Here’s the honest answer: it depends. Esthetician school is a smart move for some people and a poor fit for others, and the difference usually comes down to money, expectations, and how much you actually enjoy the work. If you love skincare, can afford the cost, and have looked into licensing, the investment can make sense. If you’re hoping for quick, big paychecks or a guaranteed job, slow down first. Whether you’re weighing Esthetician School Colorado programs or just starting to wonder, here’s what to think through.
Is Esthetician School Worth the Investment?
Esthetics tends to attract people who like detail, enjoy talking with clients, and get satisfaction from seeing someone leave feeling better than they arrived. Career changers, recent graduates, and parents returning to work all show up in this field for different reasons.
But “worth it” is personal. Ask yourself a few plain questions. Can you cover tuition and living costs while you train? Are you comfortable starting at the bottom while you build skills and a client base? Do you like the physical side of the job, including long hours on your feet and close, hands on work?
Picture a regular Tuesday, not the best day. If that still sounds appealing, you’re asking the right question.
What Can Estheticians Earn?
There’s no single number, and anyone who gives you one without context is oversimplifying. Income swings based on where you live, your experience, your employer, whether you’re paid hourly or by commission, how much you earn in tips, and whether you work for someone else or run your own business. Two estheticians in the same city can take home very different amounts.
If you want figures, go to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and look up skincare specialists. Pay attention to the region, because national averages don’t tell you what Colorado looks like. Use whatever you find as a rough guide, not a promise. No school can tell you what you’ll make.
What Career Opportunities Are Available?
Most estheticians work in day spas, medical spas, skincare clinics, or salons that offer facials and waxing. Some eventually go independent where state rules permit it.
That said, not every graduate fits every job. Medical settings often want extra training or experience, and employers set their own standards. A smart move before enrolling is to browse local job postings and see what’s actually being asked for. It takes ten minutes and tells you a lot.
Can Estheticians Enjoy a Flexible Schedule?
Sometimes, though it rarely comes on day one. Plenty of estheticians land schedules they like over time. Others find that clients book evenings and weekends, so those are the hours they work.
Employees usually get structure: a steady flow of clients, supplies provided, and someone else handling the business side. The tradeoff is less say over when you work. Independent estheticians can set their own calendar, but they also handle marketing, insurance, products, and the slow weeks. Freedom is real, but so is the responsibility that comes with it.
What Should You Consider Before Enrolling?
Look at the full price, not just tuition. Ask what’s extra, such as kits, supplies, exam fees, and licensing costs. Then compare program length, schedule options, how much hands on practice you’ll get, and how supportive the instructors are. Our guide on How to Choose an Esthetician School goes deeper on each of these.
Licensing needs its own attention. The state sets the rules, and rules change, so check current requirements with Colorado’s official licensing authority before you commit. For a general overview of the path, see How to Become an Esthetician in Colorado, then confirm the details with the state.
Last, ask any school how it helps students after training. Listen for specifics. Vague promises are a red flag.
Is Institute of Modern Beauty Worth Exploring?
If you’re leaning toward yes, the next step is reading what a school actually offers. Institute of Modern Beauty has a page on Advanced Esthetics Training for Skincare for people who want practical, professional preparation for a skincare career. Read it carefully so you know what’s included.
You can also get a feel for the coursework by reading What Do You Learn in Esthetician School?, which covers the kinds of topics students commonly study, from skin basics to client care.
Then come with questions. Ask about scheduling, total costs, and which licensing requirements apply to you. A good school will be glad you asked.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Esthetics Career
Choosing esthetician school is a real financial and personal decision, so give it real research. Visit the classes page to see what Institute of Modern Beauty offers, then reach out to talk through your questions and goals.
Institute of Modern Beauty
16621 N. Washington Street
Thornton, CO 80023
Tel: 303.330.4969