How Much Do Medical Estheticians Make Annually?

If you’re considering a career as a medical esthetician, you’re probably wondering, “How much can I actually earn?” The good news is that medical esthetics is not only a rewarding field but also one with strong earning potential. Your salary can vary depending on your experience, certifications, location, and the kind of workplace you choose. Let’s break it down so you have a better idea of what to expect.

What’s the Average Salary for Medical Estheticians?

Example: Pay Breakdown at New Age Spa Clinics

At New Age Spa Clinics, entry-level medical estheticians are hired at a base hourly rate of $21 per hour. However, their earning potential goes far beyond that, thanks to tips and commission opportunities:

Tips: On average, medical estheticians receive $15 to $35 per client in tips.
Product Sales Commissions: Estheticians earn 10% commission on any product sales.

With these additional earnings factored in, the average starting medical esthetician at New Age Spa Clinics makes approximately $29 per hour.

How This Translates Annually

Assuming a full-time schedule (40 hours per week), here’s a quick breakdown:

Base Pay (at $21/hour): $43,680 per year.
Additional Earnings (Tips + Commissions): Around $13,000–$15,000 annually, depending on client volume and sales.

Total Annual Income: $56,000–$58,000 for an entry-level medical esthetician.

Average salary In Canada

Starting Out (0–2 Years of Experience): $30,000–$45,000
When you’re new, your pay is likely on the lower end as you gain experience. Many entry-level positions are hourly, so expect around $15–$22 per hour in spas or medical clinics.
Mid-Level (3–5 Years of Experience): $45,000–$65,000
With a few years under your belt and some extra certifications (like laser hair removal or microneedling), your income will start to grow. Clinics and medical spas often pay more as you develop a loyal client base.
Experienced or Specialized Professionals (5+ Years): $65,000–$85,000+
As a seasoned pro, you could earn significantly more, especially if you work in dermatology or plastic surgery clinics, manage a team, or specialize in sought-after treatments.

In the U.S.

Starting Out: $35,000–$50,000 USD
Mid-Level: $50,000–$70,000 USD
Experienced Professionals: $70,000–$100,000+ USD

What Can Affect Your Pay?

1. Location

Where you work matters—a lot. If you’re in a big city like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, you’ll likely earn more because there’s higher demand for advanced skincare services. In smaller towns, salaries might be lower, but you may have less competition and more opportunities to build personal client relationships.

2. Your Certifications

This is where investing in yourself pays off. Adding advanced certifications in treatments like laser hair removal, microneedling, or chemical peels makes you more valuable. Clinics love hiring estheticians with a wide range of skills because it attracts more clients and allows them to offer more services.

3. Where You Work

Medical Spas and Clinics: Usually pay more because of the complexity of services offered.
Self-Employment: Owning your practice can be lucrative if you’re business-savvy, but remember, it also means handling marketing, equipment costs, and overhead.
Dermatology or Plastic Surgery Clinics: Working alongside doctors often comes with higher pay because the treatments are more advanced.

4. Commissions and Tips

Beyond your base salary, commissions on product sales or services can add a nice boost—sometimes as much as 10–30% extra. And don’t underestimate tips from happy clients—they can make a big difference in your overall earnings.

Can You Earn More? Absolutely!

There are plenty of ways to increase your income in this field:

Become a Trainer or Educator: Share your knowledge and teach others.
Focus on High-End Treatments: Specializing in advanced therapies like laser skin resurfacing or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments can command higher prices.
Sell Skincare Products: Clients trust your recommendations, and retail commissions can add up fast.

So, Is It Worth It?

If you’re passionate about beauty and helping people feel confident, medical esthetics can be a fantastic career. The earning potential is there, but it depends on how much effort you’re willing to put into learning new skills, building client relationships, and staying on top of industry trends. And with the beauty and wellness industry continuing to grow, the demand for skilled medical estheticians isn’t going anywhere.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to specialize, medical esthetics offers a fulfilling career that’s as financially rewarding as it is personally satisfying.