Career Trends: Skincare Specialists

Skincare specialists cleanse and beautify the face and body to enhance a person’s appearance. 

Skincare specialists usually work in salons and beauty and health spas. Some also work in medical offices. Although most work full time, many work evenings and weekends. This is particularly true for self-employed workers who run their own salons.

Skincare specialists must complete a state-approved cosmetology or esthetician program and then pass a state exam for licensure, which all states except Connecticut require. Newly hired specialists sometimes receive on-the-job training, especially when working with chemicals.

Employment of skincare specialists is projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. The desire among many women and a growing number of men to reduce the effects of aging will result in employment growth. Good job opportunities are expected.

This occupation supported 44,400 jobs in 2012 and 55,000 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 23.9%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 39.6% in 2022 to 62,000 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 47,900, compared with an observed value of 55,000, 14.8% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are much better than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 14.9% in 2024 to 61,600 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 65,500 jobs for 2024, 6.3% higher than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are much worse than the 2012 trend within this occupation.