Skincare Specialists

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.

Skincare specialists held about 97,400 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of skincare specialists were as follows:

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.

Skincare specialists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program and then pass a state exam for licensure.

The median hourly wage for skincare specialists was $19.98 in May 2024.

Employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 14,500 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.