Skincare Specialists
SOC code 39-5094 · O*NET-SOC 39-5094.00 · Medium preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Skincare Specialists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$45,330
a year
Hourly
$21.79
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$51,850
$24.93 per hour
Middle 50%
$36,040 – $59,700
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$29,580 – $82,050
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
72,890
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $29,580
- $14.22/hr
- 25th percentile
- $36,040
- $17.33/hr
- Median percentile
- $45,330
- $21.79/hr
- 75th percentile
- $59,700
- $28.70/hr
- 90th percentile
- $82,050
- $39.45/hr
Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34
+7%
Growing faster than average
97,400
jobs in 2024
103,900
projected for 2034
About 6,500 more jobs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.
What does a skincare specialist do?
Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.
The tasks that matter most 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.
- Collaborate with plastic surgeons and dermatologists to provide patients with preoperative and postoperative skin care.
How to become a skincare specialist
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 39% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)39%
- Post-Secondary Certificate30%
- Master's Degree19%
- Some College Courses9%
Common questions
How much does a skincare specialist earn?
The national median is $45,330 a year. The full range runs from $29,580 at the 10th percentile to $82,050 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a skincare specialist without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Is skincare specialist in demand?
Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 7% between 2024 and 2034 — growing faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking3.8/5
- Active Listening3.5/5
- Monitoring3.3/5
- Reading Comprehension3.1/5
- Critical Thinking3.1/5
- Active Learning3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- 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
- Communications and Media3.1/5
- Therapy and Counseling2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Complex Problem Solving.