Cosmeticians
Overview
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 65,270 skin care specialists employed in the ...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Skin care specialists, which also include cosmeticians, earned median salaries of $43,200 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The lowest 10 percent earned $27,600, and the top 10 percent earned $81,230 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 clien...
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 10 percent from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), or much faster than the average for all occupations. According to the DOL, the "projected increase in employment reflects demand for services being offered, such as mini-sessions (quick facials at a lower cost) and mobile facials (making house calls) directl...