To become a spray tan technician in Australia, you need training in spray tanning application techniques, skin preparation, and colour theory. There's no government licence required. A short private course is typically all you need to start taking clients, and many technicians begin their business within a few months of completing their training.
Spray tanning is one of the most accessible beauty business ideas in Australia — low start-up costs, portable equipment, and strong year-round demand. Whether you want to run a mobile business, work from a home salon, or add spray tanning to an existing beauty menu, the path to getting started is straightforward.
This guide covers what a spray tan technician does, what training you need, how long it takes, what you can earn, and how to land your first clients.
What Does a Spray Tan Technician Do?
A spray tan technician applies a spray tanning solution to clients' skin to give them a bronzed, sun-kissed appearance without UV exposure. The role involves more than just operating a spray gun — it requires understanding different skin tones, choosing the right solution shade, advising clients on preparation and aftercare, and delivering a flawless, streak-free result.
Spray tan technicians work in a variety of settings:
- Mobile businesses — travelling to clients' homes or events (weddings, formals, sports events)
- Home salons — a dedicated spray tan area set up at home
- Beauty salons and spas — as part of a broader beauty service menu
- Event-based work — bridal parties, fitness competitions, hen's nights
Day-to-day tasks include skin consultations, solution selection, application, cleanup, and advising clients on how to care for their tan. If you're self-employed, you'll also handle bookings, marketing, and business administration.
Do You Need a Licence or Qualification in Australia?
There is no government licence required to perform spray tanning in Australia. Unlike some beauty services, spray tanning isn't regulated at a state or federal level, which means you can legally start your business after completing a private training course.
That said, professional training matters for several important reasons:
- Insurance: Most public liability insurers require evidence of training before they'll cover you for beauty services.
- Client confidence: Clients are more likely to book a technician who can demonstrate professional training and knowledge.
- Results: Proper technique, solution knowledge, and skin prep understanding genuinely affect the quality of your tans — which drives repeat bookings and referrals.
A private college certificate from a reputable provider is widely accepted for insurance purposes and gives clients assurance of your professionalism.
What Training Do You Need?
Spray tan training courses cover the core skills you need: equipment operation, solution types and shades, skin preparation, application technique, barrier cream use, and aftercare advice. Good courses also include business basics — how to price your services, what equipment to buy, and how to set up your workspace.
Most spray tan courses are available online through private beauty colleges, with practical components completed at home using a model. This makes it possible to study around your existing commitments and begin practising immediately.
When choosing a course, look for: comprehensive technique training, guidance on solution selection for different skin tones, equipment and setup advice, and a certificate upon completion that's accepted by insurance providers.
How Long Does It Take?
Spray tan courses are among the shorter beauty training programs. Most can be completed in two to six weeks, depending on the depth of the course and how much time you dedicate to study and practice.
After completing your course, allow a few weeks to practise on friends and family before taking paying clients. This practice period helps you develop confidence with different skin tones and solution shades, and builds the portfolio you'll need to market your services.
Many spray tan technicians take their first paying clients within four to eight weeks of starting their course. It's one of the fastest beauty specialties to launch commercially.
How Much Can a Spray Tan Technician Earn in Australia?
Spray tanning can be financially rewarding, especially for mobile technicians with low overheads.
Typical spray tan service rates in Australia range from $40 to $100+ per session, depending on your location, experience, and whether you're mobile or studio-based. Mobile technicians often charge a travel fee on top of the session rate.
Event bookings — bridal parties, hens nights, sports competitions — are particularly lucrative. A single bridal party booking can involve five to ten or more clients in one session, making group bookings a significant income opportunity.
Employed technicians in salons or spas typically earn an hourly wage as part of their broader beauty role.
Self-employed technicians who build a consistent client base can generate a solid part-time to full-time income. These figures are realistic ranges — your actual earnings will depend on your bookings, pricing, and local market.
Employed vs Self-Employed — Which Is Right for You?
Working in a salon means a steady income and no marketing pressure, but you're adding to someone else's business and working within their schedule and pricing structure.
Running your own spray tan business gives you flexibility, control over your rates, and the ability to work around family or other commitments. Mobile spray tanning in particular is a low-overhead business — your main investment is equipment and solution, and you can begin operating from a small kit.
Many spray tan technicians start as a side business while keeping their main job, gradually building their client base until they're ready to commit more hours. Because start-up costs are relatively low, the financial risk of getting started is manageable.
How to Get Your First Spray Tan Clients
- Start with your network. Offer free or discounted tans to friends and family in exchange for photos and a review. These early sessions build your portfolio and give you real experience with different skin tones.
- Post on local Facebook groups. Community groups and local buy/sell/swap pages are excellent for reaching people in your area who are looking for beauty services. Introduce yourself and your services with a friendly post.
- Use Instagram to showcase your results. Before-and-after photos, client feedback, and behind-the-scenes content all build social proof. Consistent, quality posts turn your page into a booking magnet over time.
- Target event bookings. Market specifically to brides, hens groups, and event organisers. Wedding Facebook groups, hen's party planners, and event pages are great places to introduce your services.
- Ask for referrals and reviews. After every appointment, ask clients to leave a Google review and mention you to friends. Referrals are the fastest and most cost-effective way to grow a spray tan client base.
- Network with complementary businesses. Hair salons, nail bars, beauty therapists, and wedding photographers all serve the same clients as spray tan technicians. A referral relationship with even one or two local businesses can drive steady bookings.
Ready to Start Your Spray Tan Business?
Spray tanning is one of the most accessible ways to launch a beauty business in Australia — low start-up costs, fast training, and consistent demand. At Bela Beauty College, we offer flexible online beauty courses designed for people who want to learn practical skills and start working quickly.
Explore our Full Beauty Bundle for comprehensive training across multiple beauty disciplines, or browse our individual specialty courses to find the right fit for your goals.
Browse Bela Beauty College courses →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to do spray tanning in Australia?
No. Spray tanning isn't regulated at a state or federal level in Australia. You can legally start your business after completing a private training course. However, most insurers require evidence of training before they'll cover you.
How long does spray tan training take?
Most spray tan courses can be completed in two to six weeks. After completing the course, allow a few additional weeks to practise before taking paying clients. Many technicians are ready to launch within four to eight weeks of starting their training.
How much does it cost to start a spray tan business?
Start-up costs vary, but spray tanning is relatively low-cost compared to many beauty businesses. Main expenses include a spray tan machine, solution, tent, and accessories. A professional setup can typically be assembled for a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on the equipment quality you choose.
Can I do spray tanning from home?
Yes. Many spray tan technicians operate from a dedicated space at home or as a mobile service. A pop-up spray tan tent makes it easy to set up and pack down, whether you're working from home or travelling to clients.
Is spray tanning a good business in Australia?
Spray tanning has consistent year-round demand in Australia, with peaks around summer, weddings, formals, and events. Mobile spray tanning in particular suits the Australian lifestyle and has low overhead, making it a popular choice for beauty entrepreneurs.
Can I add spray tanning to my existing beauty business?
Absolutely. Spray tanning is a natural add-on for nail technicians, lash techs, makeup artists, and beauty therapists. Adding it to your menu gives clients more reasons to book with you and can meaningfully increase your income per client visit.
