Launching and running a medical spa is a huge investment. Rent, equipment, and staffing all add up.

But med spa owners also pay with their time. Managing the behind-the-scenes logistics and daily operations takes tons of energy. And they deserve a salary that reflects this hard work. 

So how much do spa owners actually make? Here’s a guide to the average med spa owner's salary, plus the factors that influence revenue. 

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What’s a Med Spa? 

The term “med spa” is short for medical spa. These locations combine the traditional day spa with medical procedures, offering aesthetic treatments under the supervision of licensed physicians and nurses. 

While many spas focus primarily on rest and relaxation, med spas provide medical-grade procedures like injectable dermal fillers, laser hair removal, and advanced facial treatments like microneedling. These services are performed by highly qualified aestheticians who are registered nurses and nurse practitioners – and sometimes even plastic surgeons. 

Med spas offer a unique combination of luxury and medical expertise, making them attractive to a broad range of clients. Whether you franchise a location or are considering opening your own business (it all starts with a name!), a med spa is a lucrative option. Best of all, it gives you the chance to help clients feel and look their best. 

Med Spa Revenue: The State of The Med Spa Industry  

Are med spas profitable? The answer is yes, according to AmSpa’s 2023 Medical Spa State of the Industry Executive Summary. Med spas are actually one of the most profitable sectors in the industry. And understanding the statistics can help you capitalize on a thriving medical market and make informed business decisions. 

According to the AmSpa report, med spas are valued at $17 billion and employ 100,000 people nationwide. Plus, the number of med spas has surged from 8,889 in 2022 to over 10,000 in 2023 – a growth of nearly 2,000 locations in just one year. These figures showcase this sector's steady growth, driven by an increasing demand for non-surgical aesthetic services. 

Botox injections, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion are all growing in popularity. They cost a pretty penny, but that means med spas bring in thousands every day. The average single-location med spa rakes in $1,398,833 in total revenue annually and $92,167 monthly. And on average, med spa patients spend $527 per visit.

So, who’s coming in the door? About 89% of total med spa visitors are women, and 76% of these visitors are under 55 years old. Since the typical customer base for these locations is skewing younger, it’s a good idea to tailor marketing strategies accordingly. But you don’t need to worry too much about drawing new clients as you do retaining them – approximately 73% are repeat visitors.

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How Much Do Med Spa Owners Make?

While the average med spa makes over $1 million every year, that money obviously doesn’t go straight into owners’ pockets. Their payouts depend on their role in the company. 

Most med spa owners take on managerial roles. According to ZipRecruiter, which aggregates average gross salaries from across the country, med spa managers make about $92,054 per year – with a total pay range between $30,500 and $154,000 annually. These salaries include the managers' base pay and add-ons like commissions or tips. 

Here’s a quick guide to what other med spa roles earn:

• Registered nurses: $87,868
• Medical aestheticians: $53,440
• Receptionists: $37,057

4 Factors That Can Influence a Med Spa Owner's Pay

These four factors affect how much owners pocket at the end of the day:  

1. Business Age

Newer med spas might not generate revenue right away. Many owners reinvest their earnings back into the business, meaning they can’t give themselves a high payout (yet). Instead of paying themselves, they use any extra money to cover start-up and operating expenses, including rent, utilities, and equipment.

An owner who opened their doors six months ago may focus on breaking even, not making a profit or a loss. But a decade-old med spa with a loyal clientele can provide the owner with a higher, more stable income.

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2. Location and Clientele 

Location, location, location. Med spas in high-traffic, high-income cities are more likely to attract clients willing to pay premium prices. Businesses in less populated cities generally have fewer customers and lower prices, which means lower revenue. 

While owners can’t always afford to relocate or rent a spot on a main street, knowing what to expect can help them create a more accurate business plan. For example, a med spa in Beverly Hills, California – a wealthy city in a large state – can charge significantly more for services like Botox and fillers than a location in a small Midwestern city. It’s also a good idea to see what comparable spas in your area are charging for reference, and remember, just because you charge more doesn’t mean you’ll earn more. Rent and other business expenses in large cities may be much higher compared to smaller cities or suburban areas.

3. Services

High-demand services drive more business and more revenue, giving you more leeway for a larger payout. If you’re opening a med spa, do some research about what’s popular in your area and which offerings you can charge the most for. Keep in mind that a lot of high-impact services, like facials that require specialized equipment and training, are expensive for a reason. Running and managing them can run you a large bill.

4. Pricing Strategy 

Decide what to charge for aesthetic products and services. The higher the numbers on the service menu, the more income owners can earn – but expensive products deter some clients. Be reasonable. The key is to make sure the spa makes enough to cover expenses (and then some).

To optimize pricing, choose a proven strategy:  

• Cost-based pricing is based on how much services cost to provide, with a markup. This covers operating expenses and ensures a profit. 
• Value-based pricing is about services' perceived value and benefits. The more benefits a service has, like anti-aging and glowing skin, the more you can charge. 
• Competitor-based pricing operates according to what similar businesses in the area are doing. Pricing services similarly helps owners stay competitive and avoid losing clients (and income) to lower-priced med spas. 

It’s also okay to combine these strategies according to the situation. If a competitor offers dermaplaning for $150, but it costs you $150 to run, you’ll need to adjust accordingly to make enough profit to sustain the business and pay yourself.

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Boost Your Med Spa Business With GlossGenius 

Understanding potential revenue is critical to growing your business and earning you the salary you deserve. The right insights and tools make all the difference – and GlossGenius' med spa software is your ultimate partner. Our Expense Tracking, Analytics, and Staff Management features will help you keep your med spa goals on target, so you can earn comfortably in no time! 

GlossGenius' all-in-one platform streamlines every aspect of your company. Our advanced Client Management system tracks clients' histories and preferences, and the Online Booking feature lets customers schedule appointments 24/7, both from your website and straight from Google. Plus, secure Payments protect your profits with hassle-free transactions, and our small business Loans offer financial flexibility to invest in your future.  

GlossGenius has everything you need to elevate your med spa. Sign up for a free 14-day trial today.