Esthetician in Mississippi: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Mississippi employs 320 estheticians, with a statewide median of $41,160 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Mississippi licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in Mississippi (May 2025)
- Mississippi median pay
- $41,160 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $20,960
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $80,100
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $140,920
- Employed in Mississippi
- 320
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major Mississippi markets:
- Jackson
- $43,880 (180 employed)
- Gulfport
- $38,480 (60 employed)
- Memphis
- $37,010 (180 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Mississippi
Prices in Mississippi run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 87.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $41,160 median stretches to roughly $47,310 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Mississippi (2024–2034)
Mississippi is projected to grow estheticians employment +11.3%, faster than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 100 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Mississippi License and Certification Requirements
Esthetician license — regulated by the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering.
- Complete 600 hours at a licensed school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering.
Official requirements: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering →
Training in Mississippi
Medical-spa and dermatology-office roles tend to pay more than traditional spas.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Mississippi include:
- Academy of Hair Design-Grenada — Certificate
- Academy of Hair Design-Pearl — Certificate
- Blue Cliff College-Gulfport — Certificate
- Chris Beauty 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 Mississippi?
The median wage for estheticians in Mississippi is $41,160 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $20,960, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $140,920. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in Mississippi?
Esthetician license, overseen by the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering. Complete 600 hours at a licensed school.
Is being an Esthetician a good career in Mississippi?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which Mississippi metros pay estheticians the most?
Among Mississippi metro areas, Jackson leads at $43,880, followed by Gulfport ($38,480), Memphis ($37,010). 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 Mississippi?
Real Mississippi options include Academy of Hair Design-Grenada, Academy of Hair Design-Pearl, Blue Cliff College-Gulfport. Most estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Esthetician a growing career in Mississippi?
Mississippi projects estheticians employment to change +11.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Mississippi statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5094. Licensing summary compiled from the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering (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 Mississippi wages · Mississippi 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.