Cosmeticians


Overview

Cosmeticians

Introduction

Cosmeticians specialize in skin care, providing an array of services from applying facial masks, peels, and herbal wraps, to massages, skin analysis, exfoliation, deep cleansing, product recommendations, and makeup application. In addition, cosmeticians provide hair removal services. Most cosmeticians work in beauty salons, day spas, and hotel resorts. Some work with dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons to prepare patients before surgery and during their recovery. There are approximately 71,800 skin care specialists employed in the ...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$31,290

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Employment Prospects

Excellent

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Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma|Some Postsecondary Training


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Experience

On-the-job training


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Skills

Drawing/Design|Interpersonal


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Personality Traits

Artistic|Helpful|Social

Earnings

Skin care specialists, which also include cosmeticians, earned median salaries of $31,290 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The lowest 10 percent earned $19,330, and the top 10 percent earned $59,790 or more. 

Salaries for cosmeticians vary widely based on where they work, the method of payment (commission and tips only or commission, salary, and tips), and the clie...

Work Environment

Despite the fact that the field seems elite and glamorous, being a cosmetician is hard work. Through most of the day cosmeticians must work on their feet. Some days are relaxing while others are quite hectic. Cosmeticians and salon owners can easily work more than 40 hours per week. Weekend and lunch-hour time slots are often especially busy. On the positive side, it is a very social position. ...

Outlook

Employment of skin care specialists is projected to grow by 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), or much faster than the average for all occupations. According to the DOL, "the increase in employment reflects demand for new services being offered, such as mini sessions (quick facials at a lower cost) and mobile facials (making house calls). In addition,...