Career Explorer Personal care
Human edge, growing
Skincare specialists
Provide skincare treatments to face and body to enhance an individual's appearance. Includes electrologists and laser hair removal specialists.
Among the most resilient careers: more resilient than 97% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is low (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it moderate), and US jobs are projected to change by +8.8% by 2035, faster than average. The work leans on emotional intelligence and physical dexterity.
AI struggles with much of this work, and US employers are expected to hire more people into it than average.
- Median pay (2025)
- $45,330
- Job growth to 2035
- +8.8%
- Openings a year
- 14,200
- People doing it (2025)
- 104,000
- Usual route in
- College certificate
Where people already use AI for this work
- Advise patients or clients on medical issues
- Maintain current knowledge in area of expertise
From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).
Work AI rarely helps with
- Apply hygienic or cosmetic agents to skin or hair
- Evaluate patient or client condition or treatment options
- Clean tools, equipment, facilities, or work areas
What the work looks like
- 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.
From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.
Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook
- Exercise trainers and group fitness instructorsHuman edge, growing, Index 99, +7.3%
- Home health and personal care aidesHuman edge, growing, Index 99, +18.1%
- Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologistsHuman edge, growing, Index 98, +7.7%
- Physical therapist assistantsHuman edge, growing, Index 99, +23.0%
Also known as: Aesthetician, Esthetician, Medical Esthetician, Skincare Specialist, Clinical Esthetician, Electrologist, Facialist, Skin Therapist.
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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.