Job description

Beauticians are trained professionals who use their knowledge and skills to provide a range of different beauty treatments and therapies. These treatments can include massages, facial treatments, hair removal, nail services, spray tans, eyebrow shaping and semi-permanent tattoos, as well as non-surgical therapies and makeup.

Duties

    • Diagnose and advise clients on the best therapies to suit their skin type
    • Answer telephone calls, schedule appointments and manage the booking system
    • Carry out treatments with the utmost discretion
    • Handle payments and create receipts for clients
    • Upsell products based on the client’s needs and interests
    • Incorporate new machinery into treatments
    • Provide advice on skincare and makeup techniques
    • Clean and sterilise any tools before and after treatments

Skills and qualities

Communication
Attention to detail
Approachableness
Patience
Compassion
Creativity
Manual dexterity
Precision
Diplomacy
Teamwork
Customer service
Time management
Listening

Job outlook

Projected growth
The projected growth rate of employment in the US from 2016 to 2026, based on data collected through the BLS Employment Projections (EP) programme. The national average growth rate for all professions is 7%.

13%

New jobs
The number of jobs projected to become available in the US between 2016 and 2026, based on data collected through the BLS Employment Projections (EP) programme.

80.1k

Automation risk
The probability of computerisation, based on data published in ‘The Future of Employment’, a 2013 working paper by Carl Benedikt Frey and Michael Osborne.

0.11%

Career progression

Many beauticians progress to set up their own beauty parlours or work on a freelance basis. Others choose to move into education and teach aspiring beauticians how to perform certain treatments.

You could also specialise in one particular area of beauty and enhance your knowledge by offering unique packages. For example, if you enjoy working on eyebrows, you could learn how to microblade and offer semi-permanent options. Additional training is required for specialisation, which will only involve one- or two-day training seminars.

Working conditions

Average hours

40h/ week

Typical schedule

Fixed

On a rota

Most beauticians work in salons or hotel spas. Others are self-employed and work from their own premises.

As a beautician, you’ll be expected to work long hours to accommodate your clients’ schedules and be available to work on Saturdays. You may also choose to provide mobile services in your free time, travelling to and from clients’ houses.

The work can be tiresome, as you’ll spend a lot of time working your muscles and standing on your feet.

Salary

Bottom 10%

$18k

Median

$25k

Top 10%

$50k

Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.

Qualifications and training

Education level

High school

Beautician traning

Study time

3–8 months

To become a beautician, you must complete a beauty and cosmetology qualification at an accredited college, which can take up to a year to complete. While there are now online courses, it’s best to get training from an experienced teacher who will also supervise you during your first attempts at carrying out a treatment.

If you decide that you want to open your own salon in the future, it will be beneficial to incorporate a business course with your studies. You can choose to do this online or at your registered college.

Last Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Perfect career wave

Search for jobs

Find beautician vacancies near you