Beauty & Personal Care

How to become a Spa Manager

From esthetician or massage therapist: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

1–3 years

Typical pay

$48k–$68k

Starting from

Esthetician or massage therapist

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 esthetician or massage therapist and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   2–3 years

   Work as a therapist or esthetician

   Managers are promoted from the treatment room in most spas.

   Course that covers thisSkin Care Consultation for EstheticiansUdemy · around $199.99 →
2. 2

   6–12 months

   Learn retail and treatment costing

   Product margin and therapist utilisation are what the role is measured on.

   Course that covers thisHotel Management - Foundation Course for Hotel ManagersUdemy · around $19.99 →
3. 3

   6–18 months

   Take on rota and inventory

   Scheduling therapists against demand is the daily craft.

4. 4

   1–3 years

   Move to medspa or resort

   Medspas and resorts pay well above day spas, with more compliance to handle.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Spa Manager

   Browse jobs now →

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