If you’re an esthetician struggling to get hired, this might be why.

Recently I had a conversation with someone who hires for a high-end spa here in Charleston. He shared something that didn’t surprise me, but it should make estheticians pause.

Their spa manager won’t hire an esthetician unless they’re dual licensed as both an esthetician and a massage therapist.

Why?

Because in many spas, massage services drive the majority of revenue and bookings. When service volume and dollars are heavily weighted toward massage, employers naturally prioritize staff who can deliver those services.

This isn’t about talent. It’s not about skill.

It’s about economics, and spa owners make hiring decisions based on sustainability.

The Revenue Reality

Across the spa industry, massage therapy consistently represents one of the largest service categories by volume and revenue. In many U.S. spas, massage appointments account for a substantial share of bookings compared to facials and other treatments.

If a spa has more demand for massage than for facials on a given week, who gets more hours?

The provider who can do both.

A dual-licensed professional gives management flexibility:

• They can fill massage bookings.
• They can fill facial bookings.
• They can support body treatments.
• They can adjust to seasonal demand shifts.

That versatility directly impacts scheduling, hours, and income.

It’s About Expanding Opportunity

Esthetics is powerful. Skin health, confidence, corrective treatments, these are meaningful services. But in many spa settings, a single-license provider is competing for a smaller slice of the service pie.

A dual-licensed provider isn’t competing for a slice. They’re participating in the whole pie.

When you can provide therapeutic massage and esthetic services, you:

• Increase your booking potential
• Increase your revenue-generating capacity
• Increase your hireability
• Increase your negotiating power

And in an industry where many service providers are paid on commission or percentage of service revenue, your skill set directly influences your paycheck. Clients that like you will be more likely to expand their services with you as well.

If two candidates walk in the door, one with a single license and one with dual licensure, the business decision is often straightforward.

What This Means If You’re an Esthetician

If you’re struggling to get hired… If you’re fighting for hours… If you’re piecing together part-time positions… If you’re capped in your earning potential…

It may not be a reflection of your talent.

It may be a reflection of your scope. And in my opinion, versatility is one of the most under-valued assets in our field.

A Career, Not Just a Skill

I’ve been in this profession since 2008. I’ve hired. I’ve watched hiring decisions. I’ve seen who stays booked and who struggles.

The providers who build longevity are the ones who:

• Understand the business side
• Think beyond one service
• Invest in broadening their clinical skill set
• Position themselves as indispensable

If you’re an esthetician who loves what you do but feels limited in employment opportunities, this may not be the end of your road.

It might be the expansion point. And expansion, when done strategically, creates options.