Facial Treatment Specialist

    Beauty & Cosmetology

    CIP Name: Facial Treatment Specialist|CIP Code: 12.0408
    SOC Code: 39-5094

    Massage and treat the face, neck, and scalp with chemical and cosmetic preparations, and to function as licensed facial specialists in specialized and full service salons.

    $42K
    Median Salary
    +6.7%
    Job Growth
    2mo-9mo
    Training
    14.5K
    Jobs/Year

    What Facial Treatment Specialists Do

    Massage and treat the face, neck, and scalp with chemical and cosmetic preparations, and to function as licensed facial specialists in specialized and full service salons.

    Common Tasks

    • 1Sterilize equipment and clean work areas.
    • 2Cleanse clients' skin with water, creams, or lotions.
    • 3Demonstrate how to clean and care for skin properly and recommend skin-care regimens.
    • 4Determine which products or colors will improve clients' skin quality and appearance.
    • 5Keep records of client needs and preferences and the services provided.

    What You'll Learn

    facial surface anatomyskin propertiesskin decontamination and infection controlfacial massagefacial makeupfacial wrappingselection and application of creamslotionsoilsother chemicals and cosmeticsEuropean and other facial techniquesclient evaluation and careapplicable laws and regulationsbusiness practices

    Types of Facial Treatment Specialists

    AestheticianClinical EstheticianElectrologistEstheticianFacialistMedical EstheticianSkin TherapistSkincare SpecialistSkincare TherapistSpa Technician (Spa Tech)

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Day spas
    • • Full-service salons
    • • Medical spas
    • • Dermatology or cosmetic surgery clinics
    • • Resorts and hotels

    Schedule

    Most work set shifts, often including evenings or weekends to match client availability.

    Physical Demands

    Work involves long periods of standing or sitting while performing detailed hand work on clients. Frequent repetitive motions and high hand use are common, with moderate bending and twisting.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $41,560
    $27,164$77,334+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $27,164
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $34,132
    Median
    50th percentile
    $41,560
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $55,868
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $77,334+

    National Employment: 97,400 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Demand may rise as more people seek skincare services for wellness, anti-aging, and appearance-focused treatments. Growth in medical spas and expanded cosmetic service offerings can also increase hiring.

    Skills You'll Need

    Sanitation and infection controlFacial massage and treatment techniquesProduct knowledge and safe chemical useClient consultation and skin assessmentAttention to detailManual dexterity and steady handsCustomer service and communicationSales skills for recommending products and services

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • People-focused work with visible results
    • Variety of services and specialty paths (e.g., medical spa, hair removal)
    • Opportunities for tips and retail commissions
    • Can build a loyal client base
    • Skills can transfer across salons and spas

    Cons

    • Income can be variable, especially early on
    • Evening/weekend hours are common
    • Repetitive hand work can cause strain
    • Must follow strict sanitation and safety rules
    • Client-facing work can be emotionally demanding
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Facial Treatment Specialist Trade

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