In Florida, "esthetician" and "medical esthetician" share the same Facial Specialist license — "medical esthetician" isn't a separate credential. The difference is setting (med spa, derm, plastic surgery vs. spa), advanced training, scope, and pay. You move up not with a new license but with advanced clinical training.
"Esthetician" and "medical esthetician" get used as if they're two different licenses. In Florida, they're not — and understanding what actually separates them helps you plan a career and set realistic pay expectations.
The key fact: same license
In Florida there is one credential — the Facial Specialist registration. "Medical esthetician" is not a separate license issued by the state. It's a description of an esthetician who works in a medical or clinical setting and has pursued advanced training. The difference is real, but it lives in training, environment, and scope — not in the license itself.
What actually separates them
| Esthetician | Medical esthetician | |
|---|---|---|
| License | Facial Specialist | Same Facial Specialist |
| Setting | Spas, salons, resorts | Med spas, derm, plastic surgery |
| Focus | Relaxation + skin health | Clinical, results-driven |
| Typical treatments | Facials, waxing, peels | Advanced peels, microneedling, devices, pre/post-op care |
| Training | Core 220 hours | Core + advanced CE |
| Pay | Lower band | Typically higher |
Setting and scope
The clinical environment is the real dividing line. A medical esthetician often works under physician direction, supports patients before and after procedures, and performs more advanced treatments. That setting usually pays more and demands more clinical knowledge — anatomy, contraindications, and skin science.
How to move from one to the other
You don't need a different license — you need to level up. That means advanced, hands-on training in peels, microneedling, and devices, plus the clinical judgment to work safely in a medical setting. Our guide on leveling up to medical esthetics walks the path, and MSI's Advanced Clinical Aesthetician track is built for exactly this transition.
FAQ
Is a medical esthetician a separate license in Florida?
No. Florida issues one credential — the Facial Specialist registration. "Medical esthetician" describes an esthetician who works in a clinical setting with advanced training, not a distinct license.
What's the difference between an esthetician and a medical esthetician?
The license is the same; the difference is setting, training, and scope. Medical estheticians work in med spas, dermatology, or plastic surgery, perform more advanced treatments, and typically earn more.
Do medical estheticians make more money?
Generally yes. Clinical settings and advanced services push medical esthetician pay above typical spa esthetician pay, though exact figures vary by employer and experience.
How do you become a medical esthetician in Florida?
Earn your Facial Specialist license, then pursue advanced hands-on training in peels, microneedling, and devices, and gain experience in a clinical setting.
Written by Rita Kruse, Co-Founder and Director of Education at MedSpa Institute. Licensing details are verifiable through the Florida DBPR.
- Florida has one license — Facial Specialist; "medical esthetician" isn't separate.
- The difference is clinical setting, advanced training, scope, and higher pay.
- Medical estheticians work under physician direction on results-driven treatments.
- You level up with advanced CE, not a different license.