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How to Become An Aromatherapist

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What is a Aromatherapist

An aromatherapist blends and applies essential oils to help clients relax, recover, and feel their best. It’s a hands-on, people-focused career in the natural health and wellness industry. Every client is different, so no two days look the same.

The role involves consulting with clients, selecting and blending oils, and delivering treatments like massage and inhalation therapy. Aromatherapists also teach clients how to use oils safely at home. This educational part of the job is one of the most rewarding aspects of the career.

Aromatherapists work in day spas, wellness centres, private practices, and health retreats. Some also work in aged care or with cancer support services. The variety of settings means you can shape a career that suits your lifestyle and interests.

Interest in natural therapies is growing across Australia. If you enjoy working with people and have a passion for holistic health, this could be a great fit. With the right training and professional membership, you can build a real career helping others feel well.

Start your study journey in Aromatherapy

Career Outlook for Aromatherapist

Aromatherapy is a growing field in Australia. Most therapists work part-time or run their own small practices. Many pair aromatherapy with massage or other natural therapies. Hours often range from 20 to 30 a week, though this varies by setting and client demand.

No formal licence is needed to practise aromatherapy in Australia. IAAMA or ANTA membership signals quality to clients and supports health fund rebates. More people are turning to natural health care, which is driving steady demand for trained therapists. This points to continued growth in the years ahead (based on recent Australian market data, 2025).

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Aromatherapist

Step 1: Explore the profession and build foundational knowledge

Start by researching aromatherapy and the natural therapy sector in Australia. Read the profession guides published by IAAMA (International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association) and ANTA (Australian Natural Therapists Association). Many RTOs offer short introductory workshops so you can experience the practice before committing to a full course.

Step 2: Complete the Diploma of Clinical Aromatherapy (HLT52315)

Enrol in the Diploma of Clinical Aromatherapy (HLT52315) at a registered training organisation (RTO). This diploma takes 15 to 19 months full-time or part-time. It covers essential oil chemistry, anatomy and physiology, client assessment, blending, and small business management. Fees range from around $12,670 to $13,000. RTOs offering this course are currently based in Queensland and Victoria, with online options available. Confirm the current national code and provider list at training.gov.au.

Step 3: Complete your supervised clinical hours

The HLT52315 qualification requires at least 120 hours of supervised clinical aromatherapy practice. Most RTOs incorporate these hours through student clinics or workplace placement. These hours build your hands-on skills and confidence with real clients before you graduate.

Step 4: Join a professional association

Apply for membership with IAAMA or ANTA after graduating. Membership shows clients you meet nationally recognised professional standards. Both associations require you to hold a current qualification and follow a code of ethics. Membership also gives you access to professional indemnity insurance, continuing education, and industry events.

Step 5: Obtain professional indemnity insurance

Get professional indemnity insurance before seeing clients. This covers you if a client makes a claim about your treatments. Your professional association can direct you to approved insurers. Many private health funds only rebate clients of practitioners who hold both a recognised qualification and current insurance.

Step 6: Build your practice and keep learning

Set up your practice in a spa, wellness centre, natural therapy clinic, or home studio. Grow your client base through networking and community events. Attend advanced workshops and follow new research in essential oil science. This keeps your skills sharp and your services current.

What does an Aromatherapist do?

A typical day as an aromatherapist is lively and varied. It starts with preparing your treatment space and reviewing your client bookings. During sessions, you consult with clients to understand their needs. You blend oils to suit, then deliver treatments like massage or inhalation therapy. You also advise clients on how to use their oils at home. Between sessions, you keep up treatment notes, manage bookings, and dip into the latest research on essential oils. Every day involves both hands-on care and genuine connection with the people you help.

Tasks

Aromatherapists help clients reach their wellness goals using the power of essential oils. Every client session is different, making this a creative and rewarding career. The work blends science, skill, and genuine care for the people you treat.

  • Client Consultations – Talking one-on-one with clients to find out their health needs and what they hope to achieve.
  • Oil Blending – Creating custom essential oil blends that match each client’s needs and are safe for their health profile.
  • Treatment Sessions – Delivering massages, inhalation therapies, and topical treatments using carefully chosen oils.
  • Home Care Advice – Showing clients how to use essential oils safely between visits.
  • Research and Learning – Keeping up with new essential oil research and industry developments.
  • Workspace Setup – Keeping your treatment space clean, welcoming, and stocked with the right oils and tools.
  • Client Records – Writing up treatment notes and tracking client progress after every session.
  • Workshops and Events – Running group sessions or community events to share the benefits of aromatherapy.

Skills for Success

To work as an aromatherapist, you need a genuine interest in natural health. A good memory for essential oils and their uses is also important. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology helps you understand how different oils affect the body. You’ll also need to listen well, ask the right questions, and make clients feel at ease.

Attention to detail is key when blending oils and writing up client notes. If you plan to run your own practice, some basic business skills go a long way. The good news is that most of these skills develop naturally through your diploma studies and clinical hours.

Skills & Attributes

  • Knowledge of essential oils and their therapeutic properties
  • Understanding of human anatomy and physiology
  • Essential oil blending and safe application techniques
  • Strong communication and listening skills
  • Empathy and client care
  • Attention to detail
  • Health assessment and treatment planning
  • Knowledge of safety, hygiene, and contraindications
  • Time management and record keeping
  • Business and marketing skills (for private practice)
  • Commitment to continuing professional development

Average Salaries

The median full-time salary for an aromatherapist in Australia is around $62,400 a year. This works out to about $1,200 a week (based on recent Australian industry data). Pay varies depending on whether you work in a spa, wellness centre, or private practice. Self-employed practitioners often earn more as their client base grows.

min $45 K

max $85 K

av $62 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.