Esthetician vs. Medical Aesthetician in Florida: What’s the Difference?
If you’re considering a career in skincare, you might have come across the terms esthetician and medical aesthetician. Understanding the distinctions between these roles is crucial, especially when navigating licensure requirements in Florida.
What Is an Esthetician?
An esthetician is a licensed skincare professional trained in cosmetic (non-medical) treatments. Estheticians work in spas, salons, or their own private studios.
Common Services Include:
- Customized facials
- Extractions and masks
- Waxing and hair removal
- Makeup application
- Lash lifts and brow shaping
- Basic chemical peels and dermaplaning (with proper certification)
In Florida, estheticians are licensed as Facial Specialists, requiring 220 hours of approved training at a licensed beauty school like IMAGE.
What Is a Medical Aesthetician?
A medical aesthetician works in clinical or medical spa settings, often under the supervision of a physician. This role involves more advanced treatments, some of which may require medical oversight or additional licensure beyond a Facial Specialist license.
Common Services May Include:
- Laser hair removal
- Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy
- Microneedling
- Radiofrequency skin tightening
- Advanced chemical peels
- Pre- and post-op skin care in dermatology or plastic surgery offices
⚠️ Important: In Florida, only licensed electrologists may legally operate laser and light-based devices for hair removal—and only under the direct supervision of a physician licensed under Chapter 458 or 459, Florida Statutes.
Licensing Differences between esthetician vs. medical aesthetician in Florida
Unlike some states, Florida does not offer a separate “medical esthetician” license. Instead, professionals aiming to perform advanced procedures must obtain additional certifications and licenses.
Esthetician vs Medical Aesthetician License Comparison
Explore the differences in training, licensing, and permitted treatments between estheticians and medical aestheticians.
| Category | Esthetician (Facial Specialist) | Medical Aesthetician |
|---|---|---|
| License Type | Facial Specialist Registration | Varies (must include Electrologist license for lasers) |
| Training Hours | 220 hours | Additional hours required |
| Can Work in Med Spa? | Yes, but can only perform services within their scope of practice. | Yes, and may perform additional services if trained, certified, and licensed under medical supervision. |
| Can Use Lasers or RF Devices? | No | Yes, if licensed as an Electrologist and supervised by a physician. |
💰 Income Potential: Esthetician vs. Medical Aesthetician
Income varies depending on services, location, and whether you’re self-employed or work for a clinic.
Typical Florida Salary Ranges:
- Esthetician: $35,000–$55,000+
- Medical Aesthetician: $50,000–$90,000+ (especially with lasers or advanced certifications)
The more advanced certifications and licenses you earn, the more you can charge per service.
How IMAGE Prepares You for Both Paths
At the Institute for Medical Aesthetics and Laser (IMAGE), our Facial Specialist Program provides:
- A state-approved 220-hour curriculum
- Hands-on training in facials, extractions, dermaplaning, peels, and more
- Optional advanced certification courses (like microneedling, chemical peels, and lash lifts)
- Guidance on obtaining your Electrologist license and working under physician supervision
Whether you want to start a spa career or grow into a med spa role, IMAGE helps you build a solid foundation and boost your income with in-demand skills.
Choose Our Medical Aesthetician Program
At IMAGE – Institute for Medical Aesthetics and Laser, we offer a unique pathway that gives you:
- Your Facial Specialist license
- Your Electrologist license (required to perform laser hair removal in Florida)
This dual-licensing program means you can work confidently in both spa and medical aesthetics settings, performing services like:
- Facials & waxing
- Dermaplaning & advanced chemical peels
- Hydrofacial & Glacè
- Electrolysis
- Laser hair removal (including IPL)
- Microneedling & RF skin tightening
It’s the best of both worlds—spa beauty and medical aesthetics—in one powerful program.
Ready to Get Started?
Take the next step toward a flexible, high-paying career in skincare and aesthetics.