Who Pays Better: Salon Employment vs. Salon Suite Ownership?

Curious about the financial difference between working for a salon and being your own boss in a salon suite? Let's break it down together! Use the formulas below to calculate and compare your potential earnings.

Salon Commission Earnings:

Weekly Breakdown

Gross Weekly Service Revenue: $X,XXX


Your % Commission of Service Revenue: XX%

*If you perform 25 services a week at an average price of $80, this would generate about $2,000 per week.

Formula:

(Gross Weekly Service Revenue) ×

(Your % Commission) =

Service Revenue Earnings


Example:
$2,000* × 40% = $800

Amount Kept by Salon:

(Gross Weekly Service Revenue) -

(Service Revenue Earnings) =

Amount Kept by Salon


Example:
$2,000* - $800 = $1,200

Salon Commission Earnings:

Product Sales

Weekly Product Sales: $XXX


Your % Commission on Product Sales: XX%

Formula:

(Weekly Product Sales) ×

(Your % Commission on Product Sales) =

Product Sales Earnings


Example:
$500 × 20% = $100

Weekly and Annual Earnings

as a Salon Employee

Formula for Weekly Net Income:

(Service Revenue Earnings) +

(Product Sales Earnings) =

Weekly Net Income


Example:
$800 + $100 = $900

Formula for Annual Net Income:

(Weekly Net Income) ×

52 weeks =

Net Annual Income


Example:
$900 × 52 = $46,800

Salon Suite Earnings:

Weekly Breakdown

Gross Weekly Service Revenue: $X,XXX


Weekly Rent: $XXX


Weekly Misc. Expenses (Fee, supplies, etc.): $XXX

*If you perform 25 services a week at an average price of $80, this would generate about $2,000 per week.

Formula:

(Gross Weekly Service Revenue) -

(Weekly Rent + Weekly Misc. Expenses) =

Service Revenue Earnings


Example:
$2,000* - ($250 + $100) = $1,650

Salon Suite Earnings:

Product Sales

Weekly Product Sales: $XXX


Your % Commission on Product Sales: 50%

Formula:

(Weekly Product Sales) × 50% =

Product Sales Earnings


Example:
$500 × 50% = $250

Weekly and Annual Earnings as a Salon Suite Owner

Formula for Weekly Net Income:

(Service Revenue Earnings) +

(Product Sales Earnings) =

Weekly Net Income


Example:
$1,650 + $250 = $1,900

Formula for Annual Net Income:

(Weekly Net Income) ×

52 weeks =

Net Annual Income


Example:
$1,800 × 52 = $98,800

How to Calculate Your Potential Earnings

Use the formulas from the sections above to plug in your own numbers. Whether you’re working at a salon or renting your own suite, you can calculate your potential weekly and annual income to compare the two scenarios.


Let’s recap: If you perform 25 services a week at an average price of $80, you would generate approximately $2,000 per week. Now, let's look at your scenarios below.

Salon Commission Earnings

Salon Suite Earnings

Salon Commission Earnings:

Weekly Breakdown

Your % Commission of Service Revenue


$800


Your salon earns $1,200, thanks to you.

Salon Commission Earnings:

Product Sales

Your % Commission on Product Sales


$100


Your salon earns $400, thanks to you.

Salon Suite Earnings:

Weekly Breakdown


Your Weekly Service Revenue Earnings


$1,650

Salon Suite Earnings:

Product Sales


Your % Commission on Product Sales


$250

Salon Suite Earnings

Salon Suite Earnings:

Weekly Breakdown

Salon Commission Earnings

Salon Suite Earnings

Your Weekly Net Income:

$800 + $100 = $900


Your Annual Net Income:
$46,800

Your Weekly Net Income:
$1,650 + $250 = $1,900


Your Annual Net Income:

$98,800

Factors to Consider

Salon Employment

Pros:

  • Steady income
  • Benefits (if offered)
  • Less responsibility for expenses

Cons:

  • Limited income potential
  • Lack of control over products, pricing and schedule

Salon Suite Ownership

Pros:

  • Higher income potential
  • Full control over products, pricing and schedule
  • Flexibility in treatment and product choice

Cons:

  • Responsibility for rent, expenses, and business management

What’s Right for You?

Consider your financial goals, career aspirations, and personal preferences. Do you prefer the stability of salon employment, or are you ready to take on the challenge and rewards of being your own boss?

Take the Next Step with

Luxe Cosmetic Studios

If you're thinking about becoming your own boss, Luxe Cosmetic Studios offers salon suites designed for success. Schedule a tour for more information and see how you can start your journey!