How Much Can You Make as a Spray Tan Artist?

One of the most common questions I get from new students is, “How much money can I actually make as a spray tan artist?”

The short answer is that spray tanning can be an incredibly profitable career when you price your services right and build a loyal client base. Whether you want to start part-time from home or grow into a full luxury studio, your income potential is completely in your hands.

Let’s talk about what earning potential really looks like in this industry and how to map out what you could make with your own business.

How Spray Tan Pricing Works

Every artist sets their own pricing based on their location, experience, and the type of service they offer. In most areas, a single airbrush tan ranges from $50 to $80 for a standard appointment.

Many artists also charge more for mobile tans, contour tans or luxury add-ons like hydration spray or pH prep spray. These upgrades not only enhance the client experience but also boost your profit margins.

For this breakdown, we will look at two examples to show what your earning potential could look like with different price points.

Example 1: Tans Starting at $60

If you are charging $60 per tan, here is what your monthly and yearly income could look like based on how many clients you see per week.

As you can see, even with 10 to 20 clients a week, you can create meaningful income while keeping your schedule flexible.

Example 2: Tans Starting at $70

If you are charging $70 per tan, your profit margin increases significantly while your schedule stays the same.

These numbers do not include add-ons, tips, or retail product sales, which can easily increase your overall revenue.

What Affects Your Earnings as a Spray Tan Artist

Your income potential depends on a few key factors:

1. Location and Demand
If you are in a busy city or near wedding venues, gyms, or photography studios, you will have steady demand year-round.

2. Client Experience
People pay more for a professional and comfortable experience. When your studio looks and feels luxurious, you can confidently charge premium prices.

3. Marketing and Consistency
The artists who earn the most are the ones who show up consistently online, nurture client relationships, and keep their schedule full through repeat bookings and referrals.

4. Services Offered
Add-ons such as contouring, express solutions, or finishing powder can increase your per-client revenue by $10 to $20 each appointment.

The Power of Repeat Clients

Spray tanning is a repeat service, which means every happy client can turn into a consistent source of income.

If you build a loyal base of 50 clients who come in once a month, and each pays $70, that alone brings in $3,500 a month or $42,000 a year — and that is just part-time.

With memberships, packages, and mobile services, your annual income can easily reach six figures once your business is established.

What You Can Expect When Starting Out

Most new artists start part-time while building their confidence and client list. Many begin with 5 to 10 clients a week and grow from there as word-of-mouth spreads and social media starts generating leads.

The beauty of this industry is that you control your schedule and your income. You can choose to keep it part-time for extra income or scale into a full studio with employees, retail, and multiple rooms.

Becoming a spray tan artist can be both creative and financially rewarding. With just a few clients each week, you can earn meaningful income, create your own schedule, and build a business that grows with you.

If you are ready to learn everything you need to start, from technique to business and marketing, explore my our online and in-person courses below!