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Skincare Specialists

SOC 39-5094.00Job Zone 3 · Medium Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers licensed estheticians and skincare specialists working in spas, salons, and personal-care service establishments, from supervised entry-level practice through senior clinical and organizational leadership roles.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Sterilization procedures and sanitation protocols — apply under direct supervision to keep tools, equipment, and treatment areas compliant with health and safety standards in a licensed spa or salon.
  2. Basic cleansing techniques and product types — follow step-by-step protocols to cleanse clients' skin using water, creams, and lotions during supervised introductory facials.
  3. Magnifying lamps and skin-assessment tools — use under guidance to perform initial visual examination of clients' skin condition before treatment.
  4. Standard facial masks and pre-selected products — apply according to written instructions while supervised, supporting routine maintenance treatments at an entry-level esthetician station.
  5. Client intake forms and service records — complete accurately under direction, capturing client needs, preferences, and services provided in the salon's scheduling or database system.
  6. Simple blackhead extractions — practice the foundational manual technique on prepared skin under close mentor observation, following established safety protocols.
  7. Skin-care product ingredients and basic categories — recognize and match common formulations to general skin types when assisting a senior esthetician during a consultation.
  8. Active listening and open-ended questioning — demonstrate during supervised client interactions to gather accurate information about skin concerns and lifestyle factors.
  9. Appointment scheduling and office suite software — enter and retrieve client data with guidance to support daily operational flow at a personal-care service establishment.
  10. Time management basics — organize assigned treatment tasks within scheduled appointment windows under supervisor direction to maintain service flow in a busy spa environment.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Skin-condition assessment findings — analyze independently using magnifying lamps or visors to evaluate texture, tone, and underlying concerns across a routine client caseload.
  2. Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing sequences — execute with minimal oversight, adapting product selection to each client's skin type in a full-service esthetic treatment room.
  3. Chemical peels and exfoliating mask protocols — apply established treatment parameters to address common concerns such as hyperpigmentation and congestion for returning clients.
  4. Personalized home-care regimens — recommend verbally and through written take-home guides, translating professional product knowledge into practical daily routines for clients.
  5. Blackhead extraction procedures — perform safely and efficiently on familiar presentations, using appropriate technique and aftercare to minimize irritation and client discomfort.
  6. Client service records and preference histories — maintain and update in database or office software between appointments to support continuity of care and targeted upsell opportunities.
  7. Product and color selection — match specialized formulations and corrective cosmetic options to individual clients' assessed skin quality and appearance goals with growing confidence.
  8. Social perceptiveness and empathy — apply during client interactions to detect comfort levels and emotional cues, adjusting communication style to improve service satisfaction.
  9. Sales and marketing fundamentals — use product knowledge and consultative conversation to present retail recommendations in ways that align with client needs and support revenue targets.
  10. Coordination with reception and support staff — communicate scheduling adjustments and treatment notes clearly using office suite tools to ensure smooth daily operations at a spa or salon.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Comprehensive skin analysis protocols — conduct autonomously across diverse skin types, conditions, and tones, integrating magnification tools and clinical observation to develop nuanced treatment plans.
  2. Advanced facial treatments including multi-step peels and specialized masks — select, sequence, and execute independently to address complex or non-routine client concerns such as rosacea or mature skin.
  3. Individualized skin-care education sessions — lead one-on-one consultations that translate complex ingredient science and treatment rationale into clear, actionable advice tailored to each client's lifestyle.
  4. Extraction techniques for varied comedonal presentations — perform safely and skillfully across a broad range of skin conditions, minimizing risk and documenting outcomes in client records.
  5. Critical thinking and problem-solving in challenging cases — evaluate contraindications, product sensitivities, and treatment responses to modify protocols and achieve optimal results without oversight.
  6. Client record systems and data management — oversee accurate, compliant documentation for a full personal caseload using database and word processing software, ensuring data integrity and privacy.
  7. Product formulation knowledge and efficacy evaluation — assess emerging active ingredients and treatment modalities through independent research and active learning to continuously update service offerings.
  8. Full-spectrum sterilization and infection-control compliance — implement and audit sanitation standards across all treatment areas and equipment, ensuring regulatory adherence at every service touchpoint.
  9. Retail product recommendations and client education materials — develop personalized written guides and in-session demonstrations that meaningfully improve client adherence to home-care regimens.
  10. Appointment and service-flow optimization — manage a high-volume daily schedule independently, balancing treatment time, product prep, and client communication to maximize quality and throughput.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Esthetic service standards and treatment menus — design and implement across an entire spa or salon, aligning protocols with current clinical research and the establishment's brand and business goals.
  2. Staff training and mentorship programs — develop and deliver structured onboarding curricula and continuing education for estheticians at all experience levels, raising team-wide technical proficiency.
  3. Client consultation frameworks and assessment tools — create standardized intake, skin-analysis, and treatment-planning systems used organization-wide to ensure consistent, high-quality client outcomes.
  4. Complex client cases and escalated concerns — lead clinical decision-making for challenging presentations, guiding junior staff through contraindication management and outcome documentation.
  5. Regulatory compliance and sanitation governance — establish organization-wide infection-control policies, conduct periodic audits, and liaise with licensing boards to maintain full regulatory standing.
  6. Retail sales strategy and product procurement — evaluate supplier relationships, negotiate product lines, and design evidence-based retail merchandising plans that drive revenue at a multi-station or multi-location operation.
  7. Performance metrics and client retention data — analyze trends using spreadsheet and database software to identify service gaps, inform strategic decisions, and report outcomes to ownership or leadership.
  8. Continuing education and industry engagement — lead participation in professional associations, trade events, and advanced certification programs, positioning the organization as a center of esthetic excellence.
  9. Marketing and client communication strategy — direct digital and in-spa promotional initiatives using presentation and media tools to grow clientele, articulate brand differentiation, and support business development.
  10. Organizational culture and service orientation — model and champion client-centered values, empathy, and professional conduct across the team, shaping a workplace environment defined by trust, quality, and growth.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Show O*NET source anchors48 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Aesthetic RN Injector (Aesthetic Registered Nurse Injector) · Aesthetician · Beautician · Beauty Therapist · Brow Waxing Expert · Clinical Esthetician · Electrologist · Electrolysis Needle Operator · Electrolysis Operator · Electrolysist · Esthetician · Facial Operator
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
SpeakingService OrientationActive ListeningMonitoringReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingSocial PerceptivenessComplex Problem SolvingTime ManagementActive LearningCoordination
Knowledge domains
Customer and Personal ServiceSales and MarketingAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingEnglish LanguageAdministrativeCommunications and Media
Abilities
Oral ComprehensionNear VisionOral ExpressionSpeech RecognitionSpeech ClarityDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityArm-Hand SteadinessWritten ComprehensionFinger Dexterity
Work styles
Social OrientationAttention to DetailDependabilityEmpathyCooperationOptimism
Technology
Spreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwarePresentation softwareWord processing softwareData base user interface and query softwareInternet browser software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Sterilize equipment and clean work areas.
  2. Cleanse clients' skin with water, creams, or lotions.
  3. Demonstrate how to clean and care for skin properly and recommend skin-care regimens.
  4. Determine which products or colors will improve clients' skin quality and appearance.
  5. Keep records of client needs and preferences and the services provided.
  6. Treat the facial skin to maintain and improve its appearance, using specialized techniques and products, such as peels and masks.
  7. Examine clients' skin, using magnifying lamps or visors when necessary, to evaluate skin condition and appearance.
  8. Perform simple extractions to remove blackheads.
CIP education codes
12.040112.040812.040912.0414

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.