Salon & Spa Manager Job Description

What is a salon or spa manager?

The salon and spa manager plays a very important role in the daily operations of the business. They ensure that the salon or spa is running efficiently, the customers are tended to and satisfied, and the business is operating at a profit. Salon and spa managers also have to make sure that the business is operating according to the laws of the state and that all staff members have the appropriate licenses and abilities to perform their jobs. The managers are often responsible for hiring, maintaining and firing staff if necessary.

What are the typical duties of the salon or spa manager?
Managers in the salon or spa business have the job of scheduling the employees so that staff is always available to provide services. They often oversee staff training and development and make sure that advanced training opportunities are available. The managers will also manage and supervise non-creative staff such as receptionists, schedulers and maintenance staff. They are responsible for the ordering of supplies for the business, as well as ensuring retail operations remain stocked. This can include developing inventory control methods.

Salon and spa managers must create an atmosphere where customers are comfortable and are satisfied, leading to repeat business. The managers ensure that all equipment is operating and that the salon or spa appearance is one that creates an inviting, relaxing environment for customers.

What type of training is required to become a salon or spa manager?
These are managerial positions that a person generally works their way up through the ranks to obtain. Salon or spa managers usually start out as creative technicians before going into management. A salon manager would need to understand exactly how the salon business works, so they generally have completed beauty school and are licensed in their area of expertise. They often have several years of experience as a stylist. The stylist interested in being a salon manager should take business courses at a local college or through online spa and management training courses to gain knowledge about business concepts.

Many spa managers also go the route of becoming licensed. Some, however, start out as salon or spa receptionists, then learn all aspects of the business and graduate to assistant managers and then managers.

What is the average salon or spa manager salary?
According to the National Salary Data, a salon or spa manager can earn anywhere between $21,000 and $54,000 depending on the size of the salon or spa and the region of the country. The managers can work in hair and beauty salons, day spas, hotel and hospitality management, beauty and skin care companies, or tanning salons. Top salons seek skilled managers that can oversee all operations of the business, including having knowledge of bookkeeping and financial concepts.

There are salon and spa management training programs online to prepare those who are interested in an exciting career that has above average growth potential. These educational programs teach the day-to-day salon operation techniques to managing a successful salon or spa.

This page should have answered the following:

What does a salon or spa manager do?

How much do salon and spa managers earn?

As a salon and spa manager, what career and program options are available to me?