Salon Management Programs in Indiana

Whether you’ve worked at a salon for years or you’re just starting to learn about this industry, you may be interested in salon management. While stylists, manicurists, and other cosmetology professionals may provide the most hands-on client care, salon managers make sure that the salon runs like a well-oiled machine.

Much goes into the day-to-day operations of a salon, which is why you need training in a variety of areas to succeed. As a salon manager in Indiana, you may be responsible for staff scheduling, staff issues and complaints, customer scheduling, customer satisfaction, compliance with state standards, and business finance. It’s important to work well under pressure and be able to multitask, as the demands on your time may differ every day you’re on the job.

Clearly, a career in salon management can be exciting and rewarding. If you’re ready to learn more about this field and how to get started, take a look at our Indiana salon management school listings!

Preparing to Manage a Salon or Spa

To prepare for a career in the salon management industry, you’ll need to take classes that cover salon management theory and practical skills! Schools in Indiana may offer a large selection of degree programs, from short certificate and diploma programs to longer Associate’s degree programs. You may wish to compare the curricula for different programs and choose a school that best fits your existing skill set and knowledge base.

One goal of a salon management curriculum is giving you background knowledge of how the salon industry works. You may take classes like Organizational Structure of a Spa, Spa Job Descriptions, and Spa Menu of Services and Service Area Options. Once you know more about how salons work, you can feel more confident about managing one.

Other courses focus on your management skills and how they fit into a salon setting. You may take classes like Human Resources and the Spa Business, Marketing the Spa Business, and Client Consultation & Salon Policies. You may exercise these skills in a practical setting by shadowing a salon manager or completing a practicum experience in a local salon.

Succeeding in this field also requires a thorough understanding of business finance and accounting, since you may have to process employee payroll, pay vendors, keep financial records, and carry out other daily financial duties. You can anticipate taking courses like Accounting in Small Business and Financial Recording.

Career Outlook for Salon Managers

Deciding to stay in Indiana as you start your career may help you benefit from the state’s positive job outlook. According to O*Net, job openings for salon and spa managers may increase by 16% between 2012 and 2022. This job growth rate is a full 5% higher than the national average (O*Net, 2012).

Managers in this state may earn fairly competitive salaries, as reported salaries tend to be in line with national averages. The full salary range goes from $21,500 to $46,200 per year, according to O*Net. The average salary earned by an Indiana salon manager is $31,400 per year (O*Net, 2013).

Succeeding as a Salon Manager

Consider taking advantage of local associations and events as you explore your career options in Indiana. The Indiana Cosmetology Barbering Association can be an excellent resource for Indiana salon professionals, including spa and salon managers. By participating in events held by this and other groups, you may learn about how the industry is changing, find out what employees are looking for in their salons, and learn how to meet customers’ needs and expectations.
Ready to put your management skills to work in one of Indiana’s salons? The first step is looking into programs offered near you. Check out our programs list to get started on your new career path today!