Job Outlook for:
Skincare Specialists
SOC: 39-5094 OOH: U231
| Skincare Specialists Quick Stats |
|
| Total Jobs in 2016 | 61,300 |
| Expected Growth | 13% (Faster than average) |
| New Jobs To Be Added from 2016 to 2026 |
7,700 |
| Median Pay | $25,000 to $34,999 |
- Job Outlook for Skincare Specialists
- Pay for Skincare Specialists
- What do Skincare Specialists do all day
- The work environment
- How to become one
Employment Outlook for Skincare Specialists
Employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
The projected increase in employment reflects demand for new services being offered, such as minisessions (quick facials at a lower cost) and mobile facials (making house calls). In addition, the desire among many women and a growing number of men to reduce the effects of aging and to lead a healthier lifestyle through better grooming, including skin treatments for relaxation and well-being, should result in employment growth.
Job Prospects
Job opportunities should be good because of the growing number of beauty salons and spas. Those with related work experience should have the best job opportunities.
Typical Pay for Skincare Specialists
The median hourly wage for skincare specialists was $14.55 in May 2016. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $8.96, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $28.74.
In May 2016, the median hourly wages for skincare specialists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Offices of physicians | $17.96 |
| Personal care services | 14.22 |
| Health and personal care stores | 12.44 |
| Traveler accommodation | 12.04 |
Skincare specialists typically work full time, and many work evenings and weekends. Working more than 40 hours a week is common.
What Skincare Specialists Do All Day
Skincare specialists cleanse and beautify the face and body to enhance a person’s appearance.
Duties
Skincare specialists typically do the following:
- Evaluate clients’ skin condition and appearance
- Discuss available treatments and determine which products will improve clients’ skin quality
- Remove unwanted hair, using wax, lasers, or other approved treatments
- Clean the skin before applying makeup
- Recommend skin care products, such as cleansers, lotions, or creams
- Teach and advise clients on how to apply makeup, and how to take care of their skin
- Refer clients to another skincare specialist, such as a dermatologist, for serious skin problems
- Disinfect equipment and clean work areas
Skincare specialists give facials, full-body treatments, and head and neck massages to improve the health and appearance of the skin. Some may provide other skin care treatments, such as peels, masks, and scrubs, to remove dead or dry skin.
In addition, skincare specialists create daily skincare routines for clients based on skin analysis and help them understand which skincare products will work best for them. A growing number of specialists actively sell skincare products, such as cleansers, lotions, and creams.
Those who operate their own salons have managerial duties that include hiring, firing, and supervising workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and arranging for advertising.
Work Environment for Skincare Specialists
Skincare specialists held about 61,300 jobs in 2016. The largest employers of skincare specialists were as follows:
| Personal care services | 47% |
| Self-employed workers | 28 |
| Offices of physicians | 8 |
| Health and personal care stores | 6 |
| Traveler accommodation | 3 |
Skincare specialists usually work in salons and beauty and health spas. Some work in medical offices. Skincare specialists may have to stand for extended periods of time.
Because skincare specialists must evaluate the condition of the skin, good lighting and clean surroundings are important. Protective clothing and good ventilation also may be necessary, because skincare specialists often use chemicals on the face and body.
Work Schedules
Skincare specialists typically work full time, with many working evenings and weekends. Working more than 40 hours a week is common.
How To Become a Skincare Specialist
Skincare specialists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program and then pass a state exam for licensure, which all states except Connecticut require.
Education
Skincare specialists typically complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program. Although some high schools offer vocational training, most people receive their training from a postsecondary vocational school. The Associated Skin Care Professionals organization offers a State Regulation Guide, which includes the number of prerequisite hours required to complete a cosmetology program.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
After completing an approved cosmetology or esthetician program, skincare specialists take a written and practical exam to get a state license. Licensing requirements vary by state, so those interested should contact their state board.
The National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology provides contact information on state examinations for licensing, with sample exam questions. The Professional Beauty Association and the American Association of Cosmetology Schools also provide information on state examinations, and offer other professional links.
Many states offer continuing education seminars and programs designed to keep skincare specialists current on new techniques and products. Post-licensing training is also available through manufacturers, associations, and at trade shows.
Important Qualities
Business skills. Skincare specialists who run their own salon must understand general business principles. For example, they should be skilled at administrative tasks, such as accounting and personnel management, and be able to manage a salon efficiently and profitably.
Customer-service skills. Skincare specialists should be friendly and courteous to their clients. Repeat business is important, particularly for self-employed workers.
Initiative. Self-employed skincare specialists generate their own business opportunities and must be proactive in finding new clients.
Physical stamina. Skincare specialists must be able to spend most of their day standing and massaging clients’ faces and bodies.
Tidiness. Workers must keep a neat personal appearance and keep their work area clean and sanitary. This requirement is necessary for the health and safety of their clients and increases the likelihood that clients will return.
Time-management skills. Time-management skills are important in scheduling appointments and providing services.
"Skincare Specialists" SOC: 39-5094 OOH Code: U231