Esthetician in Rhode Island: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Rhode Island employs 120 estheticians, with a statewide median of $43,880 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Rhode Island licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in Rhode Island (May 2025)
- Rhode Island median pay
- $43,880 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $33,710
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $62,400
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $62,400
- Employed in Rhode Island
- 120
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major Rhode Island markets:
- Providence
- $44,900 (190 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Rhode Island
Prices in Rhode Island run about 2% above the national average (cost-of-living index 102.3 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $43,880 median is worth closer to $42,893 once higher local prices are factored in.
Rhode Island License and Certification Requirements
Esthetician license — regulated by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology.
- Complete 600 hours at a licensed school.
- Pass the written and practical exams.
- Apply to RI DOH (Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology).
Official requirements: Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology →
Training in Rhode Island
Medical-spa and dermatology-office roles tend to pay more than traditional spas.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Rhode Island include:
- COLLECTIV Academy-Cranston — Certificate
- Empire Beauty School-Warwick — Certificate
- Paul Mitchell the School-Rhode Island — 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 Rhode Island?
The median wage for estheticians in Rhode Island is $43,880 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $33,710, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $62,400. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in Rhode Island?
Esthetician license, overseen by the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology. Complete 600 hours at a licensed school.
Is being an Esthetician a good career in Rhode Island?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which Rhode Island metros pay estheticians the most?
Among Rhode Island metro areas, Providence leads at $44,900. 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 Rhode Island?
Real Rhode Island options include COLLECTIV Academy-Cranston, Empire Beauty School-Warwick, Paul Mitchell the School-Rhode Island. 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), Rhode Island statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5094. Licensing summary compiled from the Rhode Island Dept. of Health — Barbering, Hairdressing & Cosmetology (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 Rhode Island wages · Rhode Island 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.