Is Spray Tanning Profitable? Let’s Break Down the Real Numbers

Is Spray Tanning Profitable? Let’s Break Down the Real Numbers
Spray tanning isn’t just about glowing skin — it’s one of the most profitable beauty services you can offer. With low setup costs, repeat clients, and high margins, many technicians are building flexible, full-time incomes from tanning alone.
If you’ve ever wondered “Is spray tanning really profitable?” — here’s the honest answer: yes, absolutely — when done right.
Why spray tanning is such a profitable service
1. Low product cost, high margin
The average spray tan costs under $5 in product and can be charged anywhere from $40 to $70 per session (or even more in metro areas).
Let’s say you charge $60 per tan and perform 5 clients per day:
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Daily income: $300
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Weekly income (5 days): $1,500
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Monthly income: $6,000
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Annual income: $72,000+
And that’s before adding group bookings, mobile fees, or bridal packages.
2. Repeat clients & loyalty
Spray tanning is habit-forming — most clients rebook every 7–14 days, especially before events, weddings, and weekends. That means a consistent income stream once you’ve built your base.
3. Scalable business model
You can start small — tanning from home or mobile — then grow into:
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Salon space or shared studio
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Team-based mobile model
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Retailing self-tan and professional products
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Training or franchising (like Tanzola)
Each stage scales your income and brand visibility.
Profit example: solo mobile tanner
Category | Average Price | Clients Per Week | Weekly Income | Monthly Income |
---|---|---|---|---|
Spray Tans | $60 | 20 | $1,200 | $4,800 |
Less Product Cost | $5 x 20 = $100 | |||
Profit | $4,700/month |
Add-on sales (retail mousse, prep kits, tan extenders) can increase your revenue by $300–$500/month without extra appointments.
The power of mobile & flexible work
Spray tanning is one of the few beauty services that can be done anywhere — at home, in salons, hotels, or pop-up events. For many women, it offers:
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A side hustle that can grow into full-time income
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Work-life flexibility around family or study
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Creative freedom and connection with clients
At Tanzola, many of our students start earning income within their first month of training.
Key profitability factors
If you’re thinking about turning tanning into a business, here’s what matters:
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Training & technique — flawless results = repeat bookings
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Client experience — communication, cleanliness, consistency
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Pricing structure — understand your time vs. margin
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Marketing & referrals — social media + reviews drive growth
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Retail add-ons — every client should leave with at-home care products
How Tanzola helps professionals grow
Tanzola is a female-founded, Australian brand built to empower spray tanners. Through our Professional Training Courses, we teach you:
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How to tan confidently and safely
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How to price your services for profit
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How to build repeat business
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How to market yourself like a pro
We also offer our Professional Solution Range, designed to give your clients flawless results with affordable cost-per-tan margins, so your profit stays high.
Final thoughts
Spray tanning is one of the most low-cost, high-reward beauty services you can start — and with the right training and support, it can become a thriving business or side hustle.
Whether you’re a beauty therapist, mum returning to work, or someone looking for more freedom — spray tanning can absolutely be profitable when you pair passion with the right tools.
Train with Tanzola — start your spray tanning career toda