A certified laser technician performs procedures such as laser hair removal, laser acne treatment, skin rejuvenation, tattoo removal, and minimizing the appearance of cellulite, varicose veins, and rosacea. A laser technician evaluates the skin care concerns of a client to develop a treatment plan.
Excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, and willingness to continually stay on top of advances in laser treatment are required skills to be successful in the industry.
How to Prepare for a Career in Laser Treatment
In most states, a laser technician must be a licensed aesthetician and obtain a laser treatment certificate. An aesthetician license typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of an aesthetician program (usually 6 to 12 months), and a passing score on a state exam. A laser treatment program can take a few weeks or several months, depending on the program and state requirements.
Laser treatment programs cover topics such as laser hair removal, safety, and laser acne therapy. Some schools make it possible to work on both an aesthetician license and a laser treatment certification simultaneously.
The median annual wage for skin care specialists is $32,040, with the top 90 percent earning $52,340, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Although laser treatment is a relatively new field and no specific data exists, job opportunities will be best for those licensed to provide a broad range of services. BLS expects the skin care industry to grow almost 38 percent to meet increasing demands for specialty treatments such as laser therapy.
