Esthetician Schools in Kentucky
Now may be the time to become an esthetician in Kentucky. Browse our directory of esthetician schools in Kentucky, or skip ahead to learn about the state's esthetician licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Esthetician Schools in Kentucky
For School Owners
Don't see your school listed? Want to discuss becoming a featured school in the directory? Contact us to learn more.
554 Westport Road
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
College for Technical Education - Nicholasville – Accredited
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Edge Academy of Beauty – Accredited
Manchester, KY 40962
PJ's College of Cosmetology - Bowling Green – Accredited
Bowling Green, KY 42101
PJ's College of Cosmetology - Louisville – Accredited
Louisville, KY 40220
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
Check out the Esthetics/Skin Care schools these cities in Kentucky have to offer.
How to Become an Esthetician in Kentucky
- 750 education hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 1 year.
- 0 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- The median salary for estheticians in Kentucky is $26,360.
- There is a predicted 9% job increase between 2022-2032 for estheticians.
In Kentucky, an esthetician is defined as a beauty professional who performs skin care services such as cleansing, exfoliation, facials, makeup application, hair removal, massage, and eyelash extensions.
According to the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology, to become an esthetician in the state, you must:
Applying for a License with a Criminal History
A felony in your past does not mean you'll be automatically denied an esthetics license in Kentucky. But you need to submit extra documentation when you apply. Candidates with criminal convictions must include the following alongside their application:
Can I Specialize in an Esthetics Area in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, licensed estheticians can work as medical or nurse estheticians under the direct supervision of a physician. They often provide preoperative and postoperative skin care in plastic surgeon's offices or rehabilitation centers.
Under a physician's supervision, medical estheticians can provide services such as:
Offering specialized treatments as an esthetician may open you up to more job opportunities and a higher salary. For instance, medical estheticians in Kentucky make an average of $48,536 annually, which is higher than the state's mean salary of $35,430 for regular estheticians.
Estheticians can also receive permits to practice eyebrow threading, makeup, or eyelash artistry. To offer these specialties, applicants must have completed a board-approved sanitation course within the last six months before applying, submit a permit application, and pay the $50 permit fee. Individuals hoping to receive an eyelash artistry permit must also complete a board-approved eyelash certificate training program within the last six months before applying.
Esthetician Salary and Projected Job Growth in Kentucky
Median yearly salary for estheticians in Kentucky
As of 2024, estheticians in Kentucky earn a median of $26,360 annually. Of course, wages vary based on location, experience, and more. In Kentucky, pay ranges from under $22,000 to over $68,000.
Esthetician jobs in Kentucky are expected to rise by 9% between 2022 and 2032.
The highest-paying areas for estheticians in Kentucky are:
| Location | 2024 Median Salary |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Metro Area | $34,950 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Metro Area | $33,540 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Metro Area | $41,660 |
| Bowling Green, KY Metro Area | $42,050 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Metro Area | $24,540 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Metro Area | $28,490 |
Source: CareerOneStop (2025)
What to Expect From an Esthetician Program in Kentucky
Required to earn an esthetics license
To become an esthetician in Kentucky, you must complete 750 hours of esthetics training at a State board-approved school before applying for licensure.
These 750 hours must include:
You must complete at least 115 hours of training before you will be permitted to perform services on members of the public. Before this, you must practice your new skills on mannequins and your fellow students instead.
A state-approved esthetician curriculum must include:
Basics
General sciences
Skin sciences
Esthetics
Business Skills
Can I Apprentice as an Esthetician in Kentucky?
No, Kentucky doesn't offer esthetician apprenticeships.
Kentucky Esthetician Licensing Requirements
To become a licensed esthetician in Kentucky, you must pass both practical and written esthetics exams. Each test costs $85. The theory test is only offered in English.
The practical exam covers:
The written exam covers:
Safety and infection control: 34%
Client consultation: 4%
Skin analysis: 13%
Skin care: 27%
Makeup: 4%
Hair removal: 13%
Advanced treatments: 5%
Applicants needing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations must create an account in the testing center system, then submit a test accommodation request form. You may also need to provide evidence of your disability and how it will impact your examination experience.
Kentucky Esthetician Licensure Reciprocity
Estheticians from other states can obtain a Kentucky esthetics license through reciprocity.
To do this, you must:
If your out-of-state hours don't match Kentucky's requirement, you must complete the remaining hours before applying for the licensure exam.
Military Reciprocity
Military members and spouses who hold an active license in another state can transfer their license to Kentucky by submitting a military sponsor license transfer application, documentation and a $100 fee.
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Esthetician licenses in Kentucky must be renewed every July by submitting a renewal application and paying the $50 renewal fee. If you don't renew by July 31, your license is considered expired, and you'll have to pay the $50 restoration fee.
No continuing education is needed to renew an esthetician's license in Kentucky. Still, continuing education classes are always recommended to stay up-to-date with current trends and developments in the esthetics industry.
Contact the Kentucky State Board of Esthetics
- 1049 US Highway 127 Annex #2, Frankfort, KY 40601
- Website: Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
- Email: Contact Form
- Call: 502-564-4262
- Fax: 502-324-6192
Resources for Estheticians in Kentucky
Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
The government agency tasked with regulating the state's beauty industry.
Kentucky Association of Medical Aesthetic Providers
An organization dedicated to promoting community and safety in the medical aesthetics industry.
National Coalition of Estheticians Association Kentucky Branch
An organization offering continuing education activities and helping estheticians become certified.
Kentucky Esthetician Group
A Facebook group aiming to connect estheticians across the state to provide education, support, and networking opportunities.