Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care Careers

Beauty, fitness and personal care careers are built on skill and relationships. Cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians and nail technicians complete state-approved programs and pass licensing exams, then build a clientele; trainers and coaches earn certifications; and funeral service workers complete a degree and an apprenticeship.

Many of these professionals work for themselves or rent a booth or studio, so income depends on how many clients they keep. Strong customer service, reliability and social media marketing often matter as much as technical skill.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

18 beauty, fitness and personal care careers

Athletic Trainer

Prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries for athletes and active people.

$62,520/yr median
+12.7% growth
Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s

Barber

Cut hair, shape beards and keep clients sharp.

$38,210/yr median
+3.3% growth
9–15 months

Cosmetologist

Cut, color and style hair and help clients look and feel their best.

$35,790/yr median
+7.7% growth
9–18 months

Dietitian

Use food and nutrition to help people prevent and manage disease.

$76,400/yr median
+7.7% growth
Bachelor’s plus graduate program and supervised practice

Embalmer

Prepare the deceased for viewing with skill, care and dignity.

$58,780/yr median
+0.7% growth
2–3 years including apprenticeship

Esthetician

Care for clients’ skin with facials, treatments and expert advice.

$45,330/yr median
+8.8% growth
4–9 months

Exercise Physiologist

Use exercise to improve health and help patients recover from illness.

$59,460/yr median
+12.8% growth
4 years

Funeral Director

Guide families through funerals and care for those who have died.

$55,010/yr median
+3.0% growth
2–4 years including apprenticeship

Makeup Artist

Create looks for film, TV, theater, events and photo shoots.

$97,150/yr median
+6.1% growth
3–12 months

Massage Therapist

Relieve pain and stress with therapeutic massage.

$58,450/yr median
+15.3% growth
6–12 months

Nail Technician

Care for and beautify nails with manicures, pedicures and nail art.

$35,760/yr median
+9.2% growth
2–6 months

Personal Trainer

Coach people to get stronger, fitter and healthier.

$47,160/yr median
+7.3% growth
2–6 months for certification

Recreation Worker

Lead fun activities at parks, camps, community centers and senior centers.

$36,560/yr median
+4.3% growth
1–4 weeks

Recreational Therapist

Use recreation and activities to help patients recover and live fully.

$61,960/yr median
+4.8% growth
4 years plus internship

Salon Manager

Run salons and spas: staff, schedules, sales and client experience.

$48,590/yr median
+6.3% growth
2–5 years of salon experience

Sports Coach

Teach sports skills, build teams and help athletes compete.

$47,320/yr median
+6.1% growth
Varies: certifications to a degree plus experience

Sports Official

Enforce the rules and keep games fair and safe.

$40,710/yr median
+5.2% growth
Weeks to months of training

Tailor

Alter, repair and make clothing that fits perfectly.

$41,640/yr median
-8.8% growth
6 months–2 years

Compare beauty, fitness and personal care careers

#	Career	Median pay	Growth 2025–35	Training time	Typical entry education
1	Makeup Artist	$97,150	+6.1%	3–12 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
2	Dietitian	$76,400	+7.7%	Bachelor’s plus graduate program and supervised practice	Bachelor's degree
3	Athletic Trainer	$62,520	+12.7%	Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s	Master's degree
4	Recreational Therapist	$61,960	+4.8%	4 years plus internship	Bachelor's degree
5	Exercise Physiologist	$59,460	+12.8%	4 years	Bachelor's degree
6	Embalmer	$58,780	+0.7%	2–3 years including apprenticeship	Associate's degree
7	Massage Therapist	$58,450	+15.3%	6–12 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
8	Funeral Director	$55,010	+3.0%	2–4 years including apprenticeship	Associate's degree
9	Salon Manager	$48,590	+6.3%	2–5 years of salon experience	High school diploma or equivalent
10	Sports Coach	$47,320	+6.1%	Varies: certifications to a degree plus experience	Bachelor's degree
11	Personal Trainer	$47,160	+7.3%	2–6 months for certification	High school diploma or equivalent
12	Esthetician	$45,330	+8.8%	4–9 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
13	Tailor	$41,640	-8.8%	6 months–2 years	No formal educational credential
14	Sports Official	$40,710	+5.2%	Weeks to months of training	High school diploma or equivalent
15	Barber	$38,210	+3.3%	9–15 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
16	Recreation Worker	$36,560	+4.3%	1–4 weeks	High school diploma or equivalent
17	Cosmetologist	$35,790	+7.7%	9–18 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
18	Nail Technician	$35,760	+9.2%	2–6 months	Postsecondary nondegree award

Getting hired in beauty, fitness and personal care

Check your state board’s licensing rules before you enroll. Required training hours vary by state, and choosing a program that meets your state’s rules saves time and money.

What affects pay in this field

Commission, booth rental or self-employment versus hourly pay
Tips and product sales
Repeat clients and reputation
State licenses and specialty certifications

Find your fit

Take the Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care career quiz to see which of these roles matches your interests best.

Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care careers FAQ

What is the highest-paying beauty, fitness and personal care career on this list?

Makeup Artist has the highest median pay among our beauty, fitness and personal care profiles at $97,150 per year (BLS, May 2025).

Which beauty, fitness and personal care career is fastest to start?

Recreation Worker typically takes about 1–4 weeks of training.

Which beauty, fitness and personal care career is growing fastest?

Massage Therapist, with projected growth of +15.3% from 2025–35 (much faster than average).

How do I choose the right beauty, fitness and personal care career?

Compare day-to-day duties, training time and pay, then take our Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care career quiz for a personalized match. Reading a day in the life for your top two choices helps a lot.