Skincare Specialists
Skincare specialists provide cleansing and other face and body treatments to enhance a person’s appearance.
Is skincare specialists a good career?
It scores 19/100 and ranks #349 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Tracked in official BLS wage and projection data, so the numbers here are verifiable
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($45,330 vs $61,390)
What skincare specialists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. skincare specialists earn between $36,040 and $59,700 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live skincare specialists jobs
No live skincare specialists openings yet
When the jobs.best ATS feed launches, verified skincare specialists openings will appear here — each shown against the $45,330 national median. Nothing here is placeholder.
No placeholder listings · nothing inventedHow to become a skincare specialist
- Typical education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
To enter the occupation, skincare specialists typically must complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program. Although some high schools may offer vocational training, most people receive their training from a postsecondary vocational school.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
After completing an approved cosmetology or esthetician program, skincare specialists take a written and practical exam to get a state license. Licensing requirements vary by state, so those interested should
Many states offer continuing education seminars and programs designed to keep skincare specialists current on new techniques and products. Post-licensing training is also available through manufacturers, associations, and at trade shows.
State reciprocity agreements may allow licensed skincare specialists to get a license in another state without needing additional formal training or state board testing.
Important qualities
Business skills. Skincare specialists who run their own salon must understand business principles, such as accounting, to manage a salon efficiently and profitably.
Customer-service skills. Skincare specialists should be friendly and courteous to their clients to encourage repeat business.
Initiative. Self-employed skincare specialists generate their own business opportunities and must be proactive in finding new clients.
Physical stamina. Skincare specialists spend most of their day standing.
Tidiness. Workers must keep their work area clean and sanitary for the health and safety of their clients. They also must keep a neat personal appearance to increase the likelihood that clients will return.
Time-management skills. Skincare specialists need to manage their time efficiently for scheduling appointments and providing services.
Related occupations
How much do skincare specialists make?
The national median wage is $45,330 a year, with the middle half earning between $36,040 and $59,700 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is skincare specialists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 19 of 100 and ranks #349 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +6.7% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a skincare specialist?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award.
Where do skincare specialists earn the most?
Among states, Washington pays the highest median ($79,320). Local pay for every state and metro is below.