Interested in starting your career as a Laser Technician in Georgia and not sure where to start? Take a moment and read our summary of what education is required, the certifications needed, job opportunities and salary expectations.

Based on the US Labor Bureau, the state of Georgia estimates job market growth for skincare specialist of over 15% through the year 2024. Compared to the national average of 13%, Georgia is a great place to start a Laser Technician career.

The requirements for any person wanting to perform laser treatments in Georgia are set by the Georgia Composite Medical Board. These rules can be found on their homepage here as well as this memorandum distributed by the Medical Board.

Education Required

The state of Georgia and specifically the medical board allow the use of “non-ablative” lasers by non-physicians who hold a certification in laser treatments. Non-physicians for the use of cosmetic laser treatments include physician assistants, registered nurses, licensed practice nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, esthetician a and master cosmetologists.

Georgia assigns two categories to persons looking to perform laser treatments: Assistant Laser Practitioner and Senior Laser Practitioner.

Assistant Laser Practitioner – To becomes an assistant laser practitioner in Georgia one must hold a current or inactive license as a PA, LPN, RN, APRN, esthetician or master cosmetologist. Depending on the route you take, the education requirement will change.

The simplest method with the least outside education required is to become an esthetician. Georgia requires a minimum of 1000 hours of training and 2000 hours as an apprentice before you can apply for licensure with the state. The apprenticeship cannot be completed shorter than 18 months from the start date. A master cosmetologist certification requires 1500 hours of training and 3000 hours as an apprentice. The PA, LPN, RN and APRN will require a bachelors degree with additional specific training.

In addition, prospective practitioners will be required to complete 3 laser training courses held within the state and completed by a medical doctor.

Assistant Laser Practitioners may only perform laser treatments under the supervision of a physician or Senior Laser Practitioner.

Senior Laser Practitioner – To become a senior laser practitioner in Georgia one must hold a current license as a PA, LPN, RN, APRN in the state and have a minimum of 3 years of clinical experience.

In addition, prospective practitioners will be required to complete 2 laser training courses held within the state and completed by a medical doctor.

Senior Laser Practitioners may perform laser treatments without the supervision of a physician.

Georgia Laser Technician Certification(s)

The Georgia Composite Medical Board requires specific certification in order to provide cosmetic laser treatments in the state. To practice as an assistant laser practitioner, one must have the education specified above and provide verification of 3 completed laser training courses.

To practice as a senior laser practitioner, one must have the education specified above, 3 years of clinical experience, and provide verification of 2 completed laser training courses.

Job Opportunities

The job market in Georgia skincare specialist has been growing year over year, with a wealth of opportunities for employment. You can see a detailed list of job postings on our Laser Technician Jobs page. Just filter to Georgia to find job opportunities in your area.

Salary Expectations

Skincare Specialists in the state of Georgia can expect an average income of $27,380 per year, or $13.16/hour to $99,520, or $47.85/hour. The large difference in income is driven by the different education and licensure requirements for the state. The lower amount represents those persons who pursue an esthetician/cosmetology certification and the higher amount represents physician assistants and registered nurses. This salary expectation for estheticians is 9% less than the national average of $30,270. Experience may also increase your salary over time.