Since ancient times, spa treatments have always been valued for their therapeutic and aesthetic benefits, and it is the spa manager who makes sure that facility services are correctly coordinated. The operations of spa facilities often straddle both the hospitality and health and wellness industries depending upon the services offered. For example, traditional spa services that generally fall under the hospitality sector include manicures, pedicures, hair styling, make up artistry and facials. Spa facilities that provide massage therapy, fitness instruction or nutritional infusions and counseling also participate in the health and wellness industry. The job descriptions of spa managers are just as varied as the available spa services on the market. Here are just a few factors that affect the salaries of spa managers.
Type of Spa Facility
The type and size of spa facilities are just two elements that impact the salary of a spa manager. Since spa managers must supervise staff and identify additional training that they may need, those managers working in larger facilities may earn higher salaries than those who work for smaller operations. Spa managers who work for boutique spa facilities that offer specialized services or that are associated with large vacation resorts are also more likely to earn higher salaries because these facilities usually offer their services at higher price points than traditional neighborhood spas.
Job Duties
Conventional spa managers oversee the operations of spa facilities, order supplies and maintain spa finances and budgets. Some spa managers worked their way up to the position by providing a variety of excellent services to their clients over the years. When these managers work for spa facilities that require them to perform client services, they often earn more money than those who simply manage spa operations. This is particularly true for spa managers who have special training in services that are in high demand.
Education and Credentials
Another way that spa managers can increase their earning potential is to seek out educational opportunities. These opportunities could include training seminars on trending beauty techniques, the latest innovative products on the market or using social media to market services. Spa managers with undergraduate and graduate degrees in business or hospitality management often gain access to the most lucrative positions. Spa managers who gain industry credentials in addition to their academic accomplishments are able to earn higher salaries when their job duties include performing client services that require licenses. These credentialed professionals are often qualified to provide on the job training to staff as well.
Experience
Experience is probably one of the most important elements that determines the salaries of spa managers. The duties of these managers could include housekeeping, financial management and operations. Spa managers are also the front line for fielding and rectifying customer complaints. Novice spa managers are usually not considered for top paying, upscale spa management positions; these facilities often trust the management of their brand reputations to spa managers with many years of experience.
Conclusion
The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies spa management jobs with those relating to the lodging management profession, and those individuals reportedly made an annual median salary of $46,810 in 2012. Besides the above listed factors, a job’s geographic location plays a key role in determining the salary of a skilled spa manager.