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Skincare Specialists

SOC: 39-5094 • Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & O*NET

What They Do

Skincare Specialists typically perform the following 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. • Select and apply cosmetic products, such as creams, lotions, and tonics. • Stay abreast of latest industry trends, products, research, and treatments. • Apply chemical peels to reduce fine lines and age spots. • Refer clients to medical personnel for treatment of serious skin problems. • Provide facial and body massages. • Remove body and facial hair by applying wax. • Tint eyelashes and eyebrows. • Collaborate with plastic surgeons and dermatologists to provide patients with preoperative and postoperative skin care. • Advise clients about colors and types of makeup and instruct them in makeup application techniques. • Sell makeup to clients.

Career Video

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Key facts

Median: $41,560
Employment: 97,400
Growth (2024–2034): +7.0%
Education: Postsecondary

Career Intelligence Metrics

Automation Risk Assessment

Medium Risk
32.0% probability of being automated in the next 10-20 years. This job has some routine elements but still requires human judgment and interaction.

Work-Life Balance Score

8.7/10
Excellent work-life balance based on typical work schedules, stress levels, and time demands.

Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)

5.6
Realistic
4.6
Investigative
6.6
Artistic
8.8
Social
5.6
Enterprising
5.4
Conventional
Powered by O*NET Career Profiling

Personality Match: The higher the score (out of 10), the better this career matches that personality type. People with similar interests and work styles tend to be most satisfied in careers that match their personality profile.

O*NET Official Logo Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor

Top Skills

Business skills Customer-service skills Initiative Physical stamina Tidiness Time-management skills

Strengths

  • High Demand
  • Flexible Work
  • Continuous Learning

Challenges

  • Burnout Risk
  • Rapid Technological Change

Median Salary Comparison

Employment projection (2024–2034)

Geographic Employment & Wage Analysis

BLS OEWS Data Updated 2024-05
View Interactive BLS Maps

States with Highest Employment

  • California 13,820
  • Florida 6,320
  • Texas 5,510
  • New York 3,670
  • Pennsylvania 3,320
  • North Carolina 2,170
  • New Jersey 2,030
  • Washington 2,000
  • Michigan 1,920
  • Colorado 1,770
BLS OEWS data (2024-05)

Regional Wage Variations

  • California -12%
    $36,390
  • Florida -8%
    $38,060
  • Texas 3%
    $42,940
  • New York +10%
    $45,770
  • Pennsylvania +6%
    $43,920
  • North Carolina +11%
    $46,120
  • New Jersey +11%
    $46,130
  • Washington +56%
    $64,880
  • Michigan +12%
    $46,620
  • Colorado +21%
    $50,270
BLS OEWS state wage data
Top Metropolitan Areas
New York-Newark-Jersey City
Employment: High Growth: +3.2%
Los Angeles-Long Beach
Employment: High Growth: +2.8%
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Employment: Medium Growth: +1.5%
Dallas-Fort Worth
Employment: Medium Growth: +4.1%
San Francisco-Oakland
Employment: High Growth: +2.3%
Based on BLS metropolitan area data
Industries with Highest Concentrations
Offices of physicians
85%
Traveler accommodation
70%
Health and personal care retailers
55%
Regional Job Market Outlook
Strong
West Coast
Stable
Northeast
Growing
South