How much does a skincare specialist make?
Answer: A typical skincare specialist in the United States makes $45,330 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 73,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Skincare specialist pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $29,580 | $45,330 | $82,050 | about 73,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $79,320 | about 2,000 |
| Nebraska | $58,420 | about 550 |
| Colorado | $54,500 | about 2,000 |
| Oregon | $52,110 | about 1,000 |
| Arizona | $50,470 | about 2,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, extra skills, the kind of workplace, and location. Many specialists work part time or evenings and weekends, so their hours can affect total earnings.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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.
What's a typical day like?
They greet a client, examine the skin, and choose a facial or other treatment together. Then they apply products, explain a home-care routine, and disinfect their tools before the next appointment.
How to get this job
In the U.S., complete a state-approved esthetician or cosmetology program, usually at a vocational school. Then pass your state’s licensing exam, which may include written and hands-on parts; rules differ by state.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and helping and teaching.
Did you know?
Some U.S. skincare specialists remove unwanted hair with lasers, not just wax, as part of their skincare work.
Similar jobs
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Personal Care and Service jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/skincare-specialists.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/39-5094.00
- www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/cosmetolo
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY