Whether you’re a skincare enthusiast or someone looking to explore a new field, the skincare industry offers many exciting career opportunities. The beauty industry has grown tremendously recently, and the skincare sector has been no exception.
What’s with the growth? It’s partly due to the increasing awareness about the importance of skincare. However, there’s been a significant rise in skincare products and services. This has, in turn, led to the creation of diverse job roles in the industry.
The possibilities are limitless, from skincare formulation to research and development and beauty consultant positions. If you’re passionate about helping people achieve healthy, glowing skin, the skincare industry might be the perfect fit for you. And there are numerous exciting careers to explore within this thriving industry. Let’s explore a few of those.
Top-Paying Jobs in Skincare
Looking for a skincare career that pays the big bucks? The skincare industry offers a variety of high-paying jobs that are sure to be a perfect fit for your interests and skills.
One of the top-paying jobs in the skincare industry is a dermatologist, who earns an average of about $373,000 a year in the United States. Don’t want to work in a client-facing job? Another lucrative option is a cosmetic chemist, earning an average salary of $80,000 annually.
What if you prefer to work with clients and love that personal interaction? In that case, we suggest becoming a certified aesthetician or esthetician.
Injection specialists, for example, can earn up to $109,000 annually. They usually require less training than becoming a medical dermatologist. And with the increasing interest in injectables, demand for these services doesn’t seem to be cooling off soon.
Top Skincare Careers
Not interested in the money (or at least, not enough to base your decision to enter the skincare industry solely on salary)? If your passion lies in offering high-quality skincare services to customers in need, consider these top skincare industry careers.
Dermatologist
Dermatologists specialize the treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. They diagnose and treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer. To become a dermatologist, you need to complete medical school, a residency program, and pass an exam.
Cosmetologist
Cosmetologists are beauty professionals who provide services like hair styling, makeup application, and skin treatments. They often work in salons or spas. They use various techniques and products to help their clients look their best. To become a cosmetologist, you must complete a cosmetology program that usually takes 9 to 12 months and is available at vocational schools.
Aesthetician
An aesthetician is a skincare professional who specializes in treatments like facials, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. To become an aesthetician, you must complete a state-approved training program, including coursework and hands-on experience.
Most states require at least 600 hours of training, though some programs may offer as many as 1,500 hours of instruction. After completing your training, you’ll need to pass a licensing exam before you can begin practicing as an aesthetician. The training will be more in-depth if you become a medical aesthetician.
Esthetician
An esthetician is a skincare specialist similar to a cosmetologist. They provide services like facials, waxing, and makeup application. They obtain a license through an esthetics program, typically taking 6 to 12 months to complete.
Estheticians are trained to perform facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and other skin treatments. They also educate clients on caring for their skin at home.
Beauty Consultant
A beauty consultant is an expert who advises individuals on improving their appearance and maintaining a healthy skincare routine. This is the easiest skincare industry career to enter. To become a beauty consultant, you’ll typically need a high school diploma or GED and some training in cosmetology or esthetics.
How to Enter the Skincare Industry
Have you read through these skincare jobs? Are you interested in a career in the skincare industry but don’t know where to start? Here are some steps you can take to enter this exciting industry.
Research Career Options
We helped you start this above. However, it’s worth doing your research. Research the various career paths in the skincare industry. You can work as a skincare specialist, esthetician, dermatologist, or even in product development. Do your research and find out which one suits your interests and skills.
Take Necessary Courses
Once you decide on a career path, it is time to enroll in courses that will help you build the necessary skills. You can start by taking basic skincare, anatomy, and physiology courses. You can also look for courses in makeup application, hair removal, and advanced skincare techniques.
Many schools offer programs that include courses in all of these areas. To give you a good idea of these courses, check out Dermysk Medical Aesthetics Academy. Their course provides a good overview of what to expect from a medical aesthetician training program.
Get Certified
Certification is essential in the skincare industry. It demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills required for the job. You can take certification exams through organizations like the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology. In addition, some states require a specific number of training hours before you can take the exam.
Build Your Portfolio
While taking courses and getting certified, start building a portfolio of your work. Take photos of your skincare treatments, makeup looks, or product formulas. This will showcase your skills and creativity to potential employers or clients.
Gain Experience
Finally, network within the industry. Gain experience wherever possible. Attend events, talk to professionals, and take on any opportunities to work with clients or in a spa or salon. The more experience you have, the more you’ll be able to market yourself as a professional and knowledgeable skincare professional.
Learn More About Healthcare
The skincare industry isn’t the only healthcare industry with lucrative jobs. If you’re interested in helping people live their best lives, it might be worth exploring other professions. To help you learn more about these jobs and subject matters, browse our healthcare section. If exciting jobs are what you’re after, you’ll surely find them all across the healthcare industry!