Compare courses from top Australian unis, TAFEs and other training organisations.

How to Become A Beauty Salon Manager

Beauty Salon Manager icon for career pathway listing

Sorry, we don't have any courses leading to a career as a Beauty Salon Manager for you at the moment. Please try searching again.

What is a Beauty Salon Manager

A Beauty Salon Manager runs a beauty salon day to day. They lead the team, look after the money, and make sure every client leaves happy. This job mixes a love of beauty with real business skills. If you enjoy working with people and solving problems, this career is for you.

Managers are in charge of the whole team. They hire new staff, run training, and create rosters. They give feedback and run performance reviews to keep standards high. Dealing with client questions and concerns is also part of the role.

On the business side, managers order stock, set prices, and plan promotions. They keep financial records and manage the salon’s budget. Health and safety is a daily duty too. Good managers know every part of how a salon runs.

Beauty Salon Managers work in hair and beauty salons, day spas, and wellness centres. Around 5,700 people hold this role across Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, ABS Census 2021). Some managers go on to open their own salon. With the right skills and drive, there is plenty of room to grow.

Compare courses and programs in Beauty Therapy

Career Outlook for Beauty Salon Manager

Around 5,700 people work as Beauty Salon Managers in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, ABS Census 2021). Most are women, who make up 82% of the workforce. The median age is 38 years. About 57% work full-time, averaging 44 hours per week. Median weekly earnings are $1,472, equal to around $76,500 a year (YourCareer, 2025).

The job market for Beauty Salon Managers is stable. Demand is driven by ongoing consumer spending on hair and beauty services. New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland have the most roles. These three states account for over 75% of all jobs. Part-time work is common, giving good flexibility for those who need it.

Entry qualifications are clear and reachable. About 42% of workers hold a Certificate III or IV. Another 24% hold an Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ABS Census 2021). This shows a well-defined path for new entrants. With the right training and drive, this role offers solid job stability and real room for growth.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Beauty Salon Manager

Step 1: Work in a beauty or hairdressing salon

Start in a salon role such as beauty therapist, hairdresser, or receptionist. Hands-on experience teaches you how a salon runs from the inside. Most managers enter the role with at least two to three years of direct client work. This foundation is valued by employers across the industry.

Step 2: Complete the Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy (SHB40121)

Enrol in the Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy (SHB40121) at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). This takes about two years full-time. It covers beauty treatments, client care, and safe work practices. It gives you the technical base to lead a beauty team with confidence.

If your background is in hair, enter via a hairdressing apprenticeship instead. This leads to a Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30516) and takes about three years.

Step 3: Complete the Diploma of Salon Management (SHB50216)

Complete the Diploma of Salon Management (SHB50216) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes about one year full-time or up to two years part-time. It covers business planning, staff management, budgeting, and marketing. It is the most direct path to a management role in any personal services salon.

Step 4: Build leadership and business skills

Add a business qualification to your skill set. The Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (BSB40520) takes six to twelve months part-time. It is available online from most RTOs across Australia. It covers team leadership, managing staff performance, and business planning. These skills are directly useful for running a salon team.

Step 5: Apply for a Beauty Salon Manager role

Once you have your qualifications and experience, apply for manager roles. Highlight your business and leadership skills on your resume. Joining ABIC or the Australian Beauty Association is a great way to network. Both bodies offer resources and events to help you grow in the industry. Many managers start in a senior therapist or assistant manager role first.

What does a Beauty Salon Manager do?

A Beauty Salon Manager keeps the salon running well every day. They manage the team, plan rosters, and deal with client questions. They order stock, set prices, and run promotions to bring in new clients. Keeping the budget and records up to date is also part of the role. Health and safety is a daily task. A great manager brings out the best in the team and creates a salon that clients love to return to.

Tasks

A Beauty Salon Manager drives the salon’s success through leadership and smart business decisions. Every day brings a mix of team management, client service, and business tasks. From managing stock to reviewing the budget, no two days are the same. It is a hands-on role for people who love a busy, people-focused setting.

  • Set product mix, stock levels, and service standards. Ensures the salon offers what clients want and need.
  • Plan purchasing and marketing, and set prices. Builds strategies to grow the client base and manage costs.
  • Promote and advertise the salon’s services. Raises the salon’s profile through digital and local marketing.
  • Sell goods and services to clients. Advises clients on products and helps them get the most from their visit.
  • Keep records of stock levels and financial transactions. Tracks inventory and financial health to keep the business on track.
  • Manage the salon’s budget. Plans income and spending to keep the salon profitable.
  • Hire, train, and supervise staff. Builds a motivated team and keeps service standards high.
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety rules. Keeps the salon safe for clients and staff at all times.

Skills for Success

Running a beauty salon takes a wide range of skills. You need to be a confident leader who can motivate a team and keep clients coming back. Good communication helps you deal with staff, clients, and suppliers every day. Being organised keeps the salon running on time and on budget.

Business skills matter just as much. You need to plan budgets, manage stock, and come up with smart marketing ideas. Knowing health and safety rules keeps everyone safe. A love of beauty trends and products helps you stay ahead in this fast-moving industry.

Skills & Attributes

  • Leadership and team management
  • Clear communication with clients and staff
  • Financial management and budgeting
  • Stock and inventory control
  • Marketing and promotion planning
  • Customer service and complaint handling
  • Staff hiring, training, and performance review
  • Health and safety compliance
  • Roster management and scheduling
  • Problem-solving and quick decision-making
  • Knowledge of beauty products and industry trends
  • Sales skills and product advice
  • Record-keeping and financial reporting
  • Time management and organisation

Average Salaries

Beauty Salon Managers in Australia earn around $76,500 a year on average. This is based on median weekly pay of $1,472 (source: YourCareer, 2025). New managers typically start from about $55,000. Experienced managers in busy city salons can earn up to $95,000 (source: SEEK Salary Insights, June 2026).

min $55 K

max $95 K

av $77 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.