2019 US Spa Industry Study 2019 Compensation Supplement | Page 3

Key Points Summary
Average annual compensation
• For the 2019 study, respondents were asked to state the average annual
compensation (including gratuities) received by full-time service providers as well as
directors and managers.
• Compensation levels for spa directors remain higher in resort/hotel spas compared
to day spas. In the resort/hotel sector, the estimated average compensation was
$87,900 compared to $64,600 in the day spa sector.
• Amongst spas employing managers on a full-time basis, the average compensation
level in resort/hotel spas was $58,100. In day spas, the average was estimated at
$48,400.
• Amongst spas employing estheticians on a full-time basis, the average salary was
estimated at $44,100, ranging from $41,700 in day spas to $55,700 in resort/hotel
spas.
• Amongst spas employing massage therapists on a full-time basis, the annual
compensation level was $42,900 across all spas. The average was higher in
resort/hotel spas ($56,700) compared to day spas ($41,200).
• Amongst spas employing nail technicians on a full-time basis, the estimated average
annual compensation level was $35,400. Among resort/hotel spas, the estimated
average was $43,500 compared to $33,100 in the day spa sector.
• It is, however, important to note that compensation levels vary considerably
around the average levels quoted above, both by category of employee and by spa
type. Those variations are discussed in further detail in this report
Compensation structures
• For each type of service provider (estheticians, massage therapists and nail
technicians), straight hourly pay plus commission on services was the most
frequently quoted compensation structure (63% average for estheticians, 62% for
massage therapists and 60% for nail technicians).
• Straight commission on services was mentioned by 28% of respondents in respect
of massage therapists and a similar proportion (29%) for estheticians. At 40% of
respondents, the proportion was higher for nail technicians.
• Straight hourly pay was quoted by 13% of spas in respect of both estheticians and
massage therapists and 16% for nail technicians.
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