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How to Become A Salon Manager Or Owner

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What is a Salon Manager or Owner

A Salon Manager or Owner runs a hair or beauty salon from top to bottom. They lead the team, look after finances, and make sure every client leaves happy. It is a role that mixes creative passion with real business know-how.

Every day looks different. You might train a new stylist in the morning. By lunch you could be checking the budget. In the afternoon you might jump in to help a client. Salon managers set prices, order stock, plan promotions, and keep the salon looking great. They also make sure the business follows health and safety rules.

Most people start as hairdressers or beauty therapists before moving into management. Some go on to own their own salon, which means full creative and financial control. It is a natural next step for anyone who loves the industry and wants to lead.

About 5,700 Salon Managers work across Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). This is a stable career with room to grow. If you enjoy people, business, and beauty, this path could be a great fit.

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Career Outlook for Salon Manager or Owner

Hair and Beauty Salon Managers have a stable career outlook in Australia. About 5,700 people work in this role right now, spread across all states (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). NSW, Victoria and Queensland each account for roughly a quarter of the total. Demand is rated stable by yourcareer.gov.au (2024), which means the number of roles is holding steady.

The typical salon manager is 38 years old, and 82% of the workforce is female. About 57% work full-time and average 44 hours per week. Median weekly earnings are $1,472, or about $76,500 per year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2024). SEEK data from June 2026 shows advertised roles at $75,000 to $80,000. Pay grows with experience, and salon owners can earn more as their business grows.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Salon Manager or Owner

Step 1: Complete a Certificate III in Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy

Start with the Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416) or the Certificate III in Beauty Services (SHB30115). Study at a TAFE or registered training organisation (RTO). Hairdressing takes 2 to 3 years via an apprenticeship. Beauty therapy takes 12 to 18 months full-time. Both build the hands-on skills you need before moving into a management role.

Step 2: Build at Least Two Years of Salon Experience

Work as a hairdresser, beauty therapist, or senior stylist in a busy salon. Focus on client service, team communication, and how the business runs day to day. Most employers expect at least two years of salon experience before offering a management role. Use this time to learn from the managers around you.

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

Enrol in the Diploma of Salon Management (SHB50216) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes 12 to 18 months part-time. It covers business planning, staff management, financial control, marketing, and health and safety compliance. It is the most direct path to a management or ownership role in any personal services business. Confirm the current code on training.gov.au before enrolling.

Step 4: Learn the Hair and Beauty Industry Award and Business Obligations

Study the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 (MA000005) through the Fair Work Ombudsman. This award sets minimum pay rates, working conditions, and entitlements for all salon staff. Knowing it is a legal must for anyone managing or owning a salon. Also register for an ABN and check your state or territory’s health and hygiene licensing rules.

Step 5: Apply for a Management Role or Plan Your Own Salon

Once you have your qualification and experience, apply for a salon manager role. You could also begin planning to open your own salon. Write a business plan that covers your target market, start-up costs, and pricing strategy. The Australian Hairdressing Council (theahc.org.au) offers business support and accreditation for salon owners across Australia.

Step 6: Stay Current Through Ongoing Professional Development

The beauty industry changes quickly. Attend trade events, read industry publications, and take short courses to stay across new techniques and trends. The Australian Hairdressing Council and the Australian Beauty Association both run events and education programs for industry professionals.

What does a Salon Manager or Owner do?

A Salon Manager or Owner handles a wide range of tasks each day. They set stock levels and service standards, plan marketing to attract new clients, and sell products with expert advice. They keep financial records and manage the budget. They hire and train staff and make sure the salon meets health and safety rules. It is a busy, hands-on role that keeps things fresh every day.

Tasks

A Salon Manager or Owner wears many hats. From leading the team to tracking the finances, the role covers every corner of the business. Here are the key tasks you can expect:

  • Set product mix, stock levels and service standards: make sure the salon always stocks the right products and services.
  • Plan and apply purchasing and marketing policies: decide what to buy, at what price, and how to promote it.
  • Promote the salon’s goods and services: use digital, local and word-of-mouth channels to grow the client base.
  • Sell products and advise clients: help clients choose the right services and products for their needs.
  • Maintain financial and stock records: keep accurate records so you always know where the business stands.
  • Manage the salon budget: plan spending, control costs, and aim for steady profit.
  • Hire, train and supervise staff: build a skilled, motivated team that delivers great service every time.
  • Meet health and safety requirements: keep the salon safe and compliant with all relevant rules.

Skills for Success

Being a great Salon Manager or Owner takes more than a love of beauty. You need sharp communication skills to keep clients happy and your team motivated. Leadership lets you set the tone for the whole salon and deal with problems before they grow.

You also need practical business skills. That means managing a budget, ordering stock wisely, and planning promotions that work. Staying up to date with health and safety rules keeps everyone safe and the business legal. Put it all together and you have the toolkit to run a salon people love to visit.

Skills & Attributes

  • Leadership and team management
  • Clear communication with clients, staff and suppliers
  • Financial management and budgeting
  • Marketing and client retention
  • Inventory and stock control
  • Knowledge of hair and beauty products and services
  • Customer service and conflict resolution
  • Staff recruitment, training and development
  • Understanding of health and safety regulations
  • Organisational and time management skills
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Creativity and trend awareness
  • Sales skills and upselling
  • Knowledge of the Hair and Beauty Industry Award (MA000005)
  • Adaptability to changing market conditions

Average Salaries

Salon Managers and Owners in Australia earn a median of $1,472 per week, or about $76,500 per year (yourcareer.gov.au, 2024). Pay starts around $65,000 for entry-level managers. Busy city salon owners can earn $90,000 or more. SEEK data from June 2026 shows advertised roles at $75,000 to $80,000 per year.

min $65 K

max $90 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.