Estheticians compensation in Med Spas- any idea?

I have been an esthetician for almost 2 yrs. I was recently offered a position as an independent contractor at a med spa in CA and although we both initially agreed on the phone on a pay scale of $14/hr plus commission on some services, I just received an email with details on the commission and it was only 2% on the sale of services like laser, velasmooth and weight loss. retail sales are 10% commission, if I remember correcly; I have to confirm the retail part...

This is the first time I work in a medspa and I don't know what the common pay scale for estheticians is. Would anyone enlighten me please? 2% seems too low or is it fair? this means I will be averaging $17-$20 per package I sell of those services which are priced at $950-$1450.

Tags: Med, Spa

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Permalink Reply by Mary Turner on May 23, 2011 at 8:58am

Hi,
I worked as an IC for 2 years in a medical office as an esty. I was straight commission (50% of services), and 10% of retail sales and for doing laser tx. The national average from what I've heard is 15-20%. will you be earning hourly PLUS the commission ? Or is it one or the other ? If you will get the hourly plus the 5%, that might not be too bad. I would ask for at least 15% or more if straight commission.

Mary

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Permalink Reply by Susan M Eldridge on May 23, 2011 at 10:00am

If you go to the SPSSCS website, they did a few surveys in the past years. It should be helpful. I can attest that working for a doctor doesnt mean you make more money, it does have many other benefits though. PTO"s,insurance,holidays and weekends off are a few. You can get employee benefits with injectables, fillers etc. and that all adds up. Although 2% sounds quite low.

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Permalink Reply by Bollygirl on May 23, 2011 at 11:15am

Thank you Mary and Susan for your replies.

The offer was not from a doctor's office, its from a medical spa and its for an independent contractor position so there are no benefits. So from what I gathered from your opinions; an hourly plus 2% on selling other services (in addition to 10% on retail sales) is typical?