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Cosmetic Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview As a Cosmetic Reconditioning Associate II at CarMax, you'll play a vital role in delivering best-in-class vehicles to our customers. You will perform cosmetic inspections, final ...

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Cosmetic Associate information

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$27K

$141.2K

$310.5K

How much do cosmetic associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for cosmetic associate in the United States is $141,209.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $212,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cosmetic Associate?

A Cosmetic Associate is a retail professional who assists customers with cosmetic and beauty products, provides product recommendations, and helps with makeup application or skincare advice. They often work in department stores, beauty boutiques, or specialty cosmetic shops. Their role includes maintaining product displays, staying updated on the latest beauty trends, and delivering excellent customer service. Cosmetic Associates may also handle inventory and assist with in-store promotions. Strong interpersonal skills and a passion for beauty products are important qualities for this job.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Cosmetic Associate?

As a Cosmetic Associate, your day-to-day tasks will often include assisting customers with product selection, providing product demonstrations, maintaining and organizing displays, and managing inventory for cosmetic items. You'll also be responsible for staying up to date on new products and trends to offer informed recommendations. Collaborating closely with team members and beauty advisors is common, especially during promotional events or new product launches, to ensure a seamless and engaging customer experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cosmetic Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cosmetic Associate, you need a solid understanding of beauty products, skincare routines, and customer service, often supported by retail experience or relevant training. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and brand-specific product lines is typically required. Effective communication, active listening, and a friendly demeanor help build trust and deliver personalized recommendations to clients. These skills are essential to drive sales, foster customer loyalty, and ensure a positive shopping experience.

What is the difference between Cosmetic Associate vs Esthetician?

AspectCosmetic AssociateEsthetician
CredentialsTypically no formal licensing required, but some may have certifications in skincare productsLicensed professionals with state-specific esthetician licenses
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, cosmetic counters, salonsSpas, skincare clinics, salons
Job RoleAssist customers, promote products, provide basic skincare advicePerform facials, skin treatments, and advanced skincare procedures

While both roles involve skincare, a Cosmetic Associate primarily works in retail settings assisting customers with products and basic advice, often without licensing. An Esthetician is a licensed skincare specialist performing professional treatments. The roles differ mainly in credentials and scope of practice, but both are essential in the beauty and skincare industry.

More about Cosmetic Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Cosmetic Associate jobs? Cities with the most Cosmetic Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cosmetic jobs? The most popular types of Cosmetic jobs are:
What states have the most Cosmetic Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Cosmetic Associate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cosmetic Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cosmetic Associate jobs are:
Infographic showing various Cosmetic Associate job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,209 per year, or $67.9 per hour.
Cosmetic Associate, Cosmetic Inspector

Cosmetic Associate, Cosmetic Inspector

Carvana

Kansas City, MO • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Carvana rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 261 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

200th of 713 rated retailers


Job description

We're looking for Cosmetic Inspectors with a  of professional automotive prepping experience to join us at Carvana - the fastest-growing used automotive retailer in U.S. history and one of the four fastest companies to make the Fortune 500.

As an Entry-level Cosmetic Inspector, you'll be expected to identify cosmetic imperfections and/or repairs pre-reconditioning and post-paint process. May require additional tasks such as prepping, sanding, and masking of vehicles.

At Carvana, you'll receive a competitive wage and amazing perks - including a 401(k) with Carvana match and even a vehicle purchase discount - all while using state of the art tools in one of our high-tech Inspection Centers ( to learn more). If you're joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your skills and pay progress along with the company.

  • 100% company-paid healthcare premiums
  • Generous paid-time off and your birthday is a holiday!
  • ASE and tool reimbursement programs
  • Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment


Join the Carvana team by applying on this page, or call one of our recruiters by phone at (888) 690-7853, Monday through Friday, between 6 AM and 4 PM PT (9AM to 7PM ET).


We have a variety of paint roles available, depending on your experience - look below to see other roles available to help us get our low-mileage, late-model cars ready for our customers:

  • Paint Prepper (min 6 months professional experience): prepare vehicles for cosmetic paintwork, including sanding, masking, taping, bagging, unbagging/tear down, and buffing
  • Entry-Level Painter (min 1 year professional experience): prime vehicles and perform final sanding before the vehicle is painted, along with buffing, touch-up, paint mixing, and airbrush.
  • Mid-Level Painter (min 3 years professional experience):  match/mix paint color and use water-based paint to paint the vehicle inside our paint booths
  • Experienced Painter (min 5 years professional experience): painting (base coats, tri-coats, solid, metallic, and clear coats), blending adjacent panels, and paint correcting vehicles.

We also have a variety of other automotive roles available in one of our 18 locations across the country - take a look at our  to apply for one of the following roles:

  • Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) roles
  • Auto Technician/Mechanic roles: Lube and Oil, Inspection, Brake and Tire, Mechanical Repair / Build, and Master Technician roles
  • Entry-Level roles: Detailing, Inventory Associate (Car Porters), Photo, Parts Associate, Inspection, and Coordinator/Administrator roles
  • Ability to physically operate vehicle equipment and tools - must be able to lift up to 60 pounds independently
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Some positions may be subject to an Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check
  • An ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environment while sometimes being exposed to excessive weather conditions (heat/cold)
  • Use of safety equipment that may include but not limited to face shield or goggles, non-slip shoes, gloves, mask, and other protective garments and equipment


At Carvana, we sell cars but we aren't car salesmen. Our promise is simple: we won't sell a car to a customer that we wouldn't sell to our own Mom. Period.

To make sure our cars are in first-rate condition, we've built multiple vehicle Reconditioning Centers around the country, where our cars are inspected, perfected, and photographed before reaching the Carvana website.

Think you've got what it takes to join our team? Apply today!

Carvana is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Carvana also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver's license. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.


What Carvana employees say

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About Carvana

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Carvana, we sell cars, but we're not salespeople. Since 2013, we've been making it our mission to change the way people buy cars. We saw a huge problem with how much it can suck to buy a car the traditional way, so we committed ourselves to tackling one of the largest, yet-to-be-disrupted markets in the world - the $1T per year U.S. car market (yes, that's $Trillion with a "T").

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tempe, AZ, US

Year founded

2011