Skincare Specialists
Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.
Also called: Aesthetic RN Injector (Aesthetic Registered Nurse Injector), Aesthetician, Beautician, Beauty Therapist, Brow Waxing Expert, Clinical Esthetician
Median pay
$45,330
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$29,580 – $82,050
People employed
72,890
Holland code
RSC
Realistic · Social · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
The hard parts
- Exposure to disease or infection
Skincare Specialists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (48 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What skincare specialists do
- 01Sterilize equipment and clean work areas.
- 02Cleanse clients' skin with water, creams, or lotions.
- 03Demonstrate how to clean and care for skin properly and recommend skin-care regimens.
- 04Determine which products or colors will improve clients' skin quality and appearance.
- 05Keep records of client needs and preferences and the services provided.
- 06Treat the facial skin to maintain and improve its appearance, using specialized techniques and products, such as peels and masks.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Social Orientation
- Empathy
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: up to and including 1 month.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from skincare specialists
- Massage Therapists74% · +29%
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors73% · +4%
- Dental Assistants73% · +6%
- Animal Trainers70% · −12%
- Opticians, Dispensing70% · +4%
Change into skincare specialists
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Opticians, Dispensing74% · $47,260
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors73% · $47,160
- Animal Trainers69% · $39,990
- Dental Assistants69% · $48,070
- Massage Therapists67% · $58,450
Majors that lead here
- Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General
- Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist
- Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist
- Master Aesthetician/Esthetician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.