How to Become a Cosmetic Laser Technician

Aesthetic laser technology is experiencing rapid growth as we speak, with more patients discovering the far-reaching benefits of hair removal and other directed light therapies. With the global medical aesthetics market earmarked to reach $73.6 billion by 2026, the time is ripe to pursue a laser technician role.

If you’re thinking of working in the cosmetology industry, Empire Medical Training will guide you through the process from start to finish. Whether it’s certification and training or exploring career opportunities and expanding your skillset, we’re here to help you build a thriving aesthetics career.

What Is a Cosmetic Laser Technician?

So, what does a cosmetic laser technician do? They’re certified healthcare professionals who use laser therapy to perform a variety of aesthetic procedures ranging from hair removal to skin rejuvenation.

Cosmetic laser technicians usually work in various settings, including medical spas, dermatology offices, and cosmetic surgery clinics, playing a critical role in enhancing their clients’ appearances by:

• Operating advanced laser equipment for treatments like skin tightening, laser hair removal, as well as removing cellulite and tattoos

• Evaluating their clients’ skin conditions and medical history to develop personalized treatment plans

• Carrying out specially curated treatments that are safe and effective

• Maintaining treatment records and managing post-treatment care

• Strictly following safety regulations outlined by the American National Standards Institute on laser technology and more

These technicians may also specialize in additional services such as body contouring or lesion treatments.

Why Choose a Career as a Cosmetic Laser Technician?

A career as a laser technician offers many benefits and opportunities, such as:

• Projected Job Growth: A 7% increase in jobs for skincare specialists is projected between 2024 and 2034, with nearly 6,600 roles becoming available. Due to the growing popularity of non-invasive aesthetic treatments, entry-level technicians can potentially earn an average of $41,560 annually, equating to roughly $19.98 per hour.

• Diverse Service Offerings: Along with conventional services like laser hair removal, you’ll also be able to perform other high-demand treatments, such as tattoo removal and skin rejuvenation, enhancing the services you can offer clients in a single visit.

How Can I Become a Cosmetic Laser Technician?

Contrary to common belief, you don't need a nursing or engineering degree to become a cosmetic laser technician. However, enrolling in a comprehensive cosmetic laser training program is essential. These programs typically combine hands-on training with detailed instruction in the laser technology you'll be using to treat patients. If you’re curious about how to be a laser technician, you’ll need to follow several key steps to become a fully qualified practitioner.

Step 1: Obtain Laser Therapy Certification

The first step in learning how to become a laser technician begins with certification at an accredited provider, forming a critical foundation for the rest of your aesthetics career. Some states may require specific educational qualifications, so it’s imperative that you do some research in advance. 

Contrary to popular belief, nursing or engineering degrees aren’t always necessary for becoming a technician specializing in laser cosmetology. On the flip side, some training programs may still expect applicants to at least be registered nurses, estheticians, or dermatologists.

As a leading provider of continuing medical education (CME) for healthcare professionals since 1998, Empire Medical Training provides aspiring practitioners with specialized training programs. From showing you how to get laser therapy certification and so much more, you’ll receive the tools you need to develop essential skills for your new and promising aesthetics role.

Step 2: Get Laser Technician Training

Once you’ve received your certification, the next step in becoming a laser technician is training, with many programs covering both theoretical and practical elements:

The length of training can vary, with some programs lasting a few weeks, while others may continue for several months. We also recommend investing in internships or job shadowing to develop your skills even more as a technician.

Step 3: Explore Career Paths and Job Opportunities

You can start applying for new jobs once you’ve completed your training and passed the National Council on Laser Certification (NCLC) exam. While many technicians work in medical spas or dermatologists’ offices, you can also leverage other opportunities in salons, fitness centers, or even join a cosmetic surgery practice.

We suggest using these search strategies to find your ideal role:

• Set up job alerts on digital job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter

• Network with other professionals, including aestheticians and clinic administrators

• Reach out directly to cosmetic practices offering laser therapy in your area

• Consider opportunities beyond your immediate location if you're open to relocation

• Attend industry conferences and events regularly to learn about new job openings

Step 4: Enhance Your Skills and Marketability

Consider getting additional certifications in specialized treatments to make yourself more marketable to prospective employers, such as fractional laser resurfacing or laser-assisted lipolysis.

In this same vein, obtaining a Laser Safety Officer (LSO) qualification or taking the Board of Laser Safety’s Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (CMLSO) exam can also open new professional doors for supervisory positions or non-aesthetic laser roles.

Step 5: Advance Your Career Through Certification and Continuing Education

Many technicians continue their education by earning additional certifications and training in areas such as laser biophysics, the Fitzpatrick scale, disorders of the skin, and patient care. 

Specializations in areas like medical aesthetics or skin health may also give you a competitive edge. For example, the Certified Laser Hair Removal Professional (CLHRP) or Certified Pulse Light Hair Removal Professional (CPLHRP) qualifications can help you command higher salaries as a laser hair removal specialist.

How Much Do Cosmetic Laser Technicians Make?

A cosmetic laser technician’s pay often varies based on: 

• Years of experience

• Your location

• The facility you work in 

For instance, entry-level technicians typically earn between $35,000 and $50,000 a year, whereas experienced practitioners situated in metropolitan areas or high-end spas can earn up to $80,000 or more.

On average, the annual salary for cosmetic laser technicians in the U.S. was $64,191 in 2025, which amounts to a weekly income of approximately $1,234 or $5,349 per month. Hourly rates typically range from $12 to $25 per hour, with the possibility of gaining additional commissions of 10%-25% based on your treatment success or sales.

With the cosmetic laser market reaching a whopping $860 million value in 2024 and projected to grow to $4,584 million by 2033, there’s never been a better time to leverage this profitable sector.

Future Trends in Cosmetic Laser Technology

Here are some exciting trends practitioners can look forward to in the realm of aesthetics, particularly with innovative aesthetic laser technology: 

• Evolution of Picosecond Lasers and Nd:YAG Systems: Picosecond lasers and Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) Systems have transformed the way skin conditions like pigmentation and wrinkles are treated. They’re offering patients more precise and effective treatments while stimulating natural collagen production to enhance aesthetics even more.

• Transformation of Fractional CO2 and Er:YAG Lasers: Wondering what a cosmetic laser machine is? Fractional lasers and Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Er:YAG) systems are specialized machines that treat parts of the skin without affecting the surrounding tissue. This cutting-edge technology is set to continue growing in popularity as it delivers more personalized results.

• Increased AI-assisted treatment: AI is becoming an integral part of cosmetic laser treatments, with real-time skin analysis and treatment adjustments, becoming more tailored to various patients’ skin conditions, ultimately leading to even better aesthetic outcomes.

• Development of Sustainable Practices: More laser clinics are using energy-efficient equipment and eco-friendly materials. This trend is expected to gain momentum as consumers demand more environmentally responsible practices.
  
  

By staying informed about these trends and enhancing your skills, you can position yourself as a valuable asset in this growing field. Our complete cosmetic laser training is your go-to resource. We’ve trained more than 175,000 professionals in various medical specialties, ensuring that practitioners remain competitive to make a maximum impact on their clients’ well-being.

How to Get Certified as a Cosmetic Laser Technician with Empire Medical Training

Becoming a certified laser technician is the first step toward forging a rewarding career in the realm of aesthetic medicine, which is growing exponentially in popularity.

Empire Medical Training provides advanced cosmetic workshops and accredited training programs to ensure healthcare professionals receive the highest quality evidence-based education and hands-on training experience. With over 700 of our elite annual workshops available nationwide, you’ll soon be on your way to meeting the demands of new technologies and emerging techniques in the field.

Start your professional journey and enroll with Empire Medical Training today!