Esthetician in New Hampshire: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
New Hampshire employs 430 estheticians, with a statewide median of $46,890 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Hampshire licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in New Hampshire (May 2025)
- New Hampshire median pay
- $46,890 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $27,560
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $70,210
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $83,200
- Employed in New Hampshire
- 430
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major New Hampshire markets:
- Boston
- $47,480 (1,180 employed)
- Manchester
- $36,450 (120 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Hampshire
Prices in New Hampshire run about 4% above the national average (cost-of-living index 104.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $46,890 median is worth closer to $45,000 once higher local prices are factored in.
New Hampshire License and Certification Requirements
Esthetician license — regulated by the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics.
- Complete 600 hours at a licensed school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to the NH Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics (OPLC).
Official requirements: New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics →
Training in New Hampshire
Medical-spa and dermatology-office roles tend to pay more than traditional spas.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Hampshire include:
- Empire Beauty School-Hooksett — Certificate
- Empire Beauty School-Laconia — Certificate
- Empire Beauty School-Somersworth — Certificate
- Keene Beauty Academy — 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 New Hampshire?
The median wage for estheticians in New Hampshire is $46,890 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $27,560, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $83,200. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in New Hampshire?
Esthetician license, overseen by the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics. Complete 600 hours at a licensed school.
Is being an Esthetician a good career in New Hampshire?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which New Hampshire metros pay estheticians the most?
Among New Hampshire metro areas, Boston leads at $47,480, followed by Manchester ($36,450). 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 New Hampshire?
Real New Hampshire options include Empire Beauty School-Hooksett, Empire Beauty School-Laconia, Empire Beauty School-Somersworth. Most estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), New Hampshire statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5094. Licensing summary compiled from the New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Barbering, Cosmetology & Esthetics (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 New Hampshire wages · New Hampshire licensing/certification source
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.