resilient: Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
First Steps
Check your state's required training hours — they range from 260 to 1,500 hours — and find an accredited esthetics school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do estheticians make in Louisiana?
The median wage for estheticians in Louisiana is $36,890 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $20,340, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $64,650. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in Louisiana?
Esthetician license, overseen by the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC). Complete 750 hours at a licensed school.
Is being an Esthetician a good career in Louisiana?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which Louisiana metros pay estheticians the most?
Among Louisiana metro areas, New Orleans leads at $39,830, followed by Slidell ($38,760), Baton Rouge ($38,360). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Esthetician in Louisiana?
Real Louisiana options include Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Baton Rouge, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Lafayette. Most estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Esthetician a growing career in Louisiana?
Louisiana projects estheticians employment to change -5.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 90 openings a year — a declining field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Louisiana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5094. Licensing summary compiled from the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology (LSBC) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Louisiana wages · Louisiana licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.