Personal Care & Service
Skincare Specialists
Also called: Aesthetician, Clinical Esthetician, Electrologist, Esthetician
US median pay
$45,330
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+8.8%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
14,200
104,200 employed
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.
What they do day to day
- Sterilize equipment and clean work areas.
- Cleanse clients' skin with water, creams, or lotions.
- Demonstrate how to clean and care for skin properly and recommend skin-care regimens.
- Determine which products or colors will improve clients' skin quality and appearance.
- Keep records of client needs and preferences and the services provided.
- Treat the facial skin to maintain and improve its appearance, using specialized techniques and products, such as peels and masks.
- Examine clients' skin, using magnifying lamps or visors when necessary, to evaluate skin condition and appearance.
- Perform simple extractions to remove blackheads.
- Select and apply cosmetic products, such as creams, lotions, and tonics.
- Stay abreast of latest industry trends, products, research, and treatments.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Service Orientation3.6/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9/5
- Instructing2.9/5
- Persuasion2.8/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
- Sales and Marketing3.7/5
- Administration and Management3.6/5
- Education and Training3.6/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Administrative3.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Postsecondary nondegree award.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma39%
- Post-secondary certificate30%
- Master's degree19%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.