How Should I Be Getting Compensated as a Spa Employee?

You may be a veteran of the spa world looking for a new job or for that bump up into a management position.  On the other hand, you may be brand new to the spa industry.  What ever group you may fall into, the bottom line is, how should you be getting compensated?

As far as Spa Technicians (Massage Therapists, Skin Care or Body Treatment Therapists) go, there are three options.

1. Hourly Pay Rate

2. Commission Based

3. Combo of Hourly and Commission

They each have their pro's and con's (which I will delve deeper into in my next blog).  Depending on your personal motivation and monthly monetary needs you have to decide which structure fits your lifestyle best.  Since the spa industry is becoming so competitive, you may also want to consider a spa with benefits like insurance, ongoing education, bonuses, sales commission, tips, raises, provided uniforms, vacation and retirement plans.

Now lets look at the average pay rates* and commission percentages based on each position...

Aestheticians - Hourly rate of $10 to $12, plus 20-30% of each service provided and 10-25% of retail sold.  The gross hourly rate calculates to $22 - $40 per hour or $25K - $65K per year for a full time employee.

Massage Therapists - Same as above or NO HOURLY RATE but 30-40% of each service provided and 10-25% of retail sold.  Same yearly income as above for a full time employee.

Front Desk, Reservationist & Housekeeping Positions - Hourly rate or $8 to $12.  This equates to $15K - $23K per year for a full time employee.

Remember, employers usually base their pay scales on experience and longevity.

As far as Manager and Director positions go, salaries* are based on the type of facility you may be working in.  These positions typically include insurance, bonus plans and vacation.  They usually do not include over time (you know you will be working more than 40 hours a week!), commission or tips.

Day Spa - $40K to $50K per year

Hotel/Resort Spa - $40k to $50K per year

Destination Spa - $60K to $90k per year

Multi Facility Position - $7K to $100K per year

I hope this was helpful in giving you a better idea of the "going rates" these days.  This will help you when negotiating your rate for your new position.  Don't forget to check out SpaandSalonJobs.com for the newest jobs in your city today!

*All rates and salaries listed were found at virtualspa.net

Getting A Job In The Spa Industry

It seems there is a spa on ever corner and in every strip mall USA.  According to statistics, there are over 14,600 spas in the US to date.  That is up 6% from last year and almost 30% from 2004.

The breakdown is as follows:

11,700+ day spas

1350+ resort and hotel spas

980+ medical spas

430+ club spas

80+ destination spas

50+ mineral spring spas

Most clients say they go to the spa to relieve stress.  Since stress can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease, which claims over 870,000 lives per year according to the American Heart Association, the spa is a good and healthy option. 

Today consumers can find lifestyle spas that focus on healthful menus, medical spas for weight loss or chemical peels or destinations spas that focus on treatments from a particular culture.  There are even green spas devoted to environmentally sustainable facilities and practices.

This growth is also good for job seekers.  As of summer 2007, there were more than a quarter million people working in the spa industry on both a full-time and part-time basis.  Most spa jobs require training but programs are short in duration and are affordable in price.

So do your homework and see what training you need for your trade of choice and how to get it as quickly as possible.  Consider which spa setting would be the best fit for you personally and log onto SpaandSalonJobs.com and post your resume today!!