Esthetician in Washington: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Washington employs 2,200 estheticians, with a statewide median of $79,320 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in Washington (May 2025)
- Washington median pay
- $79,320 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,620
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $95,260
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $119,040
- Employed in Washington
- 2,200
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major Washington markets:
- Spokane
- $91,000 (160 employed)
- Olympia
- $81,490 (90 employed)
- Seattle–Tacoma
- $80,510 (1,330 employed)
- Tri-Cities
- $76,520 (80 employed)
- Bellingham
- $64,830 (80 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Washington
Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $79,320 median is worth closer to $74,131 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)
Washington is projected to grow estheticians employment +10.4%, faster than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 530 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Washington License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Esthetician (or Master Esthetician) — regulated by the Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology Program.
- Complete 750 hours of esthetician training at a WA DOL-approved cosmetology school, covering skincare, facials, waxing, makeup, and Washington esthetician law. (Master Esthetician requires 1,200 hours and includes advanced skincare procedures.)
- Pass the WA DOL written and practical state board examinations for esthetician.
- Apply to the WA Department of Licensing. Renew every two years. The Master Esthetician credential opens the door to performing procedures like microdermabrasion and advanced chemical peels.
Official requirements: Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology Program →
Training in Washington
Seattle and Bellevue have a robust spa, med-spa, and skincare market. Washington's Master Esthetician license is one of the more advanced licenses in the country, enabling a broader scope of practice. Gene Juarez, Aveda salons, and numerous independent medical spas are major employers.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:
- Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Seattle — Certificate
- Aveda Institute Portland-Vancouver Campus — Certificate
- Bates Technical College — Certificate
- Centralia 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 Washington?
The median wage for estheticians in Washington is $79,320 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,620, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $119,040. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in Washington?
Licensed Esthetician (or Master Esthetician), overseen by the Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology Program. Complete 750 hours of esthetician training at a WA DOL-approved cosmetology school, covering skincare, facials, waxing, makeup, and Washington esthetician law. (Master Esthetician requires 1,200 hours and includes advanced skincare procedures.)
Is being an Esthetician a good career in Washington?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which Washington metros pay estheticians the most?
Among Washington metro areas, Spokane leads at $91,000, followed by Olympia ($81,490), Seattle–Tacoma ($80,510). 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 Washington?
Real Washington options include Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Seattle, Aveda Institute Portland-Vancouver Campus, Bates Technical College. Most estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Esthetician a growing career in Washington?
Washington projects estheticians employment to change +10.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 530 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), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5094. Licensing summary compiled from the Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology 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 Washington wages · Washington 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.