Careers in the Beauty Industry: Roles, Salaries, and How to Start
Making people beautiful is one of the most frequent desires, which often turns into excellent career opportunities. Employment in this sphere gives satisfaction with the result, flexibility, and strong growth opportunities. People tend to choose jobs in this sphere since they get a range of unmatched benefits. What a pleasure it is to help people feel more confident and happy with their looks, express creativity using different approaches, work in diverse environments, and do that on a freelance or official basis. Are salaries rewarding in the beauty industry, too? And how to start a career in the different roles available there? This guide explains how to start working in the beauty industry, have a good salary, and continue to grow professionally.
Popular Roles in the Beauty Industry
Many people choose the beauty industry since they can experience different career paths there. You may become a universal professional and make people more attractive, but a vast majority of individuals prefer one or two roles from the following list.
Cosmetologists and Hairstylists
Cosmetologists and hairstylists are two basic roles with special training and excellent career opportunities. Cosmetologists offer facial and skincare treatments, hair removal services, and special procedures to make clients look younger and fresher. Hairstylists’ responsibilities are to cut, trim, and style hair, color, highlight, and improve the hair quality.
To work as a cosmetologist or hairstylist, you need to complete a respective training program and pass a state licensing exam. The last one is regulated by each state’s board, like the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology in California, for example.
Both these professionals usually work in beauty salons, spa, and resort centers, but many of them are also self-employed.
Makeup Artists
Makeup artists improve the appearance of their clients when they apply different cosmetic products and use multiple techniques. These professionals should not only be able to apply makeup but also understand the event requirements a client plans to visit, maintain a hygienic and safe working environment, have a good knowledge of decorative and skin care products, etc.
The major destinations where makeup artists work are salons, and they can offer different types of services, including wedding, movie, TV, theatre makeup, and more. Some beauty specialists prefer the comfort of their home studios and welcome clients there.
Estheticians and Skincare Specialists
The main task of estheticians and skincare specialists is to improve and maintain skin health by providing both therapeutic and cosmetic treatments. They provide many different services:
- Basic skin treatments: deep cleansing, masks, exfoliation, moisturizing, and skin analysis.
- Advanced treatments: chemical peels, microdermabrasion, LED light therapy, ati-aging treatments, etc.
- Hair removal through waxing, threading, sugaring, or laser.
- Specialized services: acne treatment, correction of the hyperpigmentation, sensitive skincare, etc.
All professionals in this sphere should complete an accredited esthetic program and pass a state licensing exam to work in the USA. The main place of work for these specialists is beauty and spa salons, but you can also claim their services in dermatology clinics, luxury hotels and resorts, home-based studios, and other private practice destinations.
Estheticians and skincare specialists have strong career growth opportunities. They can get senior roles, become spa managers and medical professionals, skincare trainers, influencers, and studio owners.
Nail Technicians
A nail technician specializes in taking care of and decorating fingers and toenails. This professional provides different services, including:
- Manicure and pedicure
- Nail shaping, polishing, and buffing
- Cuticle removal
- Hand and foot massage
- Nail extension, repairs, and refills
- Custom nail art with different designs
Nail technicians must possess special licenses to work in the USA. They should complete a state-approved program and pass a written and practical exam. If a person gets a basic education, they usually get an entry-level position in a salon or spa. However, personalities who pursue additional training can grow to salon managers, product representatives, or create a personal nail product line.
Eyebrow specialist
A beauty professional who shapes, defines, and enhances eyebrows to improve a person’s facial features is called an eyebrow specialist. This professional may provide different brow-focused treatments. There is a separate eyebrow threading specialist or a universal professional who also offers coloring, lamination, or microblading services.
Salaries and Earning Potential
The earning potential of a beauty specialist depends on the chosen role, scope of work, and the number of clients. Makeup artists earn between $50,000 and $68,000 annually, with around $30 per hour. Cosmetologists’ salaries range between $30,000 and $60,000 a year, while estheticians, nail technicians, and skincare specialists earn around $20 per hour and $40,000 – $42,000 annually.
How to Start a Career in Beauty
If you want to work in the beauty sphere, you should take a number of steps:
- Choose a career path.
- Complete professional training for the role.
- Pass an exam and get a license.
- Practice and build good skills.
- Create an inspiring portfolio.
- Gain enough experience and extra education.
- Build your personal brand.
Growth Opportunities and Career Paths
The beauty industry can provide different income streams and growth opportunities. Most professionals start as direct service providers, but there are strong career ladders from brands and other employers. Beauty professionals can also pursue retail beauty careers like product managers, corporate training, product development, and corporate roles in beauty companies, including marketing, supply chain, etc.
Professionals in this sphere can start their own studios, product brands, and educational training. They can become influencers on social media and look for international high-end growth to work on fashion weeks, cruise ships, and luxury hotels.
Final Thoughts: Why a Beauty Career Could Be Right for You
It goes without saying that a career in the beauty industry isn’t suitable for everyone. It would be the right option for individuals attracted to creativity, innovation, and artistic charm. It is important to have a range of qualities, such as confidence, a desire to help people, and good communication skills. This industry is constantly growing, so the chances of building a long-term and well-paid career are very high there!
Careers in the Beauty Industry: Roles, Salaries, and How to Start
