[Squeezums]

Hi there!

I live in the SF Bay Area, I'm about to get my esthetician license, and my fiance and I are considering moving to Las Vegas. I've looked up the reciprocity for esthetician license in CA vs NV and there doesn't seem to be an issue there (I think) but my biggest concern is, how is the spa industry there? I expect I wont be working on the Strip but, how does it look for somebody new in the industry especially someone new to Las Vegas? Thanks!

[macgeek]

As a skin therapist you should do fine, a lot of vain people in LV

Jonathan

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by Squeezums

Hi there!

I live in the SF Bay Area, I'm about to get my esthetician license, and my fiance and I are considering moving to Las Vegas. I've looked up the reciprocity for esthetician license in CA vs NV and there doesn't seem to be an issue there (I think) but my biggest concern is, how is the spa industry there? I expect I wont be working on the Strip but, how does it look for somebody new in the industry especially someone new to Las Vegas? Thanks!

I would think you would do well there. You could also look into working in a dermatolgist office.

I have my cosmetology license and have also looked into the reciprocity for mine. The bad news for me is because I have been licensed for so long, I have never taken the standardized test. I would have to take that test to become licensed in NV. I assume since you are a new graduate you are covered?

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by macgeek

As a skin therapist you should do fine, a lot of vain people in LV

Jonathan

Esthetics isn't just about vanity, an esthetcian treats a variety of skin conditions. But I do think that in a sun drenched state like NV people would have skin issues they need to address.

[nevadaned]

This industry is very, very saturated. Not saying you won't find work but I certainly wouldn't go into this industry. We have enough nail/hair/skin salons and pawn shops in this town already.

[MediocreButArrogant]

Originally Posted by nevadaned

This industry is very, very saturated. Not saying you won't find work but I certainly wouldn't go into this industry.

Not to mention a huge number of local beauty colleges, churning out hundreds of new cosmetologists every year, all battling over a mostly static number of clients.

If you were already in the business for years and had an established clientele, you're probably doing ok, except for your clients having less disposable income and moving out of the area. If you're new to the area, it will probably be a rough few years, should you decide to stick it out. Best not to rely on that job as your sole source of income.

A few years back I was married to an Esthetician who practiced in Las Vegas. Through osmosis, I believe I know more about the state of the business in LV than someone who doesn't even live here.

[ElleTea]

Originally Posted by MediocreButArrogant

Not to mention a huge number of local beauty colleges, churning out hundreds of new cosmetologists every year, all battling over a mostly static number of clients.

If you were already in the business for years and had an established clientele, you're probably doing ok, except for your clients having less disposable income and moving out of the area. If you're new to the area, it will probably be a rough few years, should you decide to stick it out. Best not to rely on that job as your sole source of income.

A few years back I was married to an Esthetician who practiced in Las Vegas. Through osmosis, I believe I know more about the state of the business in LV than someone who doesn't even live here.

All if that can be said of the beauty industry anywhere in the US, not just Vegas. When I first graduated beauty school (1995), I was paid a decent hourly wage plus tips. The goal was to get busy enough to make commission and earn more, but I could get by on what I was paid hourly. That's really not true anymore. Salons often pay a really low hourly wage or none at all...you are straight commission. That means you take home a % of what you bring in. Say your haircuts are $20 each. If you do 5 haircuts a day you bring in $100, then you get a % if that. You split that with the salon (like 45% for you, 55% for them) so you make $45 that day. Or, salons are all chair rental, meaning you pay the salon a $ a week or month to use the station and all supplies are supplied by you. You are basically self employed which isn't for everyone.

The point is nowadays it is "normal" for anyone in the beauty business to struggle at first, it can take YEARS to build a loyal clientele. There is money to be made if you can stick it out, I know many very successful stylists making very good money and setting their own hours, but they have been at it for a long time.

I would think Vegas would be as good a place as any to start. The plus as esthetician has is the ability to work in a spa salon or to work in a more clinical setting such as a dermatologist office.

[Squeezums]

Thanks so much for all the input. I guess it sounds like Las Vegas is about the same as anywhere else, but what I find interesting is some people are saying how saturated Las Vegas is when the Bay Area State Board tests M-F whereas Vegas area is once or twice a month, not to mention that San Francisco has more salons per square mile than any other city in the nation. Anyways, any more advice is very much appreciated!!

[Prosze]

I think most in the beauty industry prefer not to work in casino spas. They rather rent so they can set their own hours/prices. You will need to do a lot of advertising to generate clients. Offer a good first time client special to bring in customers, advertise on craigslist and facebook. I'd have my own website with online booking. Before you rent read reviews of salons/spas on yelp to see what customers have to say about them. Just my .02

P.S. in my experience so many estheticians and stylists here are unprofessional. They cant successfully turn around an unhappy client, cant make the time to confirm appointments, use foul language consistently during your appointment, take phone calls during your service etc... Please be better than that

[Danie1988]

Does anyone know where the best job market with potential to make a lot of money as an Esthetician is in the U.S. right now that isn't oversaturated with Estheticians already? I'm in Charleston SC and I'm willing to move anywhere that I can make decent money in this profession.