Spa therapists use a range of beauty treatments to enhance the appearance and wellbeing of their clients. They may offer body massages, facials, and manicures and pedicures.
Employers of spa therapists seek trained candidates with qualifications relating to the treatments that they intend to offer. An NVQ in Level 3 Spa Therapy or a BTEC National Diploma in Beauty Therapy Sciences is essential for most spa therapist roles. At least three or four GCSEs are usually required for entry to these courses. It is possible to enter into spa therapist roles through an advanced apprenticeship scheme, which may lead to an NVQ Level 3 in Spa Therapy. For those who wish to progress into spa management roles, higher level qualifications, such as degrees and foundation degrees in spa management, can be helpful.
In addition to qualifications, a spa therapist should have a sound understanding of health and safety regulations, good time management skills, excellent communication skills, a caring attitude and good manual dexterity. Experience of employment in a customer service role is also advantageous.
Hotel chains, cruise ship operators, spas, health and fitness centres and beauty salons are the main employers of spa therapists. Vacancies are advertised in a range of ways, with recruitment agencies being a common source of employment openings. Jobs for spa therapists can be found both in the UK and overseas.
The starting salary for a newly qualified spa therapist is around £12,000 a year. Experienced therapists may go on to take on spa manager roles, which are associated with salaries of around £18,000 a year.
