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Beauty & Personal Care

How to become a Salon Manager

From cosmetologist: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there
1–3 years
Typical pay
$45k–$65k
Starting from
Cosmetologist

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from cosmetologist and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

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The route

  1. Work behind the chair

    Managers without a licence and a book struggle to hold a team of stylists.

    Course that covers thisMilady Cosmetology Exam Questions Practice TestUdemy · around $19.99
  2. Learn the business side

    Retail targets, booking software, and the maths of booth rental versus commission.

  3. Take on scheduling and hiring

    Recruiting stylists is the hardest part of the job and the most valuable skill.

  4. Manage, or open your own

    Many managers use the role as the step to ownership. Keep your own clients either way.

  5. Destination

    Salon Manager

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