Esthetician in New Jersey: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
New Jersey employs 2,660 estheticians, with a statewide median of $45,870 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Jersey licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in New Jersey (May 2025)
- New Jersey median pay
- $45,870 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $35,180
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $50,750
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $80,980
- Employed in New Jersey
- 2,660
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major New Jersey markets:
- Allentown–Bethlehem
- $49,040 (170 employed)
- New York–Newark
- $46,490 (4,600 employed)
- Philadelphia
- $43,570 (1,460 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Jersey
Prices in New Jersey run about 9% above the national average (cost-of-living index 108.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $45,870 median is worth closer to $42,160 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New Jersey (2024–2034)
New Jersey is projected to grow estheticians employment +10.1%, faster than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 430 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Jersey License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Esthetician (Skin Care Specialist) — regulated by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.
- Complete a New Jersey-approved esthetics training program (600 hours hours). Programs cover facial treatments, chemical exfoliation, waxing, skin analysis, sanitation, and state cosmetology law. Programs are available at cosmetology schools, community colleges, and dedicated esthetics schools.
- Pass the state esthetics board exam (written theory + practical skills). New Jersey uses a state board written exam and practical skills test administered through the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.
- Apply to New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling for your esthetician license. Renew biennially (or per state schedule) with CE hours.
Official requirements: New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling →
Training in New Jersey
New Jersey's 600-hour requirement is average nationally. Northern NJ's proximity to NYC and its own affluent suburban communities (Bergen, Morris, Somerset, Monmouth counties) support upscale spa employment with NYC-adjacent wages. NJ's shore communities (Jersey Shore towns, Cape May) have active seasonal spa demand tied to summer tourism.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Jersey include:
- Artistic Academy of Hair Design — Certificate
- Burlington County Institute of Technology-Adult Education — Certificate
- Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology — Certificate
- Cutting Edge 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 Jersey?
The median wage for estheticians in New Jersey is $45,870 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $35,180, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $80,980. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in New Jersey?
Licensed Esthetician (Skin Care Specialist), overseen by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. Complete a New Jersey-approved esthetics training program (600 hours hours). Programs cover facial treatments, chemical exfoliation, waxing, skin analysis, sanitation, and state cosmetology law. Programs are available at cosmetology schools, community colleges, and dedicated esthetics schools.
Is being an Esthetician a good career in New Jersey?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which New Jersey metros pay estheticians the most?
Among New Jersey metro areas, Allentown–Bethlehem leads at $49,040, followed by New York–Newark ($46,490), Philadelphia ($43,570). 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 Jersey?
Real New Jersey options include Artistic Academy of Hair Design, Burlington County Institute of Technology-Adult Education, Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics & Cosmetology. Most estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Esthetician a growing career in New Jersey?
New Jersey projects estheticians employment to change +10.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 430 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), New Jersey statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5094. Licensing summary compiled from the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (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 Jersey wages · New Jersey 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.