Career Overview
Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.
Also Known As
- Aesthetician
- Esthetician
- Medical Esthetician
- Skincare Specialist
Alternate Job Titles
- Aesthetic RN Injector (Aesthetic Registered Nurse Injector)
- Aesthetician
- Beautician
- Beauty Therapist
- Brow Waxing Expert
- Clinical Esthetician
- Electrologist
- Electrolysis Needle Operator
- Electrolysis Operator
- Electrolysist
- Esthetician
- Facial Operator
- Facialist
- Image Consultant
- Licensed Aesthetician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Sterilize equipment and clean work areas.
- Cleanse clients' skin with water, creams, or lotions.
- Demonstrate how to clean and care for skin properly and recommend skin-care regimens.
- Determine which products or colors will improve clients' skin quality and appearance.
- Keep records of client needs and preferences and the services provided.
- Treat the facial skin to maintain and improve its appearance, using specialized techniques and products, such as peels and masks.
- Examine clients' skin, using magnifying lamps or visors when necessary, to evaluate skin condition and appearance.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sales and Marketing
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Speaking
- Service Orientation
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Deductive Reasoning
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Comprehension
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Selective Attention
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Social Orientation
- Dependability
- Empathy
- Cooperation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Up to and including 1 month
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Airbrushing tools
- Cryoprobes
- Dermatoscopes
- Dry heat sterilizers
- Facial hair scissors
- Facial steamers
- Galvanic facial machines
- Hair removal tweezers
- High frequency skin care machines
- Hot towel cabinets
- Laptop computers
- Light-emitting diode LED light therapy equipment
- Microdermabrasion machines
- Personal computers
- Skin lancets
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Frequency of Decision Making
- Physical Proximity
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $27,160 |
| Median | $41,560 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $77,330 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 70,240
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $35,250
Shampooers
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $31,470
Massage Therapists
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $57,950
Dermatologists
Education: Doctoral Degree
Median Salary: >$239,200
Surgical Technologists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $62,830
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.