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March 15, 2026

From Esthetics School to Med Spa Entry-Level Roles: Skills Hiring Managers Want

After graduating from esthetician school, it’s time to apply for your first job in the beauty industry. Many people choose to apply for positions in medical spas or med spas. In an industry as competitive as beauty, you need to make your application stand out. Here, Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes shares what skills hiring managers look for when recruiting for esthetician jobs at med spas.

Key Takeaways

  • Med spa careers begin with entry-level positions, such as spa associate, esthetician assistant, wax specialist, or advanced device assistant.
  • Hiring managers look for skills such as sanitation, consultation, retailing, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) awareness, and team coordination.
  • Assemble a strong portfolio that includes photos, case notes, and social media.

Beginning Your Career Path at a Med Spa

After graduating from your Esthiology program at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes, you are unlikely to step into a fully-fledged practitioner position right away. Instead, you’ll start by looking for entry-level roles where you can gain on-the-job experience and strengthen your resume. Some examples of entry-level med spa jobs include:

  • Spa associate: Also called treatment coordinators, spa associates act as the first point of contact with customers. They man the front desk, manage bookings, process payments, sell products, and ensure a positive experience.
  • Esthetician assistant: On the spa floor, esthetician assistants support estheticians while they provide esthetician services. You may document clients’ allergies and sensitivities, guide them to and from treatment rooms, clean, and keep storage areas stocked.
  • Wax specialist: While you may not provide all spa services, wax specialist roles are often open to entry-level workers. They work with different types of waxing products to perform waxing services on various parts of a client’s body.
  • Advanced device assistant: Ao advanced device assistant supports professionals in using advanced med spa devices, such as lasers, radiofrequency, ultrasound, and more. This role is ideal if you are interested in pursuing advanced certifications.

These positions can be considered the first step on a longer career journey, helping you gain the experience and connections required to advance toward your dream job.

Skills Hiring Managers Want

The beauty and wellness industry is highly competitive. For every entry-level position that opens, you may be competing against several other prospective hires. For this reason, it’s important to make your application stand out. Understanding what hiring managers look for will give you an advantage. At med spas, hiring managers prioritize skills and qualifications such as:

  • Sanitation: Infections can spread quickly through a poorly managed med spa, so awareness of best sanitation practices is essential.
  • Consultation: Every position involves some level of client interaction. You must be able to gather important client information while staying professional yet friendly.
  • Retail: A large part of a med spa’s profit comes from product sales. Therefore, the ability to effectively market a product is a big plus.
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) awareness: Med spas combine spa services with medicine, meaning that you must be aware of and comply with HIPAA and other laws governing the health industry.
  • Teamwork: Med spa workers operate closely with one another, so you need to be able to coordinate effectively.

Developing these skills won’t just make your resume more attractive. They will also help you work more effectively, setting you up for early success and a greater chance of advancement.

Build a Job-Ready Portfolio

In addition to your resume, you should also submit a portfolio. The portfolio provides hiring managers with additional information about your ability level and history in the industry. Assembling a standout portfolio is a skill in itself, but you can start by collecting the following items:

  • Professional before-and-after photos
  • Case notes and service logs from previous clients
  • A strong social media presence and following
  • Relevant certifications and licensing
  • Any other specific credentials

We recommend assembling both a printed and digital version. The physical version is handy at interviews, while online portfolios allow easy access and demonstrate your computer skills.

Train for Esthetician Jobs at Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes

Are you prepared to kickstart your med spa career? Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes offers leading programs to help you train for esthetician jobs. Schedule a campus tour near you in Denver, Colorado, Provo, Utah, and the Metropolitan Area of Phoenix, Arizona. Contact us today to learn more about programs, applications, and financial aid opportunities.

Esthetician Jobs FAQs

Where are the Aveda Institute campuses located?

Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes has campuses in Denver, CO; Provo, UT; and Phoenix, Tucson, and Avondale, AZ.

Does Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes provide career services?

We do offer career services and hiring assistance, including interview training, resume and portfolio assistance, and more, to help new graduates secure the jobs they hope for.

How much real-client experience do I need to be competitive?

The more client experience you have, the better. Inspire Greatness Aveda Institutes helps students gain experience through our Student Salon and Spa.

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