If you consider yourself a leader and you enjoy working with others, a career as a hair salon manager might be right for you. A beauty salon manager isn't required to have a license. However, familiarity with the beauty industry is a strong plus, as this knowledge will help managers to identify with their employees.
Like other management positions, to get a salon manager job, you'll need to usually work your way up in the industry. Management positions in other fields can also prepare you for a salon manager job's duties, including overseeing a staff and a salon's business functions.
A beauty salon manager controls most aspects of the beauty salon business. Hair salon manager duties may include:
The salary of a hair salon manager will depend on many factors, such as the salon's size and location. The salon manager job may also receive commissions on products sold or a bonus on appointments booked. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a beauty salon manager can expect to make between $30,000 and $50,000 a year on average.
A beauty salon manager doesn't necessarily require a license or a formal education. However, most people who hold a salon manager job has a background in the beauty industry. To become a hair salon manager, try working your way up in the industry, starting out as a salon receptionist, assistant manager or salon assistant. These entry-level beauty careers will provide you with a strong foundation in the industry, and prepare you to manage operations in the future.
A career as a beauty salon manager is a competitive field, as there is generally only one manager for each beauty salon. However, those who hold salon manager jobs may choose to open their own salon or spa in the future, or go to school to become a stylist.
If you're considering a career as a hair salon manager, consider contacting the following professional associations and groups. These organizations of beauty industry insiders may provide you with the tools necessary to obtain and succeed in salon manager jobs: