How much does a skincare specialist make?
a year · about $22 an hour
A typical skincare specialist in the United States makes $45,330 a year, about $22 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? Some U.S. skincare specialists remove unwanted hair with lasers, not just wax, as part of their skincare work.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $29,580 and $82,050How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and helping and teaching
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($79,320), lowest in Tennessee ($36,590).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual’s appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.
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