Skincare Specialists

O*NET 39-5094.00 · SOC 39-5094

Skincare Specialist is a strong career choice. Median pay is $45k a year with +8.8% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 14,200 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+8.8%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$45k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
14k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Perform facials including cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing.
  • →Analyze clients' skin to recommend appropriate treatments.
  • →Remove unwanted hair using waxing or threading techniques.
  • →Apply masks, serums, and peels to improve skin condition.
  • →Advise clients on daily skincare routines and products.

Education & How to Get In

📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

Most Skincare Specialist positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Skincare Specialist? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
Browse courses →
Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
Browse courses →
Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
Browse courses →
LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
Browse courses →

Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.

Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Skincare Specialist involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningPerform facials including cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing.
MiddayAnalyze clients' skin to recommend appropriate treatments.
AfternoonRemove unwanted hair using waxing or threading techniques.

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)5.5
Social (Helpers)4.2
Conventional (Organizers)3.4
Enterprising (Persuaders)3.1
Artistic (Creators)3.0
Investigative (Thinkers)2.0

Who Thrives as Skincare Specialist?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ESTPThe DynamoESFPThe PerformerESFJThe ProviderESTJThe Executive

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Skincare Specialist Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

Similar Careers

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists+7.7%Baristas+5.8%Cooks, Private Household+5.1%Food Servers, Nonrestaurant+4.5%Barbers+3.3%Cooks, Restaurant+12.1%Manicurists and Pedicurists+9.2%Shampooers+5.6%

Explore More Careers

Best Healthcare Careers →Best Trades & Skilled Labor Careers →Browse all careers →

Job Outlook

Employment of Skincare Specialists is projected to grow 8.8% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

20/100Low risk, AI-resistant
  • ·33% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
  • ·31% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
  • ·Industry sector with low automation exposure

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Skincare Specialist make?

The median Skincare Specialist earns $45k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Skincare Specialist jobs?

Our model puts Skincare Specialist at 20 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 33% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 31% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.

Is Skincare Specialist a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 8.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 14,200 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Skincare Specialist?

Most Skincare Specialist roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.

How long does it take to become a Skincare Specialist?

Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Skincare Specialist career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

Take the assessment →

Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes