How to become a Skincare Specialist
Official title: Skincare Specialists
Also called: Aesthetician, Clinical Esthetician, Electrologist, Esthetician, Facialist, Medical Esthetician, Skin Therapist, Skincare Specialist, Skincare Therapist, Spa Technician (Spa Tech)
Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.
Main tasks
- 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.
How to become one
Skincare specialists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program and then pass a state exam for licensure.
Typical education to start: Postsecondary nondegree award
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Esthetician.
- Certificate or associate's degree: Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs such as Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General; Facial Treatment Specialist/Facialist; Aesthetician/Esthetician and Skin Care Specialist
- Licence: A licence is required in 44 states.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $45,330 a year The middle half earn $36,040 to $59,700.
- About 104,200 people work in this job now, and about 113,300 are projected by 2035. (+8.8%)
- People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Skincare Specialist?
Skincare specialists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program and then pass a state exam for licensure.
How much does a Skincare Specialist earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $45,330 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $36,040 to $59,700.
Is a Skincare Specialist a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2035, from about 104,200 to about 113,300 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Skincare Specialist?
Usually not. Only 19% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Postsecondary nondegree award; Esthetician.
Will AI change the work of a Skincare Specialist?
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.