A Guide to Spa Therapist Salaries Across the UK

If you're a spa therapist working in the UK – or thinking about becoming one – understanding the salary landscape can help you make informed decisions about your career. While pay can vary based on location, experience, and type of employer, we’ve pulled together a general guide to what you can expect, plus what can impact your earning potential.

At Redcurrant Jobs, we work with spas, salons, and beauty brands nationwide – so we’ve got a solid view of what’s realistic, what’s competitive, and what you should look out for.

Starting Salaries (Entry-Level / Newly Qualified)

Newly qualified spa therapists typically start on:

£20,000 – £23,000 per year (full-time)
£10.50 – £11.50 per hour (part-time or temp)

This applies mainly to:

High street salons
Entry-level roles in hotel spas
Smaller independent businesses

These roles may not offer much in the way of commission or bonuses but are a great place to gain experience and develop your skills.

Mid-Level Salaries (2–4 Years’ Experience)

Once you’ve built some solid experience and can work confidently across a range of treatments, average pay increases to:

£23,000 – £26,000 per year
£11.50 – £13.50 per hour

These roles may include weekend or evening work, commission on retail, and sometimes staff accommodation (especially in hotel spas).

Senior Therapist Salaries (4+ Years’ Experience or Advanced Skills)

Therapists with advanced skills, strong client retention, or who support junior team members can earn:

£26,000 – £30,000+ per year
£13.50 – £16.00 per hour

Senior therapists are often trusted to deliver signature treatments, handle VIP guests, or assist in training. Bonuses and incentives are common at this level.

Location Matters

Pay can vary significantly depending on where you work:

London & South East: Usually higher (£24,000–£30,000), but with a higher cost of living
Cotswolds & Home Counties: Strong rates due to tourism and high-end spas
North of England / Midlands: Slightly lower average pay (£22,000–£26,000)
Scotland / Wales: Competitive in tourist areas, lower in rural regions

Temp Spa Therapist Rates

As a temporary therapist working through Redcurrant Jobs, you can expect:

£12.00 – £16.00 per hour, depending on experience and location
Weekly pay through Pay Guardians
Full employment rights and perks

Temporary roles offer flexibility, variety, and often better pay per hour than permanent roles – especially if you're open to travel.

Factors That Affect Your Earnings

A few key things can increase your earning potential:

NVQ Level 3 (minimum) – required by most employers
Additional qualifications (massage, facials, nails, etc.)
Luxury spa experience – highly valued
Ability to sell retail or upsell treatments
Willingness to work weekends or evenings

What to Look Out For

When reviewing a job offer, ask about:

Is commission included? How is it structured?
Are tips pooled or kept individually?
Is training paid or unpaid?
Are there staff benefits – discounts, wellness perks, incentives?
Does pay increase with performance or time served?

Final Word

Salary is important – but so is the environment, support, and opportunity for growth. If you’re unsure whether you’re being paid fairly or want to explore higher-paying roles, we can help.

At Redcurrant Jobs, we place spa therapists in temporary and permanent roles across the UK – from boutique spas to five-star resorts. We’ll help you find a role that works for your goals, lifestyle, and income expectations.

Want to know what you're really worth? Get in touch. We’re happy to talk it through.