Esthetician Schools in Georgia
If you're considering becoming an esthetician, Georgia may be the perfect place to do it since jobs in the field are exploding in the state.
Browse our directory of esthetician schools in Georgia, or skip ahead to learn about the state's esthetician licensing requirements and job outlook.
Read on to learn about how to earn your esthetician license in Georgia, along with information on salary expectations in and around major cities such as Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta. You will also learn about training programs, job prospects, and what to do if you are an esthetician coming to Georgia from another state.
We researched all the esthetician schools that Georgia has to offer and found the cream of the crop. View our list of the best esthetician schools in Georgia.
Browse All Esthetician Schools in Georgia
For School Owners
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900 Flat Shoals Road Southeast
Conyers, GA 30094
7840 Roswell Road Building 500
Sandy Springs, GA 30350
D'Most Beauty and Body Institute
Mableton, GA 30126
Hogan Institute of Cosmetology & Esthetics – Accredited
Lilburn, GA 30047
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Esthetician Schools Near Me
How to Become a Esthetician in Georgia
- 1,000 education hours or 2,000 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 5 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The average salary for estheticians in Georgia is $37,090 ($17.83/hour). This is lower than the national average of $37,300 ($17.30/hour).
- There is a predicted 19% job increase between 2021–2031 for estheticians in Georgia. This is equal to the expected national growth in the sector.
Working as an esthetician means that you'll be performing a wide range of specialist skincare procedures and services for your clients.
If you want to become an esthetician in Georgia, there are several requirements you should meet before you can gain your license. You must:
Esthetician Salary in Georgia and Projected Job Growth
Average yearly salary for esthetics in Georgia
On average, licensed estheticians in Georgia earn $37,090 annually or $17.83 per hour. Between 2021-2031, the esthetics industry is expected to grow in the state, with a predicted job increase of 19 percent.
However, this average covers a lot of ground in Georgia, from higher-cost big cities or vacation spots to more rural areas. Esthetician pay across the state varies from a low of $20,860 to a high of $61,760, depending on the level of experience you have, the cost of living in your area, and whether you have a dedicated client base who can pay more. For example, estheticians working in their own high-end salons or booths in large metropolitan areas can earn more than those working in smaller, more rural settings.
As of 2021, the highest-paying metro areas for estheticians in Georgia are:
| Metro/Nonmetropolitan Area | 2021 Median Salary |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $37,250 |
| Savannah, GA | $33,890 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $28,970 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $28,820 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | $23,990 |
Data from O*Net (2022)
What to Expect From an Esthetician Program in Georgia
Required to earn a esthetics license
To work as an esthetician in Georgia, you must first gain your license. To do this, you need to attend a state-approved beauty school and complete at least 1,000 hours of training. You'll cover a wide variety of different topics, including:
It isn't just practicing estheticians who must secure a license —esthetic schools and instructors must also their own licensing requirements, too. In addition to paying a $300 fee, schools must prove that they are legally compliant by submitting building blueprints, lists of the equipment, textbooks available, and copies of each instructor's license.
Just like regular estheticians, school licenses must be renewed every two years.
Can I Apprentice as an Esthetician in Georgia?
Required to earn a esthetics license
You can gain your esthetician's license in Georgia via an apprenticeship. To do this, you must:
Apprentice permits may be held for two years and can be renewed one time only for an additional two years.
Georgia Esthetician Licensing Requirements
Once you've completed your training, you need to take and pass two state-approved esthetics exams. These are run by PSI Services, which has a number of locations across the United States. All PSI centers are equipped to provide access in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and accommodations will be made to meet your needs.
You'll need to pass a 110-minute practical exam ($64) and a 90-minute theoretical exam ($45). Currently, the theory portion of the exam can be taken on a computer at an official testing center, but the practical portion must be done in person.
You can retake the exams an unlimited number of times while completing your schooling or apprenticeship. However, if you don't pass within your four years of eligibility, you must re-apply with the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. If you retake the exams, the fee remains the same.
On the day of your exam, you must arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your start time and bring two forms of ID with you.
During the practical test, you're required to bring your own kit. This must be appropriately labeled and kept closed, except for when you are removing or replacing materials for a service. When an original manufacturer's label is required, it must be in English, and cannot be handwritten.
The practical exam takes place in the following order:
- Setting up the work area and first client preparation
- Universal supplies
- Cleansing
- Exfoliating
- Setting up the work area and second client preparation
- Supplies (second client)
- Hair removal of the eyebrows
- Facial mask and conclusion of facial service
- Makeup
- Blood exposure
- Particle microdermabrasion
The theoretical exam is split as follows:
Scientific Concepts (55%)
Skin Care and Services (45%)
When you complete the exam, you'll be given your results immediately. To pass each exam, you must score at least 70 percent.
According to Georgia law, veterans may be eligible for the addition of five or ten points on their examination scores. You may also qualify for veterans' preference points if you were discharged for injury or illness incurred in the line of duty and for reimbursement of all or part of your examination fees.
Georgia Esthetician Licensure Reciprocity
Georgia does not reciprocate licenses with any other state. That said, if you have your license from another state and are in good standing, you can apply for a Georgia license via an "Endorsement."
To do this, you'll need to submit the following:
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
All esthetician licenses in Georgia must be renewed every two years. Officially, they must be renewed by August 31 of odd numbered years. You can renew your license online and pay a $45 fee.
The first time you renew your license, you aren't required to meet any continued education requirements, however, for every renewal after that, you must complete five hours of continuing education every two years.
If you don't renew your license, it passes into a lapsed-late renewal status for six months. After that, it'll become completely lapsed and will require an application for reinstatement. Practicing without an active license is illegal, so ensure you always renew yours on time.
Esthetician Specialties in Georgia
Georgia also offers licensure for esthetician instructors. This license is for those interested in training future estheticians in the state. To become one, you need to be a licensed esthetician with at least one year of experience, passing scores on the exams, a valid GA Master's License, and proof of citizenship.
Contact the Georgia State Board of Esthetics
- 214 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334
- Website: Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
- Contact: Contact the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
- Call: 404-656-2881
Resources for Estheticians in Georgia
Georgia Estheticians & Aesthetics, Specializing in the Art of Skin
Facebook group for professional Georgia estheticians.
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
The board offers how-to guides, links to applications, exam information, and more.