Spray tan studio

Run a small appointment-only spray tan studio from a rented room or shopfront.

A client relaxing in a sunbed in a clean, well-lit tanning salon.
Startup costA$5k to A$20k
Monthly revenueA$3k to A$12k
Time needed20+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$5k-20k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A small studio with a private spray booth or room where clients book individual spray tans. Sunbeds are not part of this idea, as commercial sunbed tanning is banned in Australia (check your state's rules).

Your first three steps

  1. Train in spray tanning, then price rooms in beauty salons or small shopfronts nearby
  2. Check with your local council about fit-out, signage and any approvals for a beauty premises
  3. Set up online booking, buy a quality machine and booth, and offer an opening deal to local groups and salons
Who pays

Local women and men wanting regular tans, plus brides, event-goers and clients from nearby beauty businesses.

How it makes money

Price per spray tan, memberships or multi-session packs, and add-on sales like tan prep and aftercare products.

Skills that help
  • Spray tanning technique
  • Customer service and hygiene standards
  • Basic bookkeeping and marketing
Watch out for
  • Lease terms and rent, which are fixed costs whether or not you are busy
  • Public liability insurance and council requirements for beauty premises, which vary by area
  • Ventilation and overspray, so check what your council and landlord require
  • Workers compensation insurance once you hire staff (state schemes differ)

🔒 Full research report for Australia

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to open a spray tan studio in Australia?

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the premises, booth setup and equipment. Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many clients you book. These are estimates only.

What rules and insurance should I check for a spray tan studio?

Check public liability insurance and council requirements for beauty premises, which vary by area. Check ventilation and overspray requirements with your council and landlord. If you hire staff, check workers compensation insurance, as state schemes differ.

How much time does a spray tan studio need, and what about the lease?

Estimates suggest at least around 20 hours a week. Lease terms and rent are fixed costs whether or not you are busy, so check them carefully. Spray tanning technique, hygiene standards and basic bookkeeping are useful skills.

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Photo: Tho-Ge on Pixabay

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