Tanning salons are very popular, and rising in popularity. The days of porcelain skin being the trademark of beauty is being replaced by the ideal of perfectly sun-touched skin. In most areas tanning all year in the sun is not an option, so tanning salons were introduced so that customers can achieve that bronze glow all year round.

It is necessary to be 18 years of age or older to work in this industry. This industry provides flexible hours, so it can be a great place to work for someone who is looking for a second job. This is also a great place to look if you are a college student that needs to find a job around a class schedule. For some positions, not much experience is needed, so that makes it ideal for first time job seekers to gain employment.

Some tanning services are available in a spa, while others have a dedicated shop of their own. Sometimes this industry provides other services like hair and nails as well. This type of facility offers a variety of different employment options for any job seeker, especially if they are looking to gain valuable work experience to gain other employment.

Job Opportunities

Here are some employment opportunities one can find within this industry:

Airbrush Tanning Technician:  You need to know how to use and properly maintain the tools required for this position. They should have excellent knowledge of “pigment mixing”, to get the customer the right shade that they looking for. They need to know how to do a variety of techniques for airbrushing to get the maximum results for their clients. To obtain a career as an airbrush technician, you will first need to become a certified esthetician. Training for airbrush tanning is not included in the regular course load for an esthetician, so they must complete all state required courses to be an esthetician and then complete separate coursework for airbrushing. They will need to pass all certification and exams to get your license in this field. There might be additional certification that you can get in airbrushing, that can be beneficial to receive. There might be a need to renew your license every so often, depending on your state’s requirements. There is no educational level required for this position, other than what was mentioned previously. A technician can earn around $28,000 a year.

Tanning Consultant: They will often sit at a receptionist desk to greet customers. The tanning consultant must sign in their guests. They direct their client to a tanning bed and assists the customer with whatever they need while there. This includes purchasing protective eyewear and suntan lotion. They work sales, trying to sell products and services to their guests. They schedule clients for future appointments. They must keep the back area clean, especially the beds, after every customer leaves the room. The consultant will receive payments from customers. They will open and close the salon. They should know how to balance a cash drawer, and will have to stock their salon’s shelves. This is to keep the facility sanitary and looking clean for the next client. A consultant must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent to gain employment. Any certifications required can often be earned during on the job training. They can earn around $25,000 a year.

Tanning Salon Manager: A tanning salon manager will run the daily operations of the salon. They will ensure that everything runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible, while getting the most profits out of their business. The manager will hire and train new employees, as well as interview any potential employee. They fire and discipline staff as necessary. They create their staff’s work schedules, and will approve any vacation time. The manager needs to keep track of the inventory, and order items as needed. In smaller companies, the manager will take care of accounting necessities for the salon including payroll. They should have marketing experience to be able to set up customer incentives and market their store to get new customers. They must be sure that they follow all regulations for safety within their salon. A manager must have excellent customer service skills and must be a strong leader. The manager must have a high school diploma or equivalent for this position, though most complete certification courses to look more appealing to companies. A manager can make around $30,000-$50,000 a year, based on performance and education level.

Customer Service Representative: The customer service representative will be seen at the receptionist desk, greeting customers upon entrance of the salon. They will answer phone calls, and schedule appointments over the phone. They might often call customers to remind them of upcoming appointments. They help to make the customer’s experience at the salon a positive one, to ensure that the guest is happy and constantly returns. They should have an excellent knowledge of their company’s products and services to properly answer any questions for the client, including pricing information. A customer service rep does not require any education level to gain employment. The representative can earn around $10 per hour.

Job Outlook

The job outlook in this field is estimated to be at around 20%. This growth is higher than the average across the nation in other industries, which is estimated at 11%. This is as a result of the growing popularity of this industry. This can also be as a result of a high turnover rate, as some people will move on from this career into other higher paying career paths.