Quick answer: To become an esthetician in Texas, you finish 750 hours of training at a state-licensed beauty school, pass a written exam and a practical exam through PSI, and get your license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Full-time students often finish training in about 5 months. Most people are licensed in 6 to 8 months.
Skincare is a solid career, and Houston has plenty of spas, salons, and med spas that hire licensed estheticians. The path is short and clear. This guide covers each step, the real costs, and how long it takes.
An esthetician is a licensed skincare professional. You help clients keep their skin healthy and look its best.
You can work in spas, salons, med spas, and dermatology offices. Some estheticians go freelance. Estheticians do not diagnose or treat medical conditions.
Texas has one main rule: no license, no skincare services for pay. Here is what you need.
| Requirement | What Texas asks for |
|---|---|
| Training | 750 hours at a Texas-licensed beauty school |
| Age | 17 to hold the license |
| Education | High school diploma, GED, or an ability-to-benefit test |
| Exams | One written exam and one practical exam (PSI) |
| Fees | $50 TDLR application fee plus exam fees |
| License length | 2 years, then renew with continuing education |
There is no separate waxing license in Texas. Your esthetician license covers it. There is also no official “medical esthetician” license. That title just means an esthetician with extra training.
Pick a school licensed in Texas that offers a real esthetician course, not a short skincare certificate. Ask about:
Looking in Houston? See our Houston esthetician program or compare all beauty school courses.
This is the biggest step. You must finish all 750 hours before you can test. You cannot do this online, and Texas does not allow an apprenticeship route. Your school tracks your hours and reports them to TDLR.
Your hours are not just time in a seat. You learn:
Real client practice under an instructor builds confidence fast. Ask any school how much of your time is hands-on.
Study sanitation first. It is heavily tested. Also review skin anatomy, treatment steps, product knowledge, and Texas laws and rules. For the practical exam, practice your setup, your safety steps, and your timing until they feel automatic.
PSI runs both exams. Once TDLR confirms you finished your hours, PSI emails you how to book. You must pass both.
After you pass, finish your TDLR application and pay the fee. TDLR also runs a criminal history check. Once approved, you can legally work on clients anywhere in Texas.
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Training (full-time) | About 5 to 6 months |
| Training (part-time) | About 8 to 12 months |
| Exams and TDLR processing | A few weeks |
| Total | About 6 to 9 months |
You cannot shorten the 750 hours. You can only speed up how fast you finish them, so full-time study and booking your exams quickly matter most.
| Cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Tuition and kit | Image Academy tuition, or call for current pricing |
| TDLR application | $50 |
| PSI exams | Around $130 combined |
Many Texas schools charge roughly $3,000 to $8,000 for tuition. Ask about payment plans before you enroll.
Not sure which fits? Read esthetician vs. nail technician: which career fits you.
New estheticians often start in salons or day spas. Others move into med spas, where treatments get more advanced. Some go freelance or open their own studio. Pay depends on your setting, clients, and tips. The average Texas wage was about $42,580 a year in one source. For Houston numbers.
You now know the path: 750 hours, two exams, and your TDLR license. The right school makes each step easier. Book a tour to see our labs, or view the esthetician program and call (281) 692-4892 to pick a start date.
