South Carolina's Esthetics pathway prepares skincare professionals for the growing spa and beauty industry. The state's tourism and wellness industries create strong opportunities for qualified estheticians.
Students master skincare techniques, facial treatments, body treatments, makeup application, and salon operations. They practice on clients in school spas and community facilities.
Graduates earn esthetics licenses and work in spas, salons, dermatology offices, or medical facilities. Employment opportunities exist with spas, hotels, beauty retailers, and healthcare providers throughout South Carolina.
Esthetics at a Glance
3
Courses
6
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina esthetics standards align with state licensing requirements. Standards cover skincare treatments, facial techniques, product knowledge, and professional practices.
Students complete required hours (minimum 600 hours), competency assessments in skincare, makeup, and business management. State standards include advanced treatments and product chemistry.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Esthetics 1 |
| Esthetics 2 |
| Advanced Skincare and Treatments |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Child Development Associate (CDA)
- ✓Early Childhood Professional Certificate
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED - Adult, Child, and Infant
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓NOCTI Early Childhood Education
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Esthetician
Entry LevelSalary range: $24,590 - $51,480
Adjusted for cost of living: $26,390
Medical Esthetician
Entry LevelSalary range: $24,590 - $51,480
Adjusted for cost of living: $26,390
Spa Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $66,730 - $148,690
Adjusted for cost of living: $106,611
Skincare Product Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $24,590 - $51,480
Adjusted for cost of living: $26,390
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work in spas, salons, dermatology offices, and medical facilities throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Cosmetology
South Carolina's Cosmetology pathway prepares students for careers in hair design, skincare, and beauty. The state's cosmetology industry provides diverse career pathways from salon work to product lines to salon ownership. Students develop expertise in hair cutting, coloring, permanent waves, facials, makeup application, and salon management. They practice on mannequins and clients in school salons serving the community. Graduates earn cosmetology licenses and work in salons, spas, beauty supply companies, or establish independent practices. Employment opportunities exist with salons, spas, hotels, theatrical productions, and beauty retailers throughout South Carolina.
Human ServicesNail Technology
South Carolina's Nail Technology pathway prepares professionals for careers in nail care services. The state's salons and spas create strong demand for qualified nail technicians. Students master nail care techniques, polish application, gel systems, nail art, sanitation, and customer service. They practice on clients in school nail salons. Graduates earn nail technician licenses and work in salons, spas, hotels, or establish independent nail salons. Employment opportunities exist with nail salons, full-service salons, spas, and nail product companies throughout South Carolina.
Human ServicesTherapeutic Services
South Carolina's Therapeutic Services pathway prepares students for careers in specialized healthcare fields including physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, and rehabilitation services. This specialized program within the Healthcare and Human Services cluster focuses on therapeutic interventions that help patients recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve quality of life. With South Carolina's aging population and increasing demand for rehabilitation services, therapeutic professionals are critically needed throughout the state. The pathway provides foundational knowledge in human anatomy and physiology, therapeutic techniques, patient assessment, and rehabilitative procedures. Students learn about various therapeutic modalities, assistive technologies, and evidence-based interventions used in rehabilitation settings. The curriculum emphasizes patient-centered care, therapeutic communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration essential for effective therapeutic services. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical simulations and partnerships with rehabilitation facilities. South Carolina's Therapeutic Services pathway prepares students for entry-level positions as therapy aides or technicians, creating pathways to advanced therapeutic careers through postsecondary education. The program addresses the state's healthcare workforce needs while offering students rewarding careers helping individuals overcome physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
Healthcare and Human ServicesReady to Build Esthetics Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Esthetics in South Carolina.