Salary survey launched by SIAC

This past summer, the Spa Industry Association of Canada launched a Spa Industry Compensation Strategies Survey, aiming to gather a snapshot of information specific to the Canadian spa industry with the primary focus on compensation rates. Further research is required for a more comprehensive understanding of compensation strategies and practices, however the results of this survey offer a solid high-level view as a starting point.

Of the 84 businesses that participated, more than 80% were spas (the rest spa partners), with the majority evenly split between day spas and destination spas. Respondents were spread across the country, with 42% in Ontario; 10.14% each in Quebec and Alberta; 7.25% in Manitoba; and another 7.5% combined for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan.

The 51-page report includes greater details, but highlights include the average compensation per hour rates for a number of typical spa professions including:

• Nail Tech: $10-$21 per hour
• Aesthetician: $10-$21 per hour plus commission
• Medical Aesthetician: average wage point for laser $19-$21 per hour
• Registered Massage Therapist: $10-$51 per hour (varied based on level). Additionally, 38% of RMTs are paid by commission.