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Beauticians and related workers give facial and body beauty treatments, apply cosmetics and dress wigs.

Main tasks

  • Applies make-up to hide blemishes or enhance facial features and advises clients on skin care and make-up techniques.
  • Maintains client records, sells and advises on cosmetic products and services, and ensures appropriate health and safety issues are addressed..
  • Advises clients on diet and exercise to assist in weight loss and slimming.
  • Recognises problems and refers clients to medical practitioners if appropriate.
  • Performs specialist treatments for conditions such as acne, applies skin rejuvenation therapies.
  • Cleans, shapes and polishes finger and toe nails, applies nail extensions.
  • Uses waxing, threading, sugaring and other epilation techniques to remove any unwanted body hair.
  • Massages scalp, face and other parts of the body and carries out spray tanning.
  • Discusses clients requirements, analyses and advises client on appropriate skin care, and applies treatments to the face or body.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£25,526.98

Average earnings

£15,375.59

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Sales and Marketing

Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 3%
Level 1 7%
Level 2 24%
Level 3 38%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 13%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 14%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 1%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 1%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.