What's the Difference Between a Basic Esthetician and a Master Esthetician

Jul 5

If you're passionate about skincare or considering enrolling in an esthetics program, it’s important to understand the difference between a Basic Esthetician and a Master Esthetician—especially in Virginia, where both levels are licensed through DPOR (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation).

At Permaskin Beauty Academy, we prepare you for both!

1. Education & Licensing Hours (Virginia - DPOR Approved)

✅ Basic Esthetician – 600 Hours

This is your entry-level license, covering:

Facials & skin analysis
Hair removal (waxing, tweezing, threading)
Makeup application
Skin cleansing techniques
Sanitation & safety
Basic skin conditions and products

Graduates can begin working in day spas, salons, and waxing studios right after passing the state board exam.

✅ Master Esthetician – 600 Additional Hours

Once you’re licensed as a Basic Esthetician, you can continue with an additional 600-hour Master program to qualify for advanced, medical-based skincare treatments. Training includes:

Advanced skin anatomy & histology
Dermaneedling (collagen induction therapy)
Laser hair removal and IPL treatments
Advanced chemical peels
Pre/post-operative care
Working under medical supervision
Advanced skin disorders (acne, melasma, rosacea)

🔎 Total: 1,200 hours (Basic + Master) per DPOR requirements

2. Scope of Practice: What You Can Do

Service Basic Esthetician Master Esthetician

Facials & skincare treatments ✅ ✅

Waxing, threading, and tinting ✅ ✅

Makeup & product application ✅ ✅

Advanced peels & chemical resurfacing. ❌ ✅

Dermaneedling ❌ ✅

Laser hair removal / IPL ❌ ✅

Pre/post-op support ❌ ✅

Work under a medical director ❌ ✅

3. Salary Potential 💰

💼 Basic Esthetician Salary (VA & National Average)

$35,000 – $50,000/year
Tips and product commissions can boost earnings in spas and salons.

💼 Master Esthetician Salary

$55,000 – $90,000+/year
Many earn over $100,000/year in high-end med spas or dermatology clinics offering laser, dermaneedling, and corrective skin services.

🎓 Master Estheticians can also freelance, open their own studio, or work closely with doctors in clinical settings.

4. Where Can You Work?

✨ Basic Estheticians:

Day spas
Waxing centers
Brow/lash boutiques
Makeup counters
Salons and wellness studios

🩺 Master Estheticians:

Medical spas (under physician supervision)
Dermatology clinics
Plastic surgery offices
Laser treatment centers
Oncology skincare
High-end corrective skincare facilities

5. Which Path Is Right for You?

If you're looking to start quickly and work in relaxing spa environments, the Basic Esthetician license is the perfect start.

If your goal is to provide advanced skin treatments, work in medical aesthetics, or earn a higher income, the Master Esthetician path is the right move.

Permaskin .