Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Understanding customer needs and providing helpful, professional service.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Skincare Specialist Skincare specialists must pass a state-approved cosmetology program before getting licensed. Skincare specialists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program and then pass a state exam for licensure.
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 contact their state board. 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. Contact your state licensing agency for details. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 14,200 openings for skincare specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment The projected increase in employment reflects demand for services being offered, such as mini-sessions (quick facials at a lower cost) and mobile facials (making house calls) directly from skincare specialists rather than hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists. Employment growth also should result from the desire among many women and a growing number of men who seek out skincare services to reduce the effects of aging, to look good on social media platforms, and to lead a healthier lifestyle through better grooming. Skincare Specialists Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Skincare specialists 9% Personal appearance workers 8% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Skincare Specialists Do
Skincare specialists, also known as estheticians, provide cleansing and other face and body treatments to enhance a person’s appearance.
Duties
Skincare specialists typically do the following:
- Disinfect equipment and clean work areas before and after procedures
- Evaluate clients’ skin condition and appearance
- Discuss available treatments and determine which products will improve clients’ skin quality
- Remove unwanted hair, using wax, lasers, or other approved treatments
- Clean the skin before applying makeup
- Recommend skincare products, such as cleansers, creams, or lotions
- Teach and advise clients on how to apply makeup and how to care for their skin
- Refer clients to another skincare specialist, such as a dermatologist, for serious skin problems
Skincare specialists give facials, full-body treatments, and head and neck massages to improve the health and appearance of the skin. Some provide other skincare treatments to remove dead or dry skin, such as masks, peels, and scrubs. They also may provide eyelash services, makeup application, and hair removal.
In addition, these specialists create daily skincare routines for clients based on skin analysis and help them understand which products will work best for them.
Those who operate their own salons have managerial duties that include hiring, firing, and supervising workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and arranging for advertising.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Skincare specialists held about 104,200 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of skincare specialists were as follows:
| Personal care services | 52% |
| Self-employed workers | 29 |
| Offices of physicians | 6 |
| Health and personal care retailers | 3 |
| Traveler accommodation | 3 |
Skincare specialists usually work in salons and beauty and health spas. Some work in medical offices. Skincare specialists may have to stand for extended periods of time.
Because skincare specialists must evaluate the condition of the skin, good lighting and clean surroundings are important. Protective clothing and good ventilation also may be necessary, because skincare specialists often use chemicals on the face and body.
Work Schedules
Part-time work is common for skincare specialists. Work schedules may vary and include evenings and weekends.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. 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.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about skincare specialists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.