Skincare Specialists

Written By Keandra Wilson

 1. OVERVIEW

Skincare specialists, also known as estheticians, cleanse and treat the skin to enhance appearance and promote skin health. They provide services such as facials, peels, hair removal, and product recommendations in spas, salons, medical offices, and wellness centers.

  • 2024 Median Pay: $41,560/year ($19.98/hour)

  • Job Growth (2023–2033): +10% (Much faster than average)

  • Typical Education: Postsecondary nondegree award (State-approved esthetics/cosmetology program)

2. ROLE BREAKDOWN BY LEVEL

ENTRY LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Esthetician, Skincare Technician, Junior Facialist, Waxing Specialist

  • Education: Completion of a state-approved esthetics/cosmetology program

  • Experience: Not required, but internships/apprenticeships helpful

  • Certifications (Required): State Esthetician License

  • Core Duties:

    • Provide facials and basic skin treatments

    • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of tools/work area

    • Recommend skincare routines and retail products

    • Perform hair removal services (e.g., waxing)

  • Salary Range: $28,000–$45,000

MID LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Licensed Medical Esthetician, Spa Therapist, Lead Esthetician, Eyelash Technician

  • Education: Postsecondary certificate; advanced workshops or master esthetics training preferred

  • Experience: 2–5 years in skincare settings

  • Certifications (Recommended):

    • Laser Technician Certification (varies by state)

    • Advanced Peels or Dermaplaning Certification

  • Core Duties:

    • Perform specialized treatments (e.g., microdermabrasion, LED therapy)

    • Customize client skincare regimens

    • Train and mentor junior estheticians

    • Support business goals via product sales and client retention

  • Salary Range: $45,000–$65,000

SENIOR LEVEL

  • Job Titles: Spa Manager, Master Esthetician, Skincare Educator, Medical Spa Director

  • Education: Postsecondary training + Business/management courses or instructor training

  • Experience: 5+ years, with supervisory or medical esthetics experience

  • Certifications (Recommended):

    • CIDESCO (International Esthetics Diploma)

    • Esthetics Instructor License

    • Business or Spa Management Certification

  • Core Duties:

    • Manage spa operations or skincare teams

    • Design treatment protocols and oversee equipment use

    • Handle inventory, hiring, and financial tasks

    • Educate new estheticians or lead training seminars

  • Salary Range: $65,000–$100,000+

3. HOW TO BECOME ONE

  • Minimum Education: State-approved esthetics or cosmetology program (typically 300–1,000 hours)

  • Licensure: Required in all states; includes written and practical exam

  • Training: On-the-job training, mentorship, continuing education

  • Soft Skills:

    • Customer service

    • Time management

    • Cleanliness & attention to detail

    • Business acumen (especially for freelance/self-employed estheticians)

4. SKILLS & TOOLS

Core Skills

  • Skin analysis and treatment

  • Sanitation and safety protocols

  • Product knowledge

  • Facial massage and exfoliation techniques

  • Client consultation and follow-up

Tools

  • Facial steamers, extraction tools, LED devices

  • Waxing supplies (hard/soft wax, strips)

  • Peels, masks, and specialty creams

  • High-frequency and microcurrent machines

  • Appointment and POS software (e.g., Vagaro, Mindbody)

5. WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Locations: Day spas, medical spas, salons, dermatologist offices, resorts, wellness centers

  • Schedules: Often part-time; evenings/weekends common

  • Environment: Standing required; exposure to chemicals; clean, well-lit, ventilated space

6. JOB OUTLOOK

  • Growth Drivers:

    • Rising interest in anti-aging and self-care

    • Growth of men’s skincare market

    • Demand for non-invasive treatments

  • Annual Openings: ~12,800 (2023–2033)

  • Opportunities:

    • Freelance and mobile skincare

    • Medical esthetics

    • Product development and education roles

7. RELATED OCCUPATIONS

  • Role: Hairdressers & Cosmetologists | Salary: $35,420 | Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award

  • Role: Massage Therapists | Salary: $57,950 | Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award

  • Role: Manicurists & Pedicurists | Salary: $34,660 | Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award

  • Role: Makeup Artists (Theatrical) | Salary: $124,380 | Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award

  • Role: Medical Assistants | Salary: $43,470 | Education Level: Postsecondary certificate

8. RESOURCES FOR LEARNING & ADVANCEMENT

Certifications & Courses

  • Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)

  • National Esthetician Certification (NIC)

  • CIDESCO USA Certification

  • Dermalogica Expert Certification Program

  • Coursera: Skin and Chemical Peels (UCI)

  • Udemy: Esthetics Business Building Courses

Books

  • "Milady Standard Esthetics: Fundamentals" by Milady

  • "The Esthetician’s Guide to Outstanding Esthetics" by Shelley Hancock

  • "Skin Care: Beyond the Basics" by Mark Lees

Videos & Channels

  • The Salon Guy (YouTube)

  • Beauty Biz BFFs Podcast

  • ASCP Esty Talk Podcast

  • Skin Science by Dr. Vanita Rattan (YouTube)

Communities

  • r/Esthetics (Reddit)

  • ASCP SkinPro Community

  • International Spa Association (ISPA)

  • LinkedIn Groups: Skincare Professionals, Estheticians

9. REGIONAL DATA & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS

  • BLS Profile: Skincare Specialists

  • CareerOneStop: State wage/employment tools

  • OEWS Maps: Wages and employment by state

  • Projections Central: State job growth outlook

Keandra Wilson
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