Esthetician in Maine: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Maine employs 260 estheticians, with a statewide median of $55,850 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maine licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in Maine (May 2025)
- Maine median pay
- $55,850 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $34,520
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $76,260
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $100,190
- Employed in Maine
- 260
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major Maine markets:
- Portland
- $64,370 (140 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Maine
Prices in Maine run about 3% below the national average (cost-of-living index 97.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $55,850 median stretches to roughly $57,577 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Maine (2024–2034)
Maine is projected to shrink estheticians employment -2.6%, slower than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 30 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Maine License and Certification Requirements
Esthetician license — regulated by the Maine OPOR — Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing Program.
- Complete 600 hours at a licensed school (or 1,250 apprentice hours).
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Maine Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing Program (OPOR).
Official requirements: Maine OPOR — Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing Program →
Training in Maine
Medical-spa and dermatology-office roles tend to pay more than traditional spas.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maine include:
- Capilo School of Hair Design — Certificate
- Empire Beauty School-Maine — Certificate
- Spa Tech Institute-Westbrook — 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 Maine?
The median wage for estheticians in Maine is $55,850 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $34,520, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $100,190. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in Maine?
Esthetician license, overseen by the Maine OPOR — Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing Program. Complete 600 hours at a licensed school (or 1,250 apprentice hours).
Is being an Esthetician a good career in Maine?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which Maine metros pay estheticians the most?
Among Maine metro areas, Portland leads at $64,370. 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 Maine?
Real Maine options include Capilo School of Hair Design, Empire Beauty School-Maine, Spa Tech Institute-Westbrook. Most estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Esthetician a growing career in Maine?
Maine projects estheticians employment to change -2.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 30 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), Maine statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5094. Licensing summary compiled from the Maine OPOR — Barbering & Cosmetology Licensing Program (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 Maine wages · Maine 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.