Miscellaneous Personal Appearance Workers Earn $36,630 Median Salary: 2025 Pay Guide
The median hourly wage for a miscellaneous personal appearance worker is about $18 — that's $36,630 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bottom 10% earn around $28,690, while the top 10% pull in $62,660 or more. These figures come from the most recent BLS OEWS survey covering 236,070 workers nationwide.
How much Miscellaneous Personal Appearance Workers earn
The BLS reports a mean annual wage of $43,070, or roughly $20.70 per hour. But half of all workers earn less than the median of $36,630, so don't rely on the average alone. Pay varies widely: the lowest-paid 10% bring home $28,690 or less, while the highest-paid 10% earn at least $62,660. That top-end figure is nearly double the median.
These numbers cover employees only, not the self-employed. Many workers in this occupation, such as makeup artists or skincare specialists, are independent contractors, whose earnings may fluctuate.
- Bottom 10%: $28,690
- Median: $36,630
- Top 10%: $62,660
- Mean annual: $43,070
Pay by state
BLS state-level pay data for this specific occupation is not available. However, general patterns suggest that states with higher costs of living and more urban centers (like California and New York) tend to pay above the national median. Conversely, rural states in the South and Midwest may offer wages closer to the 10th percentile. For precise state-by-state figures, consult the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics database.
How to become Miscellaneous Personal Appearance Worker
This is a broad category covering makeup artists, skincare specialists, nail technicians, and others who provide personal appearance services. The typical entry path is a postsecondary nondegree award or certificate from a cosmetology school, community college, or vocational program. Programs generally take 9 to 24 months and combine classroom theory with hands-on practice.
- Earn a certificate or diploma in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, or makeup artistry.
- Meet state licensing requirements: most states require a minimum number of training hours (e.g., 600–1,000 for estheticians) and passing a written and practical exam.
- Complete an apprenticeship or on-the-job training if state allows.
- Stay current with products and techniques through continuing education classes.
Job outlook
The BLS does not project specific growth for this occupation for the 2024–2034 decade. However, overall employment for personal appearance workers (including barbers, cosmetologists, etc.) is projected to grow faster than average, driven by demand for specialized services. This means continuing job openings as the population expands and existing workers retire.
Frequently asked questions
What does a miscellaneous personal appearance worker do?
These workers provide a variety of personal care services, including makeup application, skincare treatments, nail care, and other appearance-enhancing services. They may work in salons, spas, retail stores, or as independent contractors.
Is a license required?
Yes, in most states a license is mandatory. Requirements vary by state but typically include completing an accredited training program, passing a written and practical exam, and paying a fee. Some states require continuing education to renew licenses.
Can I make six figures?
It's possible but rare. The top 10% earn about $62,660, so reaching six figures would likely require being a top-tier independent makeup artist for celebrities or working in a high-end market with strong client base and high pricing.
How many hours per week do most work?
Many work part-time or flexible schedules, especially those self-employed. Full-time workers typically put in 35–40 hours a week, though evenings and weekends are common to accommodate clients.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Miscellaneous Personal Appearance Workers data.