Mobile spray tanning business

Bring professional spray tans to clients' homes, wedding parties and events with a portable setup.

A client relaxing in a sunbed in a clean, well-lit tanning salon.

Startup cost$800 to $3.5k

Monthly revenue$600 to $4k

Time needed8+ h/week

First incomeWeeks

$800-3.5k
Side hustle
Out and about

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

What it is

Airbrush or sprayer tanning sessions done at the client's home, hotel or event venue. You bring a pop-up tent, sprayer and solutions, and book clients one appointment at a time.

Your first three steps

Take a spray tan training class and practice on friends and family
Buy a sprayer, tent, solutions and prep supplies, and get insured
Offer discounted sessions to bridal groups and local salons, and collect reviews

Who pays

Brides and bridal parties, prom and pageant clients, people going on vacation, and anyone who wants a tan without UV.

How it makes money

A set price per spray tan, with add-ons like travel fees, group party packages and repeat-visit discounts.

Skills that help

Steady hand and an eye for even color
Friendly and comfortable with clients
Booking and scheduling
Social media for showing before and after photos

Watch out for

General liability insurance, and check whether your policy covers working at clients' homes
Check your state's rules on whether spray tanning needs a cosmetology or esthetics license
Check your city or county for a local business license
Allergic reactions and solution safety: do a patch test, use eye, nose and mouth protection, and keep good ventilation
Weather, travel time and carrying equipment can limit how many clients you see in a day

🔒 Full research report for US

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 start a mobile spray tanning business?

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $3,500, depending on the sprayer, pop-up tent and solutions you buy. You bring the portable setup to clients' homes, hotels or event venues.

How much can a mobile spray tanner earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $4,000, depending on how many appointments you book and how many hours you work. These estimates start from about 8 hours a week.

Do I need a license for spray tanning?

Check your state's rules on whether spray tanning needs a cosmetology or esthetics license, and ask your city or county about a local business license. Also check that general liability insurance covers working at clients' homes, and plan patch tests and protective gear.