Cosmetic laser technicians can perform various procedures to improve skin.
Cosmetic laser technicians are personal appearance and medical workers who are trained to use lasers to modify the skin. They can remove hair, treat pigmentation issues, remove tattoos and even work on cellulite and varicose veins. These technicians can earn more in a medical setting than in other sectors, but typically their rates still were below $45,000 per year at the time of publication.
Average Compensation
Because the majority of procedures cosmetic laser technicians do involve the skin in some way, the BLS considers them to be skincare specialists. The hourly rate for skincare specialists in May 2010 was $15.40. The BLS calculates annual salaries based on the assumption of 2080 hours per year, the same as 40 hours per week. Using this standard, the annual rate for a cosmetic laser technician was $32,030.
Range
The BLS shows that cosmetic laser technicians and other skincare specialists earned $8.22 per hour in the 10th percentile. Those in the 25th percentile earned $9.92 per year. The median compensation was $13.90 per hour, while those in the 75th percentile earned $19.62 per hour. In the 90th percentile, cosmetic laser technicians made $24.47 hourly. Viewed as annual rates, this provides a rough range of $17,090 to $50,890 per year.
Pay by Geographic Region
By geographic region, pay for cosmetic laser technicians was as low as $19,970 in May 2010, says the BLS -- this was the rate reported for Mississippi. Cosmetic laser technicians made $21,320 per year in Georgia, $22,360 annually in Puerto Rico and $23,270 per year in Pennsylvania. The rate in Ohio was $24,070. Even though compensation is low in some regions, other areas have rates that are nearly double salaries provided in low-paying regions. The highest pay for cosmetic laser technicians, for example, $46,130 per year, was in Delaware. Those in Hawaii earned $42,810 annually, while those in Oregon and the District of Columbia made $41,650 and $41,580 per year, respectively. In Washington, cosmetic laser technicians earned $40,370 annually, on average.
Pay by Sector
In May 2010, the highest-paying sector for cosmetic laser technicians according to the BLS was physicians' offices, where rates averaged $39,540 per year. Outpatient care centers paid $37,650 annually, while general medical and surgical hospitals paid $37,280 per year. However, cosmetic laser technicians in the amusement parks and recreation industry earned $38,450 per year, which is competitive with medical rates. In department stores, cosmetic laser technicians made $36,660 annually, while those in other personal services earned $33,220 annually. Rates for those in traveler accommodation and personal care services made $31,660 and $30,410 per year, respectively, while those in health and personal care services had the lowest rate at $27,880 per year.
Considerations
Similar to other personal appearance workers, cosmetic laser technicians can earn commissions or tips. The amount of the commission depends on the work agreement the cosmetic laser technician develops with the employer, while tips depend on the satisfaction of the client. Additionally, because different procedures have different costs, technicians who receive commissions may have different incomes depending on the type of clients the employer attracts and the procedures done.
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